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This delightful Christmas slush has been a vibrant holiday tradition in my home. Bright, sweet, and slightly tangy, it transforms simple gatherings into festive celebrations. Its bubbly charm and icy goodness lift the spirits and bring everyone together around the table.
The first time I made this, my family couldn’t get over how festive it looked with the cranberry and orange garnish. It's now our go-to drink for Christmas eve merriment.
Ingredients
- Water: Delivers the base for dissolving sugar, ensuring a smooth and sweet consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect balance of sweetness to offset the tangy juices.
- Cranberry juice: Provides a tart, vibrant flavor and a stunning red color. Select 100 percent juice for the best results.
- Orange juice: Offers a refreshing citrus twist to complement the cranberries. Freshly squeezed will elevate the flavor here.
- Frozen lemonade concentrate: Infuses bold tartness. Thaw slightly to make stirring easier.
- Cherry lemon lime soda: Transforms the mixture into a bubbly, fizzy delight. A brand like Cherry 7-Up works wonderfully.
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices: The ultimate garnish for a festive, decorative touch.
How To Make Christmas Slush
- Dissolve the Sugar:
- In a large pot over high heat, combine the water and granulated sugar. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates a sweet base.
- Combine Liquids:
- Remove the pot from heat and add cranberry juice, orange juice, and thawed lemonade concentrate. Stir until everything is blended and the lemonade concentrate melts fully. You’ll have about 4 quarts of liquid at this stage.
- Cool and Freeze:
- Once the mixture cools completely, pour it into a large freezer-safe container with a tight lid. Place it in the freezer overnight to allow it to firm up into slushy chunks.
- Serve the Slush:
- Remove the slush mixture from the freezer and use a fork to break up the frozen chunks. Add about a cup of the slushy mixture to a lowball glass. Top with cherry lemon lime soda to create a fizzy layer and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices before serving.
My favorite part about this slush is its versatility. One year, I added a splash of sparkling wine instead of soda for a more grown-up version, and it was an instant hit at our holiday party.
Storage Tips
Keep the prepared slush mixture in an airtight container in the freezer. Once frozen, it’s convenient to scoop out portions as needed, ensuring you can serve fresh glasses every time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cranberry juice is unavailable, pomegranate juice can provide a similar tartness and vibrant red color. Lemon lime soda can substitute for cherry soda if you prefer a less pronounced cherry flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this slush in fancy glasses with a sprig of mint for an added touch of elegance. Pair it with appetizers like savory cheese boards or buttery cookies to complete your festive spread.
Cultural Significance
Christmas slush recipes like this one have been rooted in family traditions for decades, brightening the holiday with their effortless charm and nostalgic ambiance. They are staples of winter celebrations and embrace seasonal flavors we all love.
This Christmas slush ensures your guests will leave with smiles and happy hearts, bringing a memory of joy from your holiday festivities. Just scoop, fizz, and sip—holiday magic in every glass!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other fruit juices instead of cranberry juice?
Yes, you can use other flavors like pomegranate or grape juice for a different twist, but cranberry juice gives the best festive flavor.
- → How do I prevent the mixture from hardening too much in the freezer?
You can stir the mixture every few hours while freezing to maintain a softer, slushy texture.
- → Can I make this slush non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! This recipe is non-alcoholic as is, but feel free to experiment with a splash of spirits if desired.
- → What alternative garnishes can I use?
If you don’t have cranberries or orange slices, try using fresh mint leaves or pomegranate arils for a festive garnish.
- → Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Simply store the slush in the freezer and assemble it with soda right before serving.