Festive Cranberry Lemonade Slushies
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these delightful Festive Cranberry Lemonade Slushies! A refreshing, non-alcoholic option that beautifully combines the tartness of cranberry sauce with the zesty flavor of lemonade and a hint of warming spices. These individual slushies are perfect for parties, offering a fun and festive way to cool down while celebrating. Prepare the slush mixture ahead of time—allow it to freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight, and simply thaw it for 45 minutes before serving. With a fizzy twist from carbonated lemon-lime soda, each sip will brighten your seasonal festivities. Serve them in individual cups for that extra touch of personal flair!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jellied cranberry sauce
3 (8-ounce cans)
Frozen lemonade concentrate
2 (12-ounce cans)
Frozen cranberry-apple juice concentrate
1 (12-ounce can)
Water
4 (cups)
Ground cinnamon
1 (teaspoon)
Ground allspice
1/2 (teaspoon)
Carbonated lemon-lime beverage
12 (cups, chilled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, lemonade concentrate, frozen cranberry-apple juice concentrate, water, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice.
2
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
3
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the freezer.
4
Freeze the mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight until it is fully frozen.
5
Approximately 45 minutes before serving, remove the slush mixture from the freezer and let it thaw slightly at room temperature.
6
When ready to serve, scoop 1/2 cup of the slush mixture into a glass and top it with 1/2 cup of chilled carbonated lemon-lime beverage.
7
Stir gently to combine and enjoy your refreshing slushie!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Cranberry Lemonade Slushies?
Festive Cranberry Lemonade Slushies are a refreshing, non-alcoholic holiday beverage that combines cranberry sauce, lemonade concentrate, and warming spices into a frozen treat topped with lemon-lime soda.
Is this drink suitable for all ages?
Yes, this is a non-alcoholic recipe, making it a perfect festive option for both children and adults.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for three 8-ounce cans of jellied cranberry sauce to ensure a smooth slushy consistency.
How long does the mixture need to freeze?
The mixture needs to be frozen for at least 8 hours, though letting it sit in the freezer overnight is recommended for the best results.
What juice concentrates are required?
You will need two 12-ounce cans of frozen lemonade concentrate and one 12-ounce can of frozen cranberry-apple juice concentrate.
How do I serve the slushies?
Scoop 1/2 cup of the prepared slush mixture into a glass and top it with 1/2 cup of chilled carbonated lemon-lime beverage, then stir gently.
Do I need to thaw the slush before serving?
Yes, remove the mixture from the freezer approximately 45 minutes before serving to allow it to thaw slightly at room temperature for easier scooping.
What spices are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice to provide a warm, seasonal flavor profile.
What kind of soda should be used for the topper?
A chilled carbonated lemon-lime beverage, such as Sprite or 7-Up, is used to add fizz and balance the tartness.
How much water is added to the base mixture?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water to be mixed with the concentrates and cranberry sauce.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely. This recipe is designed to be prepared ahead of time and kept in the freezer until your party or gathering.
Should the carbonated beverage be frozen too?
No, the lemon-lime soda should be chilled in the refrigerator and only added at the moment of serving to maintain its carbonation.
How do I ensure the ingredients are well mixed?
Combine the sauce, concentrates, water, and spices in a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly before freezing.
Is this beverage tart or sweet?
It features a delightful balance of tartness from the cranberry and lemon, sweetened by the juice concentrates and the lemon-lime soda topper.
What size cans of lemonade concentrate are used?
The recipe uses two 12-ounce cans of frozen lemonade concentrate.
Can I use whole berry cranberry sauce?
The recipe specifies jellied cranberry sauce for a smoother texture, but whole berry can be used if you prefer chunks of fruit in your slushie.
How many cups of lemon-lime soda will I need in total?
You will need approximately 12 cups of chilled carbonated lemon-lime beverage for serving.
Is there any preparation required for the spices?
No special preparation is needed; simply measure and stir the ground cinnamon and allspice directly into the liquid mixture.
How should I cover the mixture while it freezes?
Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid to prevent freezer burn and keep the mixture fresh.
What makes this drink 'festive'?
The combination of deep red cranberry, seasonal spices like cinnamon and allspice, and the bubbly presentation makes it ideal for holiday celebrations.
Can I substitute the cranberry-apple juice?
While cranberry-apple provides a specific flavor, you could likely substitute it with plain cranberry juice concentrate or another fruit blend if necessary.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this slushie?
No, this recipe does not require an ice cream maker; it freezes naturally in a bowl and is then scooped out.
How do I prevent the slush from being too hard to scoop?
Allowing the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before serving will soften it to the perfect slushy consistency.
Can I add alcohol to this drink?
While written as a non-alcoholic beverage, you could easily add a splash of vodka or rum to the glass before topping with soda for an adult version.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as non-alcoholic, punch, beverages, cranberry, lemonade, slush, holiday drinks, party, refreshing, and festive.
Is ground allspice necessary?
Allspice adds a unique warming depth that complements the cranberry, but it can be omitted if you do not have it on hand.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of concentrate?
It is not recommended, as the frozen concentrate provides both the sugar and the intense flavor needed for the base of the slush.
What equipment is needed?
You only need a large mixing bowl, a stirring utensil, plastic wrap, and a freezer.
How should I store leftover frozen slush?
Any leftover base mixture can be returned to the freezer in an airtight container for future use.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients, just ensure you have a large enough container or multiple bowls for the freezing process.