Boozy Slush Puppies

When you were a kid, did you always go for one of those bright blue slush puppies at the pool cafeteria? Chances are you’ll appreciate this summer hit. The editors at FavorFlav are coming across the grown-up version more and more often. With wine, gin, tequila… You name it, and you’ll find it in your boozy slush puppy this summer. And they’re incredibly easy to make yourself, too.

Boozy slushies are all the rage. At least, in the United States. You can’t walk into a trendy club, bar or restaurant without seeing one of those comical machines on the bar. And honestly, the sight alone brings an intense childlike joy to the surface. Your common sense tells you that they surely aren’t selling real slush puppies in this place. That there must be something going on with them. And it’s true: they pour litres of wine or spirits into them. Boozy slushies, then. What’s not to like?

Frosé

The rosé version is now known as ‘frosé’. The drink took on a life of its own after Kelly Fields of Willa Jean in New Orleans – a bakery, no less – called on her guests via Instagram to come and drink #frosé en masse. David Chang’s Momofuku has also had the Strawberry Rhubarb Slushie with Soju (Korean rice liqueur) and the Spicy Lychee Slushie with white wine on the menu for several years now.

‘Fortunately, you don’t have to travel all the way to the US to share in this childlike celebration’

Boozy slushies and milkshakes

It’s not entirely clear to us where you can find boozy slushies in the Netherlands. So for now, we’ll indulge in the boozy milkshakes at TonTon Club West in Amsterdam. Fortunately, making your own boozy slushies is just as easy; you don’t need a machine for them. A freezer, a rectangular container and a little patience are all you need.

Make your own?

First, decide what kind of boozy slushie you’re going to make. Experiment with what you already have at home, or get inspired by one of these cocktail recipes. Want to make things really easy for yourself? Then choose a combination you already know, such as the good old Gin and Tonic, Mojito or Black Russian. And if you’re going for frosé, use a full-bodied rosé. You generally can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Here’s how:

Pour the drink and any other ingredients into a container and place it in the freezer for at least six hours. Give your slushie to be a thorough stir every 2 to 2.5 hours. Because it contains alcohol, you won’t get a block of ice but a container full of ice crystals. After about six hours, you’ll have the perfect boozy slushie. Easy does it. Serve in beautiful glasses, garnish with fresh fruit and pop in one of those extra-thick straws. Happy summer!