This Apple Cider Slush is the perfect drink as summer transitions into fall. When the days are still warm but are getting slightly shorter and cooler. The sweetness and tartness of the cider is perfectly balanced by the subtle warmth of the bourbon, creating a complex and satisfying flavor.
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Why this Apple Cider Slushies Recipe is a Keeper
These cider slushies are the perfect way to relax on the weekend or bring to your Labor Day Party. It’s super easy and Apple Cider Slush is the perfect icy treat. If you are a fan of apple cider donuts, you need to try this apple slushie.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few. Some cold apple cider and some bourbon.
- Apple Cider Slush are Adaptable: Feel free to experiment with different spices, fruits, or even a splash of alcohol for an adult version.
- Perfect for Parties: This slush is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or any summer gathering.
If you’re looking for more drink recipes, try these Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks, Red and White Wine Sangria Recipes and Mojito Moonshine Drink.
Can you put Apple Cider in a Slushie Machine?
Yes, of course, apple cider will absolutely slush up in a machine, making a refreshing drink. However, since apple cider doesn’t have the ideal sugar content for slushies compared to commercially made syrups, the texture might not be quite as smooth and icy.
Ingredient Notes for an Apple Cider Slushie
These are perfect for a sunny fall day. You can dip the glass in apple cider or water and sugar around the rim and add a colorful straw to the apple cider slushee.
You will need only five simple ingredients to make this apple brandy slush.
- Fresh Apple Cider: We like to get ours directly from the orchard. However, you can get yours at the farmers market or the grocery store.
- Brandy: This adds a warm flavor to the drink as well as a kick.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions to Freeze Apple Cider Slushie
- Different Liquor: Try using bourbon or vodka or even wine for the Apple Cider Slush.
- Caramel: You can add a drizzle of caramel to enhance the flavor of the slushie.
- Apple Cranberry Cider: Our local cider mill makes this blend and it is exceptional in this drink.
Special Equipment Needed to Make Apple Cider Slushies in a Blender
- Blender: Of course you can make the drink in a slushie machine but a blender makes a wonderful slush.
Apple Fun Fact
Cider was so popular that at one time, 365 different varieties of cider apples were grown.
How to Make Hard Apple Cider Slushies
This drink is bursting with fall flavor. It is a real crowd-pleasing autumn cocktail
These are the basic steps for making spiced apple cider slushies. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions. Check out our Pinterest for more.
1. Pour the Apple Cider into Trays and Freeze the Apple Cider
First, freeze two cups of apple cider in ice cube trays. Remember you need to do this in advance. You can do this up to 2 weeks before making the recipe.
2. Add the Apple Cider Ice Cubes
When ready, add the cider cubes and remaining liquid cider to a blender; Add in the cinnamon, nutmeg and brandy.
3. Blend the Frozen Apple Cider Cubes to a Slushie Consistency
Finally, blend the frozen cider on high until it breaks into chunks and becomes a slushy consistency. Serve immediately.
Super Simple Apple Cider Slushie Recipe FAQs
This is one of those drinks that are better fresh. While you can keep it in the fridge for a few hours, it is not recommended to refreeze the cocktail as it will form ice crystals. You can use regular ice cubes or apple cider ice cubes.
Of course, it is a great treat for kids. Simply omit the brandy and add sugar, maple syrup or a simple syrup to make it sweeter and kid friendly.
Yes, you can try Apple, such as Calvados from France or Applejack from the US for a double apple flavor or a Vanilla Brandy would be delicious in this cold drink.
Expert Tips for Making This Apple Cider Slush Recipe
There are several ways to make your homemade apple cider slush even better. Here are just a few:
- Spices: You can use pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for this cocktail. It adds more fall flavors.
- Soda: Try adding a splash of soda to the easy drink.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to add as many tips as you need in this section
- Ice Cream: Try adding some ice cream for an easy to make and delicious creamy slushy.
- Garnish: Try adding an apple slice and a cinnamon stick to the glass. Sprinkle an extra pinch of cinnamon on top or a sprig of thyme or mint for a hint of green.
- Too Thick: You can add a little water or a little more apple cider to make the apple cider slush smoother.
More Apple Recipes
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Apple Cider Slush
Equipment
- High-powered blender
- Large mixing bowl or pitcher
- Freezer Safe Container
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Ingredients
- 1 quart Apple cider
- 1 12 ounce can Frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 2 cups Pineapple juice
- ½ cup Light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground cloves
- 2 cups Ginger ale, chilled
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, whisk together the apple cider, thawed orange juice concentrate, pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 8 hours, or until completely frozen.
- Break the frozen mixture into chunks and transfer it to a high-powered blender. Pulse until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.
- Spoon the slush into serving glasses, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Top each glass with chilled ginger ale and serve immediately.
Christina’s Notes
If the frozen mixture is too hard to blend, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before breaking it into chunks.
For a smoother texture, blend the slush in batches rather than overfilling the blender.
Garnish with thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a festive presentation.
For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or vodka to each serving just before topping with the ginger ale.
The frozen base can be made up to 1 month in advance. Store it tightly covered in the freezer and blend just before serving.
Leftover slush can be returned to the freezer. Let it soften slightly, then re-blend or stir before serving again.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.