Cherry slushies are the perfect blend of sweetness and refreshment, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a summer gathering or simply looking for a cool drink on a hot day, these CHERRY SLUSHIES will delight your taste buds. With fresh cherries, cranberry juice, and mint, this recipe stands out for its vibrant flavor and easy preparation. Enjoy this delicious drink with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to make, allowing you to whip up a refreshing drink in no time.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh cherries and mint, you can feel good about indulging in this fruity treat.
- Versatile Flavor: Perfect as a non-alcoholic beverage for kids or as a base for cocktails at adult gatherings.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant red color of the slushies is sure to impress your guests and brighten up any table.
- Healthy Option: With natural sugars from fruits and low calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delightful CHERRY SLUSHIES, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything blends smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Cherry pitter (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Serving glasses
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A high-quality blender ensures that your cherries and ice blend into a smooth, slushy consistency.
- Cherry pitter: This handy tool makes pitting cherries quick and easy, saving you time during preparation.
Ingredients
Bonne Fete Canada 🙂
For the Slushies
- 3 cups Fresh Lambert cherries
- 1 can Pure Frozen Cranberry Juice Concentrate
- 6 leaves Mint leaves
- 3 cups Ice Cubes
- 1/2 cup Sprite
How to Make CHERRY SLUSHIES
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by washing the Fresh Lambert cherries. If you’re using fresh cherries, pit them by hand or with a cherry pitter. If you’re using frozen cherries, skip this step.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Place the prepared cherries in the blender along with the frozen cranberry juice concentrate, ice cubes, and mint leaves. Blend until smooth to create a refreshing cherry mixture.
Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
Pour Sprite into the bottom of each glass. Top with your blended cherry mixture for an inviting look.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Mix all ingredients together gently in each glass. Serve immediately for best flavor and enjoy your delicious CHERRY SLUSHIES!
How to Serve CHERRY SLUSHIES
Serving CHERRY SLUSHIES is all about creativity and presentation. These refreshing drinks are perfect for hot days, gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your CHERRY SLUSHIES experience.
In Fun Glassware
- Use colorful glasses to make the drink visually appealing.
- Consider mason jars for a rustic feel or tall soda glasses for a classic look.
With Garnishes
- Top with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and added freshness.
- Add a cherry on top to enhance the presentation and provide an extra treat!
As Part of a Drink Station
- Set up a DIY slushie bar with different flavors and toppings.
- Offer additional fruits, syrups, and whipped cream for guests to customize their drinks.
Pairing with Snacks
- Serve alongside salty snacks like pretzels or chips to balance the sweetness.
- Consider light appetizers such as fruit skewers or cheese platters to complement the flavors.
How to Perfect CHERRY SLUSHIES
Perfecting your CHERRY SLUSHIES can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some simple tips to ensure your slushies are always a hit!
- Choose ripe cherries: Ripe cherries enhance the flavor, making your slushies sweeter and more delicious.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slushie, add more cranberry juice concentrate or sweeten with honey.
- Blend until smooth: Ensure that all ingredients are fully blended for a creamy texture without any chunks.
- Chill before serving: For an even colder drink, chill your glasses in the freezer before pouring in the slushie.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a unique twist on your slushies.
Best Side Dishes for CHERRY SLUSHIES
Pairing side dishes with your CHERRY SLUSHIES can enhance your overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider that complement these fruity drinks perfectly.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an elegant snack.
- Spicy Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole offer a satisfying crunch alongside the sweetness of slushies.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast and keeps things light and healthy.
- Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches filled with veggies or cheese provide a delightful bite-sized option that pairs well with drinks.
- Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip create a healthy snacking option that balances sweetness.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits provides an indulgent pairing that guests will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making CHERRY SLUSHIES, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
Skipping the Cherry Prep: Failing to wash and pit fresh cherries can lead to an unpleasant texture. Always prepare your cherries properly for the best flavor and consistency.
Using Too Much Ice: Overloading on ice can dilute your slushies and make them too watery. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Not Blending Long Enough: If you don’t blend long enough, you might end up with chunky slushies. Blend until smooth for that ideal slushy consistency.
Pouring Sprite First: Pouring Sprite before adding the cherry mixture can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Always add your cherry blend on top for a better taste experience.
Neglecting Mint Leaves: Forgetting to include mint leaves can take away from the refreshing taste. Fresh mint enhances the overall flavor, so don’t skip this ingredient!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover CHERRY SLUSHIES in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For best results, consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Freezing CHERRY SLUSHIES
- You can freeze leftover slushies in freezer-safe containers.
- They will stay good for about 1 month.
- Before serving, let them thaw slightly at room temperature or blend again with a little ice.
Reheating CHERRY SLUSHIES
- Oven: Not recommended since slushies are best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will melt the ice and change the texture.
- Stovetop: Similarly, reheating on a stovetop is not advisable; enjoy them fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do CHERRY SLUSHIES last?
CHERRY SLUSHIES can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cherries work great in this recipe and save prep time since you won’t need to pit them.
What variations can I try with CHERRY SLUSHIES?
You can customize your CHERRY SLUSHIES by adding other fruits like strawberries or even a splash of lemon juice for extra zest!
Are there non-alcoholic options for CHERRY SLUSHIES?
Absolutely! The recipe provided is non-alcoholic, making it perfect for family gatherings or kids’ parties.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and blend just before serving!
Final Thoughts
CHERRY SLUSHIES are a delightful treat that combines refreshing flavors with ease of preparation. This versatile recipe allows room for customization, whether you want to add other fruits or adjust sweetness levels. Try making them today and enjoy a cool, tasty drink that’s perfect for any occasion!
Cherry Slushies
Indulge in a burst of flavor with these refreshing Cherry Slushies, perfect for any summer gathering or leisurely afternoon. This easy-to-make drink combines ripe fresh cherries, tart cranberry juice, and mint for an invigorating experience that will delight your taste buds. In just 15 minutes, you can create a vibrant slushy that not only looks beautiful but is also made from all-natural ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a sunny day outside, these Cherry Slushies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Serve them in colorful glasses with a sprig of mint or a cherry on top for an eye-catching presentation!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups Fresh Lambert cherries
- 1 can Pure Frozen Cranberry Juice Concentrate
- 6 Mint leaves
- 3 cups Ice Cubes
- 1/2 cup Sprite
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries: Wash and pit the fresh Lambert cherries. If using frozen cherries, skip this step.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine cherries, cranberry juice concentrate, ice cubes, and mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble Your Drink: Pour Sprite into each glass and top with the blended cherry mixture.
- Serve Immediately: Gently mix in each glass before enjoying your delicious Cherry Slushies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approximately 250ml)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added sweetness, consider adjusting the amount of cranberry juice concentrate or adding honey. Experiment by mixing in other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for unique flavor variations. Chill your serving glasses in the freezer prior to pouring for an extra-refreshing experience.
