Bourbon Slush

In August, a bunch of us partiers got together at a friend’s house. I kid about the partying, cause we’re not exactly dance floor type folk at our age. It was more about wandering around our friend’s beautiful garden talking flowers while the guys played horseshoes.

Being August, it was hot. To help cool us off, our hostess prepared a specialty drink, which she always does, often with some new flavored vodka, or something muddled… it’s always really inspired.

This time, I was hesitant. The drink was a bourbon slush. I can hardly stand the smell of bourbon (or any brown liquor for that matter) let alone the taste.

But, I did want to taste it, out of courtesy at least. And, it was good! To serve, Sheila was scooping the bourbon slush out of a plastic container and placing the granita-looking mixture in copper mugs.

So while we walked around and discussed gardening, cause we’re that hip, we slurped away on our slushes. They were such delicious and refreshing. Like a grown-up version of an Icee!

Sheila offered ginger ale and club soda if you wanted to top off the bourbon slush, but I enjoyed the slush as is because it was so hot outside.

According to Sheila, a bourbon slush is not something new. In fact, could it be called vintage? Perhaps like an Old Fashioned? Supposedly, it was a popular drink way back when, often served at holiday parties.

At Christmas time, I decided to make bourbon slushes. When I though about something bubbly to add, based on the fact that there are citrus flavors in a bourbon slush, you can bet I reached for Fresca as my mixer!

So here’s the recipe that our dear friend Sheila uses.

Bourbon Slush
printable recipe below

1 – 12 ounce can frozen orange juice
2 – 12 ounce cans frozen lemonade
7 cups water
3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups strong tea, decaffeinated
2 cups bourbon, nothing fancy
Fresca, optional

Set frozen juices out for a while until they soften a bit. Then mix all of the ingredients together except the Fresca.

Put in freezer in Tupperware-type container with a lid. Place in the freezer overnight.

To serve, use an ice cream scoop or spoon and place in cold-proof cups!

If desired, top with Fresca. This was actually a great combination!

Well, believe it or not, these are just as good at Christmas time!

I served the slush with panetonne, but it would work just as well with a cheese and charcuterie platter, or a bratwurst.

These aren’t strong drinks, so bourbon lovers could add another splash.

Thanks, Sheila!

 

By Published On: December 27th, 201861 Comments on Bourbon Slush

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

61 Comments

  1. Ron December 27, 2018 at 7:52 AM - Reply

    I can make these in my slush puppy machine. I’m a huge fan of bourbon so I’m all in, maybe I’ll make some for New Years Eve. Thanks for sharing Mimi and have a Happy New Year.

    • chef mimi December 27, 2018 at 7:53 AM - Reply

      You are so welcome! I think you will love these! The recipe is really interesting. Happy New Year back at you and yours! And Chloe´

  2. canelakitchen December 27, 2018 at 8:32 AM - Reply

    Mimi delicious and beautiful! I love yours jars are so cute!! Happy new year!

    • chef mimi December 27, 2018 at 11:30 AM - Reply

      Thank you so much!!! Happy New Year!

  3. Loretta December 27, 2018 at 9:12 AM - Reply

    What? No dancing?? I could have danced all night with a bourbon slushie (even at my age, cos that’s what I love to do) LOL! Happy New Year! They do look tempting :)

    • chef mimi December 27, 2018 at 11:30 AM - Reply

      Ónly if I was by myself Loretta!

  4. Colleen December 27, 2018 at 10:49 PM - Reply

    Your cups are gorgeous and the slushes look wonderful!

    • chef mimi December 28, 2018 at 6:25 AM - Reply

      Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

  5. Cooking For The Time Challenged December 28, 2018 at 7:43 AM - Reply

    Yum!😋

    • chef mimi December 28, 2018 at 7:56 AM - Reply

      Definitely!

  6. David December 28, 2018 at 11:12 AM - Reply

    How perfect will this be for our summer parties in Tucson! Love it!

    • chef mimi December 28, 2018 at 12:58 PM - Reply

      It will be perfect!

  7. cookingwithauntjuju.com December 28, 2018 at 12:05 PM - Reply

    I cook with bourbon, rarely drink it but I do love your friend’s garden!

    • chef mimi December 28, 2018 at 1:00 PM - Reply

      She’s a master gardener, so I always feel like I’m visiting a botanical garden in a big city!

      • cookingwithauntjuju.com December 28, 2018 at 1:05 PM

        I’m an Advanced Organic Smart Master Gardener – retired. I earned a number of additional credentials – yea!

  8. Tandy | Lavender and Lime December 29, 2018 at 12:14 AM - Reply

    What a great idea! I am going to use that for sure if I have time this summer :)

    • chef mimi December 29, 2018 at 6:57 AM - Reply

      It’s worth the time and trouble!!!

  9. Kathryn December 29, 2018 at 9:57 PM - Reply

    I’m not a fan of bourbon but my husband, Aron, would just adore this…bourbon being his preferred beverage. I

    • chef mimi December 30, 2018 at 6:35 AM - Reply

      That’s why I was so shocked. I don’t even like to smell the brown liquors, but the slush is delicious. It’s also not very strong!

  10. 2pots2cook December 30, 2018 at 6:35 AM - Reply

    Love bourbon ! It seems this is to be my four seasons favourite ! Have fun tomorrow evening !All the best to you and your loved ones !

    • chef mimi December 30, 2018 at 6:37 AM - Reply

      Thank you! We never get too raucous on NYE. Food, drinks, and cards. Or maybe Pictionary! Happy New Year!

  11. eliotthecat December 30, 2018 at 10:35 AM - Reply

    The fresca made me smile. Wish I had seen this recipe before our big holiday get together. Hope your holiday was merry and bright and happy new year!

    • chef mimi December 30, 2018 at 10:38 AM - Reply

      Thank you Debra! My friends always kid me about writing a Fresca cookbook!

  12. Angela@eatlivehappy December 30, 2018 at 2:30 PM - Reply

    These sound amazing! Happy New Year!

    • chef mimi December 30, 2018 at 3:40 PM - Reply

      They must be if I like them but hate bourbon! Happy New Year!

  13. jenniferguerrero1 December 30, 2018 at 7:44 PM - Reply

    This sounds fabulous! Happy happy New Year to you! xx

    • chef mimi December 31, 2018 at 7:01 AM - Reply

      Happy New Year!!! Looking forward to more cookbooks and recipes from you!

  14. sherry December 30, 2018 at 7:54 PM - Reply

    i love bourbon so this sounds good. what is fresca? happy new year! cheers sherry

    • chef mimi December 30, 2018 at 8:01 PM - Reply

      Fresca is a grapefruit soda. I use it so much my friends have told me I need to write a Fresca cookbook! It’s fabulous in sangria, and even in margaritas. Bubbliness, with a bit of flavor! Happy New Year!!!

  15. cookingontheweekends December 30, 2018 at 11:53 PM - Reply

    What a fun drink. I’m not a bourbon fan, but if it turned you, it just might turn me too. Sounds like my kind of party, too. :-) Loving the festive snowflakes on your site and those cozy red mugs.
    Happy New Year to you and yours! ~Valentina

    • chef mimi December 31, 2018 at 7:01 AM - Reply

      Thank you! I don’t even remember how I discovered the option for snowflakes. It’s kinda cheesy, but I like it! Happy New Year!

  16. Caroline Taylor (@AllThatImEating) December 31, 2018 at 4:34 AM - Reply

    What a great idea for something different for a festive drink!

    • chef mimi December 31, 2018 at 7:00 AM - Reply

      It is festive! But really nice to enjoy when it’s hot out. Happy New Year!

  17. Susan@savoringtimeinthekitchen December 31, 2018 at 8:01 AM - Reply

    Love the cups and antler stirrers! I’m not a big fan of bourbon either but these sound so refreshing and perfect for the holidays with all the citrus juice.

    • chef mimi December 31, 2018 at 8:35 AM - Reply

      The combination really surprised me when I saw the recipe! The tea seems odd, but it works! Happy New Year!

  18. Karen (Back Road Journal) December 31, 2018 at 12:44 PM - Reply

    Thank you both to yourself and Sheila for sharing the recipe. Since it is usually warm here in Florida, this would be a nice cocktail to serve most anytime of the year. Happy New Year!

    • chef mimi December 31, 2018 at 1:50 PM - Reply

      Oh, it sure would! I’m seeing her tonight so I’ll pass it on!!!

  19. Jeff the Chef December 31, 2018 at 1:39 PM - Reply

    How interesting! I’ve never heard of a drink that is even remotely like this! What a way it will be to start the new year! Thanks!

    • chef mimi December 31, 2018 at 1:50 PM - Reply

      Me neither!!! And my friend is from Kansas. I have no idea how she discovered it!

  20. solveig January 1, 2019 at 11:24 AM - Reply

    I wish I heard from you… Belle et Heureuse année Mimi!:)

    • chef mimi January 1, 2019 at 12:15 PM - Reply

      Merci Amelie! I am planning on making your potato dish soon!

  21. Fran @ G'day Souffle' January 1, 2019 at 11:53 AM - Reply

    Oh, I should have read your post yesterday so I could have served these drinks for New Years last night! Oh well… this drink sure does look refreshing- looks like I’ll have to have two serves!

    • chef mimi January 1, 2019 at 12:14 PM - Reply

      It is definitely a festive drink, which is odd since it’s a slushy!

  22. Laura January 1, 2019 at 12:58 PM - Reply

    So festive, Mimi! And what a great idea for the holidays. I can almost taste the lemon and orange – so so good – a keeper for sure!

    • chef mimi January 1, 2019 at 2:38 PM - Reply

      But the tea?!! Isn’t that an odd ingredient? But it works! Happy New Year!

  23. David @ Spiced January 2, 2019 at 6:45 AM - Reply

    I do love a good bourbon…whether it’s straight up or mixed in a drink! And I agree that bourbon slushes are a thing. I’ve never had one, but I believe I have a recipe that was passed down in my grandmother’s recipe box. I’ll have to try this one soon, though! It sounds delicious, and I’m glad you enjoyed it, too, Mimi! :-)

    • chef mimi January 2, 2019 at 7:04 AM - Reply

      Thanks. So interesting that your grand mother had a recipe for bourbon slush! I guess they knew how to party back then!!!

  24. neil@neilshealthymeals.com January 2, 2019 at 2:47 PM - Reply

    Happy New Year to you Mimi. I hope you had a good one, and a good Christmas too! I am a big fan of bourbon so this bourbon slush recipe is right up my street. However, it’s too cold to think about at the moment so I’ll park it until the sun comes back out here again and the temparature rises above freezing if that’s OK with you? Looking forward to all the amazing recipes you’ll bring us in 2019! :-)

    • chef mimi January 6, 2019 at 8:52 PM - Reply

      I know! Isn’t it interesting that this is a holiday drink? Our house was warm, so it didn’t bother me, but I’ll tell you that I enjoyed it more outside in August.

  25. Katherine | Love In My Oven January 2, 2019 at 3:42 PM - Reply

    You were right! So similar to mine!! I love it – and I’ve got to try the bourbon variety. I also love your Christmas mugs – ADORABLE. Thanks for the recipe pal! Happy New Year!

    • chef mimi January 6, 2019 at 8:51 PM - Reply

      Tracy Porter. She used to have her own website, but she works differently now. Like through Macy’s. She’s on IG! Here’s to bourbon slushes!

  26. FrugalHausfrau January 2, 2019 at 6:01 PM - Reply

    I have a freind that makes something like this, but non alcoholic, that I’ve been meaning to make! I am with you about the brown liqour. I cook with bourbon but don’t drink it,so maybe this is a way to get some good use out of what’s left!

    Your photos are so enticing, it actually makes me want to try it!!!! Aren’t those gardens gorgeous!!

    • chef mimi January 2, 2019 at 10:04 PM - Reply

      Yes, beautiful gardens, wonderful hosts, and great food!!!

  27. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats January 2, 2019 at 9:19 PM - Reply

    This sounds like a wonderful party drink!

    • chef mimi January 2, 2019 at 10:03 PM - Reply

      It truly is!

  28. Michelle January 3, 2019 at 9:25 PM - Reply

    I loathe bourbon, too, but the slushes are always good. Definitely Christmas and Derby traditions around these parts. I think most folks use Sprite/7Up instead of Fresca, but the recipes are similar.

    • chef mimi January 4, 2019 at 9:13 AM - Reply

      Isn’t that amazing? The bourbon is well disguised!

  29. Lynz Real Cooking January 7, 2019 at 6:43 PM - Reply

    Lovely!!

  30. Bernice January 7, 2019 at 7:43 PM - Reply

    Sounds fantastic!

  31. olivesandfeta January 10, 2019 at 4:09 PM - Reply

    Oh yes please 😍

    • chef mimi January 11, 2019 at 6:03 PM - Reply

      I know.

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