Tailgate Triumph: The Ultimate Frozen Hurricane Slush for Game Day
Frozen Hurricane Slush
There’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of college football, especially when it’s game day for our beloved Nebraska Huskers. This past weekend marked our first pilgrimage of the season to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, a tradition filled with camaraderie, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. My heart swelled with double the excitement, not just for the game, but because my oldest son is a student there, meaning I’d get to hug him tight and soak in his college life. (Insert giant Mom Smiles here!) This particular game held extra significance: after many years, we were facing off against the iconic Miami Hurricanes. This was more than just a game; it was a clash of titans, a truly BIG GAME that called for an equally grand celebration.
For such an epic tailgate event, I knew we needed to pull out all the stops. We invited my wonderful niece and her husband to join our spirited gathering. The menu was robust, featuring a colossal batch of my famous Little King Salad – a dish that might sound unusual for a football game, but trust me, it’s an absolute showstopper, essentially a giant hoagie transformed into a delectable bowl of goodness. We packed an abundance of snacks, set up our tailgate spread meticulously from the back of our trusty Tahoe, and prepared for a day of cheering and good times. Amidst all the planning, I realized one crucial element was missing: a signature cocktail. My brain immediately went into overdrive, tasked with concocting a drink that would perfectly capture the spirit of the day and, perhaps, even playfully nod to our formidable opponents.
Our family has a long-standing tradition of crafting fantastic frozen concoctions for our tailgates. We adore making Frozen Vodka Slushes, and a couple of years ago, for a memorable Halloween tailgate, I whipped up the spooky yet delicious REDRUM REDRUM {frozen red rum punch}. The idea of a frozen drink just clicks with our group, no matter the weather. Knowing this game was against the Miami Hurricanes, famous for their warm, balmy climate, a brilliant, playful concept sparked: why not “freeze out” the Hurricanes with a perfectly chilled, refreshing drink? And thus, the idea for our Frozen Hurricane Slush was born – a delicious, themed cocktail designed to bring a taste of the tropics (and a hint of playful defiance) to Husker Nation.
Squeezes for my son, Spencer, from myself and my niece, Leah
Nebraska tailgates are renowned for their festive spirit, but also, let’s be honest, for being *really* cold sometimes! We’ve often found ourselves bundled in countless layers of clothing, still happily sipping on frozen beverages. There’s a certain defiant joy in that, a testament to our dedication. This time, however, the weather had a pleasant surprise in store for us. Instead of the usual brisk autumn chill, last weekend offered unexpectedly perfect conditions for these frozen drinks. We weren’t freezing at all; in fact, the warmth made the slush even more delightful and necessary. It was a day where the sun shone bright, the energy was high, and a cold, fruity cocktail was the ideal accompaniment to all the excitement. The “freeze out” was purely symbolic, but oh so satisfying!
Creating this Frozen Hurricane Slush was an exciting challenge. I aimed to capture all the iconic flavors of a traditional Hurricane cocktail – the vibrant, fruity notes, the dual rum base – and transform them into a smooth, icy slush. The key was a perfect balance of citrus, passion fruit, and a hint of cherry, all brought together with both light and dark rum for that classic depth. The simplicity of the preparation also makes it a dream for any tailgate host. Imagine mixing all the ingredients the day before, letting it freeze solid, and then simply scooping and serving on game day. No last-minute blending, no elaborate garnishes needed. Just pure, unadulterated frozen deliciousness ready to be enjoyed by friends and family. It truly elevated our game day experience, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty tailgate food.
My husband, Brian, our son, Spencer, my nephew-in-law, Austin, and my daughter’s boyfriend, Austin
My daughter, Kenzie, is equally glad to go to Lincoln, her boyfriend, Austin is also a student there
I must admit, the photos of this particular recipe might not be my most aesthetically stunning work. It’s notoriously tricky to capture the perfect shot of a vibrant frozen drink, especially when it’s scooped straight from a cooler into a classic red Solo cup during a bustling tailgate! 😉 But please, take my word for it: this drink was beyond good. It was absolutely superb, a unanimous hit among our game day crew. By the end of the festivities, there wasn’t a single drop left, which, in my book, is the ultimate testament to a successful tailgate cocktail. It was truly the perfect game day beverage, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience that everyone could enjoy.
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Print Recipe
Frozen Hurricane Slush
Ingredients
- 12 ounce can frozen limeade
- 2 – 12 ounce cans frozen orange juice
- 48 ounces of Passion Fruit Juice Mine was actually apple, mango, passion fruit — that is what I could find, offering a delicious blended flavor.
- 1 – 3 ounce box of cherry jell-o
- ¼ cup agave nector
- 8-12 ounces of light rum
- 8-12 ounces of dark rum
Instructions
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Combine all liquid ingredients, frozen concentrates, agave nectar, and dry cherry Jell-O powder in a large, airtight plastic container. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the Jell-O is dissolved. Freeze for at least 24 hours to achieve the perfect slushy consistency. For best results, stir it once or twice during the initial freezing period if possible, to help prevent a solid block of ice.
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To serve this delightful frozen hurricane slush, simply scoop generous portions into individual glasses or red Solo cups. Top each serving with a splash of 7Up (or any lemon-lime soda) to add a bit of fizz and cut through the richness, giving it that perfect refreshing finish. Garnish with a lime wedge or cherry if desired for an extra festive touch.
Nutrition
This Frozen Hurricane Slush captures all the vibrant, tropical essence of a traditional Hurricane cocktail, but with the delightful chill and ease of a slushy. It’s a versatile recipe that’s not just for football tailgates; imagine serving this at a summer barbecue, a poolside party, or even a festive holiday gathering when you want to bring a bit of sunshine indoors. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and increase the amount of passion fruit juice or add a bit more 7Up to taste – it will still be incredibly flavorful and refreshing, perfect for all ages. The key to its success is the combination of concentrated juices and the Jell-O, which gives it a fantastic texture that stays slushy longer than plain ice would. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other fruit juices too, like pineapple or guava, to tailor it to your personal preference. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and crowd-pleasing appeal.
I hope you seize the opportunity to whip up a batch of this fantastic frozen concoction. It’s a surefire way to add a festive and delicious touch to any gathering, especially when you’re rallying behind your favorite team, creating lasting memories with loved ones. It embodies the joy and spirit of celebration, whether you’re at a stadium tailgate or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon in your backyard. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for hassle-free entertaining, allowing you more time to engage with your guests and less time fussing over drinks.
Over 90,000 in attendance, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere of game day.
Oh, and in case there was any doubt, the best part of the day? My team won! It was a truly exhilarating victory that made the Frozen Hurricane Slush taste even sweeter. Nothing beats celebrating a hard-fought win with a perfect drink in hand, surrounded by the incredible energy of 90,000 passionate fans. This particular game day was more than just football; it was a vibrant tapestry of family, tradition, and delicious innovation. So next time you’re planning a spirited gathering, give this easy frozen cocktail a try. You won’t regret it!
Can I get a GO BIG RED!?!