Frozen Vodka Slush: Your Ultimate Citrus Summer Cocktail Recipe
Beat the heat with our incredibly easy and refreshingly delicious large-batch frozen vodka slush! This citrus-infused concoction is your passport to a tropical getaway, no matter where you are. Perfect for summer parties, lazy poolside afternoons, or anytime you crave a cool, boozy treat. Keep a container of this delightful slush in your freezer, ready to scoop and sip whenever the mood strikes.
Ah, summertime! It’s a season synonymous with warmth, relaxation, and gathering with friends and family. And what better way to enhance those cherished moments than with a perfectly chilled, easy-to-make cocktail? We’re talking about the legendary frozen vodka slush – a drink that embodies the spirit of summer in every vibrant, citrusy sip.
This isn’t just any frozen drink; it’s a timeless classic that has graced countless summer celebrations. Many years ago, a dear friend named Jill introduced me to this amazing recipe at a backyard party. It was an instant hit, so incredibly good that it quickly became a staple in our summer traditions, making an appearance at least once every season. It’s truly a game-changer to have a batch of this cool, relaxing summer cocktail readily available in your freezer. Just a heads-up: these delightful slushes are deceptively smooth and can sneak up on you!
A Recipe Re-Do: Celebrating a Beloved Classic
This particular recipe for frozen vodka slushes holds a special place in my heart, and it’s one I originally shared way back in June of 2011. Like many treasured recipes, it has evolved over time, and with this update from July 1, 2019, I’ve brought new photos and perhaps a touch more detail to guide you. It’s a testament to how some recipes simply stand the test of time, becoming family favorites for generations.
One of my absolute favorite aspects of preparing these slushes (aside from enjoying them, of course!) is revisiting Jill’s original handwritten recipe. It’s more than just a list of ingredients; it’s a tiny piece of history, a reminder of friendship and good times. Don’t you just love those old, tattered recipe cards or notes that hold your most cherished culinary secrets? Some of my most beloved recipes are those penned in my Grandma’s beautiful handwriting – they carry a warmth and nostalgia that modern print can’t replicate. It’s a connection to the past, and Jill’s vodka slush recipe fits right into that sentimental category.
This delightful frozen cocktail recipe has become a symbol of ease and joy, making it perfect for any gathering, from casual backyard BBQs to festive holiday celebrations like the 4th of July. Its bright citrus flavors and refreshing chill are universally appealing, ensuring everyone finds something to love in this simple yet impressive drink.
Simple Ingredients for a Superb Frozen Vodka Slush
Creating this irresistible frozen vodka slush requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its components. You won’t need any fancy bar equipment or exotic mixers; just these essentials will get you started on your journey to frozen cocktail bliss:
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: This forms the primary citrus base, providing a sweet and tangy foundation.
- Frozen Lemonade Concentrate: Adds an essential tartness and balances the sweetness of the orange juice, enhancing the overall citrus profile.
- Granulated Sugar: Adjusts the sweetness to your preference and helps with the slushy texture.
- Water: Dilutes the concentrates and helps create the right consistency for freezing.
- Vodka: The star of the show, providing the alcoholic kick. The amount can be adjusted to your taste, with a slight caveat we’ll discuss.
- Lemon-Lime Soda (for serving): Such as 7-Up or Sprite, used to top off the slush for a fizzy finish.
When it comes to preparing this large batch of frozen goodness, I always opt for an empty ice cream container for freezing. Its sturdy construction and lid make it perfect for long-term freezer storage. If you don’t have one on hand, any large, airtight container with a secure lid will work beautifully. The goal is to prevent freezer burn and keep your slush tasting fresh and vibrant.
Now, about the vodka! Jill’s original recipe card famously states, “1 1/2 – 2 cups of vodka – of course, I always use a little more!!” And honestly, I can hear her jovial voice in my head every time I read that line. Jill is known for her fun-loving spirit, and in her honor, I often add a little extra “splash” to my batches too. However, a friendly word of caution: while tempting, going overboard with the vodka can impact the slush’s ability to freeze solid. Alcohol lowers the freezing point, so if you add too much, you might end up with a very cold liquid rather than a scoopable slush. Aim for a good balance!
Once your frozen vodka slush is perfectly chilled and ready, serving is a breeze. Simply scoop the frozen mixture into a glass and top it off with your favorite lemon-lime soda, like 7-Up or Sprite, for that refreshing fizz. I’ve also experimented with ginger ale, which adds a lovely spicy note, and more recently, lime La Croix for a less sweet, more subtle carbonation. The choice is yours, and each option offers a unique twist to the classic.
For an added touch of elegance and flavor, consider freezing some fresh berries directly into the mixture during preparation. Alternatively, you can garnish your individual glasses with a colorful medley of berries – they add visual appeal and a burst of fresh fruit flavor that complements the citrus beautifully. A small umbrella and a fun straw instantly transform your drink into a tropical escape, making every sip feel like a mini-vacation.
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This frozen vodka slush is truly perfect just the way it is. With an optional umbrella and a comfortable spot to relax, you’re all set for an idyllic moment.
While my new photos of these frozen vodka cocktails are certainly an improvement over the original, I do wish Mother Nature had cooperated with a bit of blue sky in the background! Nevertheless, they still tasted absolutely amazing – sunny or not. The vibrant citrus notes and the satisfying chill make them a standout no matter the weather.
Explore More Frozen Slush Cocktails
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this frozen vodka slush, you might want to explore other icy adult beverages. Here are a couple of other fantastic slush recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Icy Rum Slush: A tropical twist featuring rum for a different kind of island vibe.
- Red, White & Blue Vodka Lemonade Slush: A patriotic and festive option, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Now, let’s get down to the exact recipe details, so you can whip up a big batch and get a container of these fantastic frozen vodka slush cocktails into your freezer! They are truly the quintessential summer drink, absolutely perfect for gatherings, especially for festive occasions like the 4th of July.
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Print Recipe
Frozen Vodka Slush
Ingredients
- 2 Large Cans of Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
- 2 Small Cans of Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
- 1/2 Cup of Granulated Sugar
- 6 Large Cans of Water
- 1 1/2-2 Cups of Vodka “of course I use a little more 😉” Jill says…
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients (orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, sugar, water, and vodka) in a large freezable container with a lid. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all components are thoroughly mixed.
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Place the sealed container in the freezer for at least one day. This allows the mixture to achieve the perfect slushy consistency.
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To serve, simply scoop the frozen slush into a glass. Top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda (like 7-Up), ginger ale, or lime La Croix for a refreshing, fizzy finish. Garnish with fresh citrus slices or berries if desired.
Notes
While lemon-lime soda is a classic choice for serving, I have also found that ginger ale provides a delightful spiced alternative, and lime La Croix offers a lighter, less sweet option for those who prefer it. Feel free to experiment with your favorite sparkling beverage!
Nutrition
This frozen vodka slush is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of long summer days, shared laughter with friends, and the simple joy of a perfectly balanced cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a big party or simply unwinding after a long week, this recipe promises ease, refreshment, and a touch of tropical bliss. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection, just as it has in ours. Cheers to a delicious, easy, and memorable summer!