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How To Make A Slushy: Quick And Easy Steps

Slushies are a popular and refreshing treat enjoyed by people of all ages, especially during the warm summer months. With a variety of flavours available, from fruity concoctions to caffeine-rich beverages, there’s a slushy for everyone. Making a slushy at home is not only fun but also allows you to experiment with your favourite ingredients, creating a customised and delicious beverage.

homemade slushies

There are several methods for preparing a homemade slushy, ranging from using a blender to create a simple version with a plastic bag and ice. Regardless of the method you choose, the fundamental elements remain the same: you’ll need a liquid base, a sweetener, and ice to create that perfect slushy consistency. By following a few simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can easily whip up a tasty slushy in the comfort of your own kitchen.

In this article, we’ll explore various techniques for making slushies at home, including blending with ice, using water and sugar, juice and powdered drink mixes. Armed with these ideas, you’ll be ready to create your own delicious and refreshing slushies in no time!

Ingredients and Equipment

To make a refreshing slushy without a blender, start with the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of chilled water
  • Sugar
  • Ice
  • Drink mix powder, fresh fruit or juice
  • Salt

Now, gather the necessary equipment:

Non-blender equipment

  • A large zip-top bag
  • A rolling pin or a heavy object to crush the ice
  • A mixing spoon
  • A measuring cup

Once you have your ingredients and equipment ready, you can proceed to the next steps for preparing your slushy.

summer slushys with straws

Why add salt to a slushy?

Adding salt to a slushy might seem counter-intuitive, but it actually has a scientific explanation. When salt is added to ice, it lowers its freezing temperature, which allows it to stay in a frozen state at a lower temperature than it would without salt. This means that the salted ice can melt at a lower temperature, which helps to cool the slushy mixture more quickly.

The mixing of the salted ice with the slushy syrup also creates a chemical reaction that lowers the overall temperature of the slushy, resulting in a more refreshing and enjoyable drink. So, adding salt to a slushy not only enhances the flavour but also helps to create a smoother and colder texture.

Basic slushy recipe

Creating a refreshing slushy is simple and fun, and this basic recipe can be made with or without a blender. Below, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious slushy using common ingredients found in most kitchens.

First, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups chilled water or fruit juice (e.g., orange, apple, strawberry juice)
  • 3 tablespoons powdered drink mix (low-sugar, vitamin-infused options are great, like this organic Blueberry Powder)
  • ½ cup sugar or less if using sugared juice and sugared powders.
  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 tsp salt

Now, let’s get started on making a slushy without a blender:

How to make a slushy without a blender

  1. Begin by mixing 1 cup of chilled water (or fruit juice) and powdered drink mix in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the 1 cup of chilled water and ½ cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Add the sugar mixture to the bowl with the drink mix and stir well.
  4. Grab a large zip-lock plastic bag and fill it with ice cubes. Place the ice cubes into the bag, ensuring it is lying flat on a stable and even surface.
  5. Using a rolling pin, bash the ice cubes until they’re in little pieces
  6. Add the crushed ice to a serving glass and pour over the flavoured water. Enjoy

This basic slushy recipe is easily adaptable and can be personalised depending on your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different powdered drink mixes or fruit juices to make your slushy extra special!

Flavour Variations

Creating a delicious slushy is all about experimenting with different flavours and combinations to suit your taste buds. We have gathered a few interesting flavour variations that you can try making without a blender.

1. Ice Cream Slushy: Mix sugar and water in a 1:4 ratio, and then add your favourite soda, fruit juice, or ice cream to the mix. Use an ice cream maker for a delightful slushy experience.

2. Classic Flavoured Slushy: To imitate the classic slushy, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of your favourite flavoured extract like raspberry, strawberry, lemon, lime, coconut, or vanilla, along with 5 or more drops of food colouring. Stir the mixture with a long-handled spoon.

3. Unique Combinations: Create your own slushy mix by blending neutral syrup with water to create a base, and then add your choice of flavours. Use a refractometer to ensure the sugar content falls between 13 to 15% for the perfect slushy consistency.

When making a slushy without a blender, feel free to experiment with various liquids, like fruit juices, sodas, and even chocolate milk, to create the perfect frozen treat. Remember to keep the ingredients properly mixed and chilled for the best results.

watermelon slushy

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re trying to make a slushy without a blender, there are several alternative methods to achieve a similar texture. One approach is to use the freezer method. Dissolve sugar in water or use your favourite drink, pour it into a container, and place it in the freezer. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to create a slushy texture.

Another option is the supercooling method. You’ll need to chill a bottle of soda until it’s just below freezing but not yet frozen. Carefully open the cap to release pressure, and then flip the bottle upside down or pour the soda into a container. The liquid will turn into slush as you pour it.

Keep in mind that the type of slushy you’re making can affect the troubleshooting process. Here are some common issues you may encounter and some pointers to help you:

  • Grainy texture: Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved in the liquid before freezing or blending, as this will help prevent a grainy end result.
  • Too icy: Stir the mixture more frequently when using the freezer method, or add more liquid to the mix if using a blender.
  • Not slushy enough: Adjust the freezing time for the freezer method, or try blending the mixture for a longer time if using a blender.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these methods and find the one that suits your needs best.

homemade slushies uk recipe

How To Make A Slushy: Quick And Easy Steps

Rachel
A refreshing cold fruity drink for summer days!
No ratings yet – be the first to rate this recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, British
Servings 1
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Chilled Water
  • 2 Cups Ice
  • ½ Cup Sugar (or less if using sugared flavourings)
  • 3 tbsp Flavoured Powder Mix
  • 1 tsp Salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by mixing 1 cup of chilled water (or fruit juice) and powdered drink mix in a large bowl. You also use fresh fruit.
  • In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of chilled water and ½ cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Use less sugar if using sugary juice/mix.
  • Add the sugar mixture to the bowl with the drink mix and stir well.
  • Grab a large zip-lock plastic bag and fill it with ice cubes and salt.
  • Using a rolling pin, bash the ice cubes until they're in little pieces
  • Add the crushed ice to a serving glass and pour over the flavoured water. Enjoy!
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Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 106gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.4gSodium: 51mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 1gSugar: 105gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword drink powders
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! or tag @rachelsrecipepantry on Instagram and hashtag #rachelsrecipepantry Thank you!!

Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of how to make a slushy without a blender. With simple ingredients such as ice, salt, and your favourite beverage, you can create a refreshing treat right at home. The science behind this process involves the lowering of the freezing point of water using salt, which allows the liquid to turn into a slushy texture.

In summary, making slushies at home without a blender is not only possible but also a great way to explore scientific concepts while enjoying a tasty and cold treat. Remember to get creative with various flavours and enjoy the process of crafting your very own slushy delights.

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