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Whiskey Slushie

The whiskey slushie is a spontaneous, refreshing cocktail made by combining bourbon, citrus, and sweetener, then freezing and scraping it into a slushy texture. It features a vibrant balance of smoky, citrusy, and sweet flavors with a cool, icy final appearance. Perfect for quick summer cool-downs or casual gatherings, it’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups bourbon or rye for a spicier flavor
  • ½ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • ¼ cup simple syrup can substitute honey or agave
  • 1 cup club soda adds fizz and lightness
  • 3 cups ice crushed ice works best
  • a dash bitters optional, adds smoky depth

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Freezer-safe shallow dish
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Gather your ingredients, measuring cups, and a large mixing bowl — having everything ready makes the process smoother.
  2. Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda into the large bowl, then stir well until combined. You’ll notice the mixture looks bright and slightly frothy.
  3. Add the crushed ice to the bowl, then stir gently to combine everything evenly. The mixture should begin to feel cold and start to look slightly cloudy.
  4. Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula if needed. Place it in the freezer, and set a timer for 30 minutes.
  5. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the freezer and use a fork to scrape and break up the icy edges, creating a slushy texture. Return to the freezer and repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes, about 3-4 times, until the mixture is uniformly icy and slushy.
  6. Once the mixture is thick, icy, and scoopable, give it a final stir and serve immediately in chilled glasses. Optionally, add a dash of bitters on top for extra smoky depth.

Notes

Ensure the mixture is fully frozen and ice crystals are broken up evenly for the best slushy texture. Adjust the amount of ice or whiskey to achieve your preferred consistency. Enjoy immediately for the coolest experience.