If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing way to cool down, this Cherry Slushies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh Lambert cherries and the tangy zest of cranberry juice concentrate, these slushies offer the perfect balance of flavors that dance on your tongue. The coolness comes from crushed ice and a splash of fizzy Sprite, while fresh mint leaves add a delightful aromatic twist. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a cold delight, this Cherry Slushies Recipe is here to brighten your day and quench your thirst with fruity freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cherry Slushies Recipe is incredibly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect taste and texture. From the juicy cherries to the fizzy Sprite, every component works together to make this drink irresistibly refreshing.
- 3 cups Fresh Lambert cherries: These cherries bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the slushies; remember to pit them for easy blending.
- 1 can Pure Frozen Cranberry Juice Concentrate: Adds a rich tartness that perfectly balances the cherries’ sweetness.
- 6 Mint leaves: Fresh mint infuses a cool, herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor.
- 3 cups Ice Cubes: Essential for that icy, slushie texture we all love in a cold drink.
- 1/2 cup Sprite: The fizzy lemon-lime soda adds sparkle and a hint of citrus brightness.
How to Make Cherry Slushies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the cherries
Start by washing your fresh Lambert cherries thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. If they’re fresh and not frozen, make sure to pit the cherries carefully—this will ensure a smooth blend without any hard bits. If you’re using frozen cherries, you can skip the washing and pitting step entirely, making this even quicker.
Step 2: Blending the ingredients
Place your pitted cherries, cranberry juice concentrate, ice cubes, and fresh mint leaves into your blender. Blend everything on high speed until you achieve a smooth, icy mixture. The mint leaves infuse the slushies with a subtle herbal freshness that complements the tart and sweet flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Combining with Sprite
Pour the half cup of fizzy Sprite carefully into your serving glasses—it’s the secret ingredient that adds a bubbly lift. Then, top the Sprite with the blended cherry mixture, creating a layered effect that looks as amazing as it tastes. Give it a gentle stir to combine the fizzy soda with the slushie base.
Step 4: Serving your Cherry Slushies Recipe
Serve your cherry slushies immediately to enjoy that perfect icy texture and vibrant flavor. These slushies are best fresh and cold, offering a deliciously cool escape from any warm day.
How to Serve Cherry Slushies Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Cherry Slushies Recipe to the next level, consider adding a sprig of mint or a few whole cherries on top. These garnishes not only make the drink visually appealing but also enhance the fresh aromas with every sip.
Side Dishes
Pair your cherry slushies with light and summery snacks such as fresh fruit salad, crunchy vegetable sticks with hummus, or even a tangy citrusy salad. The fruity and refreshing nature of the slushies balances well with light bites, keeping your palate excited without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your slushies in clear glass mugs or mason jars to showcase that beautiful cherry-red hue. Adding fun striped straws or colorful trays can make it perfect for entertaining kids and adults alike. For a celebratory touch, rim the glasses with sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cherry slushie mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep in mind that the texture might soften as the ice melts, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the blended cherry mixture in ice cube trays for a quick refreshment later on. Once frozen, pop the cubes into your blender with a splash of Sprite for an easy repeat of the Cherry Slushies Recipe whenever you want.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. If you find leftovers thawed, give them a quick blend with some fresh ice to restore that ideal slushie consistency before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Using frozen cherries works perfectly and can even give your slushies a thicker texture. Just skip the washing and pitting step when you use frozen cherries.
Is there a non-carbonated alternative to Sprite?
You can replace Sprite with sparkling water or lemon-lime flavored seltzer if you prefer less sweetness or carbonation, though Sprite adds a bit more flavor and fizz.
Can I make this recipe without mint?
Yes, but the fresh mint leaves add a refreshing aroma and taste that complements the cherries and cranberry juice beautifully. If you don’t have mint, a small splash of fresh lime juice can be a good substitute for brightness.
How sweet are these slushies?
The natural sweetness of the cherries combined with the cranberry juice concentrate and Sprite creates a well-balanced sweetness that is fruity and not overpowering. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of Sprite.
What is the best way to crush ice for this recipe?
If you don’t have crushed ice, simply add whole ice cubes to the blender and pulse in short bursts until the ice reaches a slushie-like consistency. Just be careful not to over-blend, or you’ll end up with watery juice instead of a thick slush.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a homemade Cherry Slushies Recipe that brings the fresh flavors of summer right into your glass. Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, it’s a vibrant and cooling treat that promises smiles with every sip. So next time the heat creeps in or you need a fruity pick-me-up, dive into this cherry goodness and share it with friends—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Slushies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing and vibrant Cherry Slushies made with fresh Lambert cherries, cranberry juice concentrate, mint leaves, and a splash of Sprite. Perfectly blended with ice for a cool, fruity summer treat that’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Slushie Ingredients
- 3 cups Fresh Lambert cherries (washed and pitted)
- 1 can Pure Frozen Cranberry Juice Concentrate
- 6 Mint leaves
- 3 cups Ice cubes
- 1/2 cup Sprite
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Wash and pit the fresh Lambert cherries thoroughly. If using frozen cherries, this step can be skipped as they are already prepared.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the fresh cherries, cranberry juice concentrate, ice cubes, and mint leaves. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and slushy consistency.
- Assemble Drinks: Pour the Sprite into serving glasses. Then, top each glass carefully with the blended cherry slush mixture.
- Serve: Gently mix the drink in the glass to combine the Sprite with the cherry blend and serve immediately for a cool, refreshing experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh Lambert cherries when in season; frozen cherries work as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the amount of Sprite to taste based on your preferred level of sweetness and fizziness.
- Mint leaves add a fresh aroma; you can add more or less depending on your preference.
- Serve immediately to prevent ice from melting and diluting the slushie’s texture.
- Can be customized by substituting cranberry juice concentrate with other berry concentrates for different flavors.
