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Cherry Slush: A Taste of Summer Nostalgia

There’s something undeniably magical about a cherry slush on a hot summer day. I remember summers spent at my grandmother’s house, the air thick with humidity and the promise of endless sunshine. Afternoons often culminated with her pulling out a large, frosty container from the freezer – a homemade cherry slush. Its icy sweetness, combined with the fizzy tingle of lemon-lime soda, was the ultimate refreshment. The vibrant red color always stained our lips and tongues, a badge of honor that signified a summer well-spent. This recipe transports me right back to those carefree days, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including freezing)
Servings: 16
Yield: About 8 cups slush
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cups cherry juice (try a blend of cherry & raspberry, or cherry & cranberry)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup frozen unsweetened tart red cherries or (16 ounce) can unsweetened tart red cherries, drained
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, undiluted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 (2 liter) bottle carbonated lemon-lime beverage, chilled

Equipment Needed

Medium saucepan
Blender or food processor
6-cup freezer container
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or spoon

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the cherry juice blend and granulated sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to create a simple syrup base.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. This step ensures the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors meld together.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
While the sugar mixture is cooling, prepare the cherry puree. In a blender or food processor container, combine the frozen or canned cherries, orange juice concentrate, and lemon juice.
Blend for 1 minute, or until the cherries are completely pureed and the mixture is smooth. There should be no chunks of cherry remaining.
In a 6-cup freezer container (or larger, if needed), combine the slightly cooled cherry juice mixture and the cherry puree mixture.
Mix well until thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of flavor and prevents icy pockets from forming during freezing.
Cover the container tightly with a lid.
Freeze for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight, until solid. This is crucial for achieving the perfect slushy texture.
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the cherry mixture from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature to soften slightly. This makes it easier to scoop.
To serve, put 1/4 cup of the cherry slush into each glass.
Top with 1/2 cup of chilled carbonated lemon-lime beverage.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Any remaining slush can be refrozen for later use.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a more intense cherry flavor: Use a high-quality cherry juice. Look for 100% cherry juice without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Customize the flavor profile: Experiment with different fruit juice combinations. Cherry and pomegranate, or cherry and black currant, are excellent options.
Prevent ice crystals: To minimize ice crystal formation during freezing, consider adding a tablespoon of vodka (if you don’t mind a little alcohol) to the slush mixture before freezing. The alcohol lowers the freezing point and helps create a smoother texture.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the cherry juice and sugar mixture before adding it to the puree. If you prefer a less sweet slush, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. If using canned cherries packed in syrup, you may need to reduce the amount of added sugar even further.
Texture perfection: The ideal slush texture is scoopable and slightly soft. If the mixture freezes too hard, let it thaw for a longer period before serving. If it’s too soft, return it to the freezer for a while longer.
Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. The frozen slush can be stored in the freezer for several weeks.
Vegan alternative: Ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly, as some granulated sugar is processed using bone char.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the cherry slush immediately after combining it with the lemon-lime soda. This prevents the slush from melting and the soda from losing its fizz. Garnish individual glasses with orange slices, lemon wedges, or maraschino cherries for an extra touch of visual appeal.

Leftover slush can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. To prevent freezer burn, make sure the container is tightly sealed. When ready to serve, allow the slush to thaw slightly at room temperature before scooping. It’s best to only thaw what you need at the time, as refreezing multiple times can affect the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	131 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	12.3 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	33.1 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	30.9 g	N/A
Protein	0.6 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Berry Blast Slush: Substitute half of the cherry juice with raspberry or strawberry juice for a mixed berry flavor.
Citrus Burst Slush: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the cherry juice and sugar mixture for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Spiced Cherry Slush: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry juice mixture for a warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for the holidays!
Diet-Friendly Slush: Use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol in place of granulated sugar. Be sure to adjust the amount according to the package directions. Also, use a diet lemon-lime soda.
Adult Version: Add a shot of your favorite liquor to individual glasses when adding the lemon-lime soda. Vodka, rum, or cherry liqueur work well.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen or canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Pit them and blend them well. You may need to add a little water to get a smooth consistency.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have lemon-lime soda?
A: Ginger ale or club soda can be used as a substitute for lemon-lime soda, though it will change the overall flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the slush from becoming too icy?
A: Allowing the slush to thaw slightly before serving and using a high sugar content helps to prevent ice crystals. Also, don’t let it melt completely and refreeze too often.

Q: Can I make this without a blender?
A: While a blender is ideal for achieving a smooth puree, you could finely chop the cherries and mash them as much as possible. The texture will be chunkier, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q: How long does the slush last in the freezer?
A: Properly stored, the slush can last for up to 2-3 weeks in the freezer. Make sure it is in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

I hope this cherry slush recipe brings as much joy to your summer as it does to mine. Feel free to experiment with different juice combinations and garnishes to create your own unique version. Don’t be afraid to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Pair this refreshing slush with grilled burgers, crispy chicken, or a light summer salad for a truly memorable meal. Cheers to sunny days and sweet memories!

Cherry Slush- Non Alcoholic Recipe