These 15 Frozen Cocktails Prove That Slushies Aren’t Just for Kids

Frozen drinks can be polarizing. To a certain extent, the haters have a point. There are many ill-fated iterations of slushies that range from boozy and headache-inducing to icy and cloyingly sweet. But we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. 

When done right, frozen drinks are the quintessential grown-up slushie. The best are supremely refreshing while packing a punch. Plus, they can easily be tweaked to personal preferences for strength, sweetness, consistency, and acidity. In the summertime, they are an obvious choice for all poolside, seaside, or rooftop occasions and beyond. 

But even in the depths of winter, these cool cocktails can transport us to fantasies of warm weather and sunshine. Contrary to popular belief, frozen cocktails don’t have to be tropical and fruit-forward. There are plenty of recipes that lean into the milkshake vibes, and they are satisfyingly decadent in any season. 

We’ve rounded up our favorite frozen drink recipes for when you need a little something special to sip on. Yes, they’re a little indulgent—but all the best things in life are.

The Classics

Piña Colada

The piña colada is a classic for a reason. White, dark, and coconut rums meet pineapple juice and coconut cream for an easy-drinking slush that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation no matter the time or place.

Frozen Painkiller

The Painkiller adds a splash of orange juice to the classic piña colada flavor profile for a citrusy hit, and this frozen variation is as tropical and dreamy as can be.

Frozen Hemingway Daiquiri

The frozen Hemingway Daiquiri just might be as tiki as it gets. With two types of rum and a smidge of Maraschino liqueur, it’s lightly sweet and perfectly boozy. Plus—the addition of grapefruit juice means it’s practically made for breakfast or brunch.

Frozen Gin & Tonics

This recipe for frozen G&Ts uses tonic syrup to replicate the classic tonic water flavors. It’s bitter, lightly sweet, and ultra refreshing with a touch of citrus.

Brandy Slush

You don’t need to be in Wisconsin to enjoy the classic brandy slush with this no-frills, no-blender recipe. With a little planning ahead and a combination of brandy, fruit juices, and black tea, this midwest aperitivo is served.

// Create the element
var script_6a1af3a71a801 = document.createElement(“script”);

script_6a1af3a71a801.innerHTML = `
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};
googletag.cmd.push(function() {

var adType = “leaderboard”;
var mapping;
var lbmapping = googletag.sizeMapping()
.addSize([1024, 0], [[970, 250], [970, 90], [1, 1], [728, 90]])
.addSize([728, 0], [[728, 90], [1, 1]])
.addSize([320, 0], [[1, 1], [300, 50], [300, 100], [320, 50], [320, 100]])
.addSize([0, 0], [[1, 1], [320, 50]])
.build();; // Size mapping for leaderboard ads
var medrecmapping = googletag.sizeMapping()
.addSize([1024, 0], [[300, 600],[300, 250]])
.addSize([728, 0], [300, 250])
.addSize([320, 0], [[1, 1],[300, 250]])
.addSize([0, 0], [[1, 1], [300, 250]])
.build(); // Size mapping for med rectengle ads

if(‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_1’ == ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_1’
|| ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_1’ == ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_2’
|| ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_1’ == ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_3’) {
mapping = googletag.sizeMapping()
.addSize([1920, 0], [[728, 90]]) // >= 1920px
.addSize([1440, 0], [[728, 90]]) // 1440px-1919px
.addSize([730, 0], [[300, 250]]) // 730px-1439px
.addSize([0, 0], [[320, 100], [320, 50], [300, 100], [300, 50], [300, 250]]) // Up to 729px
.build();
} else {
mapping = adType == ‘leaderboard’ ? lbmapping : medrecmapping;
}

googletag.defineSlot(‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_1’, [[1, 1]],
‘div-gpt-ad-6a1af3a71a801’).addService(googletag.pubads()).defineSizeMapping(mapping);
googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest();
googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs();
googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-6a1af3a71a801’);

});
`;
// Append the script to the body
document.body.appendChild(script_6a1af3a71a801);

The Twists

Baller Margarita

This frozen margarita variation also nods to the Sgroppino with the addition of lime sherbet and Champagne (although any sparkling wine will do). A splash of Licor 43 adds sweetness and spice.

San Jose Frosé

The San Jose frosé blitzes up rosé with frozen lemonade cubes and lemon juice for a tart twist on the classic frozen rosé. 

Whiskey Sour Slush

Love whiskey sours but don’t love using raw egg whites at home? Want something a bit better suited for the sweltering summer? This whiskey sour slush is the answer. Plus—no blender required!

Frozen Strawberry Riesling Cocktail

Listen, if you don’t like sweet drinks, you might want to skip this strawberry and riesling slush, as it definitely leans into the fruitier side of things. Still, the strawberry and lime paired with the delicate Riesling is almost irresistible.

Sophisticated Slushie

This sophisticated slushie blends the tequila and grapefruit flavors of a Paloma with the texture and sparkling wine technique of an Italian Sgroppino. It’s bright and refreshing—the perfect sipper all summer long.

Ube Colada

Kara Newman describes this Ube Colada as “a piña colada with a Filipino accent.” The purple yam’s vanilla flavors meld harmoniously with the piña colada’s pineapple-coconut profile. 

Jack Frost Cocktail

Sometimes, looks can be deceiving, as is the case with this tropical and fruity Jack Frost cocktail. It may look festive and creamy due to the blue Curaçao and snow-like coconut rim, but, with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut water, it’s actually more like a piña colada in holiday mode. 

// Create the element
var script_6a1af3a71ae95 = document.createElement(“script”);

script_6a1af3a71ae95.innerHTML = `
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};
googletag.cmd.push(function() {

var adType = “leaderboard”;
var mapping;
var lbmapping = googletag.sizeMapping()
.addSize([1024, 0], [[970, 250], [970, 90], [1, 1], [728, 90]])
.addSize([728, 0], [[728, 90], [1, 1]])
.addSize([320, 0], [[1, 1], [300, 50], [300, 100], [320, 50], [320, 100]])
.addSize([0, 0], [[1, 1], [320, 50]])
.build();; // Size mapping for leaderboard ads
var medrecmapping = googletag.sizeMapping()
.addSize([1024, 0], [[300, 600],[300, 250]])
.addSize([728, 0], [300, 250])
.addSize([320, 0], [[1, 1],[300, 250]])
.addSize([0, 0], [[1, 1], [300, 250]])
.build(); // Size mapping for med rectengle ads

if(‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_2’ == ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_1’
|| ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_2’ == ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_2’
|| ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_2’ == ‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_3’) {
mapping = googletag.sizeMapping()
.addSize([1920, 0], [[728, 90]]) // >= 1920px
.addSize([1440, 0], [[728, 90]]) // 1440px-1919px
.addSize([730, 0], [[300, 250]]) // 730px-1439px
.addSize([0, 0], [[320, 100], [320, 50], [300, 100], [300, 50], [300, 250]]) // Up to 729px
.build();
} else {
mapping = adType == ‘leaderboard’ ? lbmapping : medrecmapping;
}

googletag.defineSlot(‘/39808611/article_page/article_leaderboard_2’, [[1, 1]],
‘div-gpt-ad-6a1af3a71ae95’).addService(googletag.pubads()).defineSizeMapping(mapping);
googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest();
googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs();
googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-6a1af3a71ae95’);

});
`;
// Append the script to the body
document.body.appendChild(script_6a1af3a71ae95);

The Boozy Milkshakes

Grand Cayman Mudslide

The Mudslide just might be the most essential, creamy frozen drink. Equal parts of vodka (vanilla-flavored, if you’re feeling fancy), Kahlua, and Baileys are blitzed together to a sweet and luscious treat. 

The Bushwacker

The Bushwacker is a delicious marriage between a White Russian, piña colada, and mudslide. It might sound like a lot of flavors at once, but the creamy coconut and coffee liqueur balance each other well. Try out vodka in place of the rum or a splash of orange liqueur for a bright twist.

Frozen Espresso Martini

The simple blend of vodka, coffee, and simple syrup keeps this frozen espresso cocktail refreshing and straightforward. To make it even more decadent, add a bit of Baileys.

More Cocktail Coverage

• The Clementine Fizz combines gin, citrus, and turmeric—need we say more?
• Tired of the heat? Here are 30 cocktails perfect for summer.
• Stir some sherry into the classic Paloma for an effortlessly delicious, low-proof cocktail.
• This just in: Protein has come for cocktails.
• We’re begging you: Stop asking ChatGPT for drink recommendations.

The post These 15 Frozen Cocktails Prove That Slushies Aren’t Just for Kids appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.