Description
Cool down with this refreshing Apple Cider Slushie, a delightful blend of sweet apple cider, warm spices, and ice. Perfect for hot days or festive gatherings, this slushie is a fun treat for all ages!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Apple slices for garnish (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Its always easier to have everything in one place before you start cooking.
- Measure the Apple Cider: Pour 4 cups of apple cider into a large mixing bowl or pitcher. If you prefer a sweeter slushie, you can use a sweeter variety of apple cider or add the optional brown sugar.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These spices will give your slushie that warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with apple cider.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture. This will help balance the sweetness of the cider and enhance the overall flavor.
- Mix Well: Use a whisk or a spoon to mix everything together until the sugar (if using) is fully dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cider.
- Blend the Mixture: Pour the apple cider mixture into a blender. This is where the magic happens!
- Add Ice: Add 2 cups of ice cubes to the blender. The amount of ice can be adjusted based on how slushy you want your drink to be. More ice will create a thicker slushie.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and slushy. This usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more apple cider to help it blend better.
- Taste Test: Once blended, taste your slushie. If you feel it needs more sweetness, you can add a little more brown sugar or even a splash of maple syrup. Blend again briefly to incorporate any additional ingredients.
- Prepare Your Glasses: Grab your favorite glasses or mason jars for serving. If you want to make it extra special, you can rim the glasses with sugar or cinnamon sugar. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a slice of lemon and then dip it into a plate of sugar mixed with a little cinnamon.
- Pour the Slushie: Carefully pour the slushie mixture into the prepared glasses. You can fill them to the top, as this drink is meant to be enjoyed!
- Garnish: For a beautiful presentation, garnish each slushie with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick. This not only looks great but also adds a little extra flavor as you sip.
- Serve Immediately: The slushie is best enjoyed right away while its still icy and refreshing. If you let it sit too long, it may melt and lose that delightful slushy texture.
- Sip and Savor: Grab a straw or a spoon and dig in! Enjoy the refreshing taste of apple cider combined with the chill of ice. Its perfect for a hot day or as a fun fall treat.
- Store Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because its so delicious!), you can store the slushie in an airtight container in the freezer. Just remember that it may need a quick blend again to regain its slushy texture when youre ready to enjoy it.
Notes
- Add Alcohol for an Adult Version: Consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon for a festive adult treat.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try different spices or add a splash of cranberry juice for a twist. You can also use sparkling apple cider for a fizzy version.
- Make It a Smoothie: For a healthier option, add a banana or some spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes