Slushie Recipe
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Today, we’re diving into the world of icy, blissful indulgence with a homemade slushie recipe that’ll knock your flip-flops off. Forget those run-of-the-mill, gas station slushies; we’re talking about a frosty concoction you can whip up in your own kitchen, turning an ordinary day into a mini-vacation. Whether you’re lounging poolside, chilling in your backyard, or just craving a sweet escape, this slushie is your ticket to a cool, refreshing paradise.
Looking for more fun ways to cool down? Try my Slow Melting Jell-O Popsicles!

Why You’ll Love These Kool-Aid Slushies
- Customizable Flavors: Why stick to the usual suspects when you can mix and match to create your dream flavor combo? From tropical mango-pineapple to a zesty berry-lime, the flavor possibilities are endless. You’re the mix-master of your slushie world!
- Fun Activity: Making slushies can be a blast, especially if you’ve got kids, or you’re a kid at heart. It’s a simple, fun summer treat that gets everyone involved and ends with a delicious treat.
- Cost-Effective: Let’s talk budget – making slushies at home can be a fraction of the cost than buying them out. Plus, you can make a big batch to share, saving you those extra bucks for your next summer splurge.
I grew up in a town with NO gas stations. That means I was deprived of the coveted slushie every summer. That is, until we realized we could make our own at home! The recipe has adjusted ever so slightly, but the flavor and texture remains the same. Light, fluffy blended ice and bold flavor. The best part? The only “special equipment” you need is a blender!
Whether it’s the tangy zing of citrus, the sweet caress of ripe berries, or the exotic allure of tropical fruits, each slushie is a unique journey of tastes. The textures are just as delightful – a perfect balance between liquid and ice, creating a slushy consistency that’s both satisfying and thirst-quenching. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience – a refreshing, flavor-packed escape that leaves you craving for more with every playful, frosty gulp.
Slushie Recipe Ingredients
This slushie recipe calls for fairly basic ingredients. Carbonated soda gives it that lighter slushie texture an powdered drink mix, like Kool-Aid, give it bold flavor! Truly a great way to beat the heat on a hot summer day. Here is what you need to get started:
- Soda: Specifically, Sprite, club soda, seltzer, tonic water or ginger ale. The carbonation helps to give the drink that classic light fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Just a touch of sugar to cut back on the tang of straight drink powder.
- Powdered Drink Mix: Drink mixes will give you a more bold flavor in place of fruit juice. Kool-Aid powder is always a good cheap option, but you can use any powdered drink mix. Your flavor options are nearly endless and you can use your favorite flavors! If you opt for a mix that doesn’t need added sugar, skip the sugar called for in this recipe.
- Ice Cubes: More ice = more slush. Less ice = drink consistency that is still delicious.
How To Make Kool Aid Slushies
Once you’ve tried this recipe you’ll be obsessed with trying all of the different flavors. It’s a summer drink that everyone will be begging for- and you don’t even need a slushie machine! Your only worry? The occasional brain freeze.
- PREP: Gather all of the ingredients for your slush drink.
- BLEND: Add the soda, sugar, drink mix and 1 cup of ice to a blender. Pulse until it mixes together. Add 2 to 3 cups of additional ice and pulse until it breaks down to the slushy consistency.
- ENJOY: Divide between two tall glasses and enjoy!
Helpful Tools
- Good Blender: Do you need a fancy blender for this recipe? No, but it does help to use a high powered blender (affiliate) to break down the ice into smaller pieces.
- Measuring Cup: Having a good quality measuring cup (affiliate) with a good pour spout is SO handy when adding things to the blender.
- Straws: You can grab a slushie cup (affiliate) that comes with a lid and straw, OR you can pick up a pack of slushie straws (affiliate) for just $. They have a spoon at the end that makes them super easy to use.
Recipe Notes:
Sure can. Add vodka to your blender in place of some of the soda and enjoy!
It’s super simple! You’ll need your favorite Kool-Aid flavor (in powder form), sugar, water, and ice. A blender is your best buddy for this recipe.
Kool-Aid can be pretty tart on its own, so sugar is like the sidekick that balances it out. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can adjust the amount or use a substitute.
For this recipe it’s best to stick with club soda or some sort of fizzy drink. The carbonation is what helps make this refreshing slushie that classic texture.
The secret’s in the ice-to-liquid ratio. Start with about 2 cups of ice for every cup of Kool-Aid mixture. Blend it up, and add more ice if needed until you get that dreamy slushie texture.
Slushies are best served fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead, freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. When it’s party time, just blend the cubes for instant slushie magic!
Serve it in a fun glass with a straw and maybe a fresh fruit garnish for that extra pizzazz. It’s all about that Insta-worthy presentation!
More Fun Drink Recipes To Try
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Homemade Slushie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups lemon lime soda
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon powdered drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
- 3-4 cups of ice
Instructions
- Add the soda, sugar, drink mix powder, and 1 cup of ice to a blender.
- Pulse until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Add 2-3 additional cups of ice, blending until the slushie consistency is reached.
- Divide between two glasses and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
More Frozen Treats to Try
- Copycat Wendy’s Frosty
- Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino Recipe
- Frozen Butterbeer Recipe
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade Recipe
- Strawberry and Cream Milkshake
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Jesseca is the creator of One Sweet Appetite, sharing easy, family-friendly recipes. A full-time food blogger, photographer, and four-time cookbook author, she loves helping home cooks build confidence in the kitchen. When she’s not creating recipes, she’s spending time with family, sipping coffee, or planning her next adventure.