If you’re looking for a refreshing and festive way to wow your guests this holiday season, the Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade Slush Drink Recipe is an absolute winner. This vibrant and bubbly slush blends tangy cranberry juice, zesty lemonade, and bright orange flavors with a fizzy punch of Cherry 7Up, creating a sweet and tart sensation that sings in every sip. Perfect for gatherings big or small, this easy-to-make sparkling slush elevates simple ingredients into a show-stopping celebration drink that everyone will adore, from kids to adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is how straightforward and vibrant the ingredient list is. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and effervescence, while also contributing beautiful color and texture to the final drink.
- Water (4 cups): The base for dissolving sugar and balancing flavors without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Sugar (1 & 1/2 cups): Sweetens the slush and enhances the natural tartness of cranberry and citrus.
- 100% Cranberry Juice (5 cups): Offers a sharp, vibrant tang and beautiful ruby hue.
- Frozen Lemonade (2 cans, 24 oz each): Adds a cool, zesty texture and bright lemon flavor straight from the freezer.
- Orange Juice (3 cups): Brings a smooth, citrusy sweetness that complements the lemon and cranberry superbly.
- Lemon or Orange Slice (optional): For rimming glasses and providing an extra citrusy aroma.
- Colored Sugar (optional): Adds festive sparkle and a sweet finish to the glass rims.
- Cherry 7Up (6 liters): The fizzy sparkle that lightens the slush and creates a playful, effervescent finish.
- Fresh Cranberries (to garnish): For a festive pop of color and seasonal charm.
- Orange Slices (to garnish): Enhance presentation and add a fragrant citrus note.
How to Make Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade Slush Drink Recipe
Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
Start by combining 4 cups of water with 1 and a half cups of sugar in a large pot. Heat this over high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. This syrup will give your slush a perfect balance of sweetness without any gritty sugar crystals.
Step 2: Add the Juices and Frozen Lemonade
Once the syrup is ready, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the 5 cups of cranberry juice, two frozen lemonade cans (don’t thaw them!), and 3 cups of fresh orange juice. Mixing them while the lemonade is frozen ensures your slush will have the right icy texture.
Step 3: Stir Until Smooth
Keep stirring the mixture until the frozen lemonade starts to dissolve smoothly within the liquid base. This might take a minute or two, but it’s essential for that refreshing, zesty flavor you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Pour your vibrant juice blend into two wide, shallow dishes—like 9×13 inch casserole pans or cake pans work perfectly. Cover them with foil or plastic wrap, then pop them into the freezer. Let them freeze until fully solid, at least 3 hours or even up to a week if you want to prepare ahead.
Step 5: Prepare the Glass Rims
Before serving, add a little festive flair by sugaring your glass rims. Rub a lemon or orange slice around the rim, then dip the rim into a bowl of colored sugar of your choice. This step is fun to do ahead of time so the sugar can dry and stick nicely.
Step 6: Serve Your Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade Slush Drink Recipe
When the slush is frozen solid, break it up with a fork to create icy chunks and spoon them into each glass. Top off every glass with a generous pour of Cherry 7Up for that classic sparkling lift. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice for a final festive touch!
How to Serve Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade Slush Drink Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cranberries and crisp orange slices are your go-to garnishes. They not only look incredibly festive and eye-catching but also add a subtle burst of brightness with each sip. If you want to get fancy, a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick can elevate both aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
This slush pairs beautifully with light, savory snacks. Think classic cheese and cracker platters, roasted nuts, or even spiced finger foods. Its sweet-tart profile cuts through rich flavors and keeps things feeling fresh and balanced on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the slush in clear glass mugs or elegant stemware so the brilliant red color shines through. Adding festive stir sticks or themed cocktail umbrellas can amp up the party vibe. For a crowd-pleasing idea, serve the slush from a large punch bowl with floating cranberries and citrus wheels to keep everyone helping themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any slush left after your gathering, it’s best stored covered in the freezer. Transfer it into airtight containers to avoid any freezer odors. When you want to enjoy it again, just let the slush soften slightly before serving.
Freezing
This sparkling slush freezes beautifully thanks to its juice and soda content. Just be sure to use shallow containers for quicker and more even freezing. Also, don’t add the Cherry 7Up before freezing—mix it in fresh at serving time for the best fizz.
Reheating
This recipe is made to be enjoyed chilled and slushy, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, let the slush thaw naturally at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes and then fluff it up with a fork before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of frozen lemonade?
You certainly can, but frozen lemonade adds a perfect icy consistency that fresh juice alone won’t provide. If using fresh juice, consider adding ice cubes or freezing some lemonade beforehand to maintain that slushy texture.
Can I make this slush without Cherry 7Up?
Yes! While Cherry 7Up adds delightful fizz and a cherry twist, you could substitute with any lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a less sweet, bubbly alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! This drink contains no alcohol, making it a fun, festive, and family-friendly refreshment that kids will love because of its fruity flavor and bubbly delight.
How far in advance can I prepare the slush?
It can be made up to a week in advance and safely stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy party planners.
Can I add alcohol to this slush?
If you want an adult twist, adding a splash of vodka or a fruity rum pairs wonderfully, but add it only after the slush is thawed slightly to maintain the texture and prevent freezing solid.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this sparkling cranberry lemonade slush drink recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple at your holiday parties and summer gatherings alike. There’s something genuinely joyful about sipping that icy, bubbly goodness that combines tangy, sweet, and fizzy into one magical moment. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch your friends light up with every chilly sip!
Print
Sparkling Cranberry Lemonade Slush Drink Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sparkling Christmas Slush Drink is a festive, refreshing beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tart cranberry juice, sweet lemonade, and bright orange juice, it creates a vibrant, icy treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious. Garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices, and served with a sugared rim, this drink is a delightful crowd-pleaser ideal for serving in large batches at parties.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 5 cups 100% cranberry juice
- 2 (24-oz) cans frozen lemonade
- 3 cups orange juice
- 6 liters Cherry 7Up (Three 2-liter bottles)
Sweeteners & Garnishes
- 1 & 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 lemon or orange (optional, for rimming glasses)
- Colored sugar (optional, for rimming glasses)
- Fresh cranberries (to garnish)
- Orange slices (to garnish)
Instructions
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water with 1½ cups of sugar. Heat over high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved to form a simple syrup.
- Add Juices: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 5 cups of cranberry juice, 2 frozen cans (24 oz each) of lemonade without thawing, and 3 cups of orange juice. Stir gently until the frozen lemonade slowly dissolves into the mixture.
- Prepare for Freezing: Pour the combined juice mixture evenly into two 9×13 inch casserole dishes or any wide shallow dishes available.
- Freeze the Mixture: Cover the dishes and freeze until the mixture is solid, which takes at least 3 hours and up to 1 week in advance.
- Sugar the Glass Rims: Meanwhile, pour colored sugar into a small bowl or plate. Rub the rim of each serving glass with the lemon or orange slice, then dip the rim into the colored sugar to coat. Allow the rims to dry; this can be done an hour or more before serving or even the night before the event.
- Serve the Slush: When ready to serve, use a fork to break up the frozen juice mixture into slushy chunks and scoop some into each sugared rim glass.
- Add Sparkling Cherry 7Up: Pour Cherry 7Up into each glass over the slush to add sparkling bubbles and sweetness.
- Garnish and Present: Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange if desired, adding festive color and flavor.
Notes
- The frozen lemonade is added directly as is to the juice mixture without thawing to create the icy slush texture.
- Colored sugar for rimming glasses adds a decorative festive touch; red, green, or white sugar all work well for Christmas themes.
- This recipe serves 24 people, making it ideal for large holiday parties or gatherings.
- Freezing the mixture can be done up to one week in advance, making prep easy and stress-free.
- The cherry 7Up adds a fizzy, sweet finish to the tart slush base, balancing flavors perfectly.
