5 irresistible, slurpable summer slushes
Happy hours this summer aren't about the authentic martini or the perfect pint. They're about the alcoholic slush.
These sludgy, crystallized drinks (trademarked brands include Icees and 7-Eleven's Slurpees) are a mixture of sugar and water with flavor additions including coffee or carbonated beverages.
Kate Laufer Gorenstein, of premium liquor brand public relations company KLG Public Relations, tells Mashable, "Frosé has certainly played a role in the popularity of the adult slush ... People want to drink something that is refreshing and lower in proof during the summer months. That said, the adult slushee has been around long before the frosé craze and it will be around after. There is the obvious tie into nostalgia."
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In a traditional slush, sugar must comprise 12 to 22 percent of the mixture to ensure the drink stays wet and icy without becoming a frozen block of ice.
Gorenstein says the proper slush is all about proportion and the right ingredients and has "seen bourbons, Fernet Branca and just about anything used."
With these late summer slushes, your biggest problem will be pacing yourself so you don't get brain freeze.
1. Frozen margarita
Frozen margaritas were making waves before frosé was even a twinkle in your trendy eye. Though you could blow the bank on a frozen drink machine, it's easy enough to grab a can of frozen limeade and your blender for this frosty treat.
2. Frozen Negroni
This take on the classic Florentine cocktail is made of gin, vermouth rosso and Campari, which is a slightly bitter grapefruit liqueur.
3. Frozen Paloma
Take your post-beach fiesta to the next level with this cousin to the margarita. Make it with fresh grapefruit juice and mezcal instead of tequila for an extra smoky punch.
4. Frozen shandy
Half beer, half lemonade (or other nonalcoholic drink), entirely tasty. Make your own with grapefruit juice, pre-bottled shandy and a blender. Or leave out the booze for an entirely kid-friendly slush.
5. Champagne-sicle
Posh British specialty foods store Fortnum & Mason offers an entire line of elegant alcoholic popsicles that range from blanc de blanc champagne to gin and sherry summer cup versions. They are made by POPS and though they aren't truly slush drinks, they are too fun not to include on this list.
Sarah Spigelman Richter is a contributor to Mashable's Food channel. Sarah covers everything edible, from the food industry to D.I.Y. recipes. She was previously the community manager for Tastemade NYC and her writing has been seen on The Today Show's food blog, Refinery 29, the Food Network, and Gothamist. She has also developed recipes for Tabasco and other nationally recognized brands and has blogged for 5 years at "Fritos and Foie Gras." Sarah is obsessed with "Orphan Black" and chili-cheese Fritos and is still depressed that Loehmann's closed.
