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If you’re looking for a vibrant, festive drink that’s bursting with bright flavors and the perfect icy chill, this Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the tartness of cranberry and citrus shining through with a sweet sparkle and a frosty texture that feels like a holiday hug in a glass. This drink brings together simple, fresh ingredients in a way that dazzles guests and makes any gathering feel instantly merry and bright. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this slush is carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and fizzy fun. They’re simple pantry and fridge staples, yet together they create a dazzling holiday treat.
- 4 cups water: The base to dissolve the sugar and create a refreshing backdrop.
- 1 & 1/2 cups sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tart juices.
- 5 cups 100% cranberry juice: The star of the show with its gorgeous ruby color and tangy bite.
- 2 (24-oz) cans frozen lemonade: Frozen for thickness and to deliver authentic lemonade flavor.
- 3 cups orange juice: Brings a sunny citrus punch that brightens up every sip.
- 1/4 lemon or orange (optional): For rimming glasses, adding a festive touch and extra zing.
- colored sugar (optional): Sprinkles of color for the glass rims to amp up the seasonal cheer.
- 6 liters Cherry 7Up (Three 2-liter bottles): The sparkling fizzy element that makes this slush dance on your tongue.
- fresh cranberries (to garnish): Pretty little pops of tartness and a hint of elegance to your drink.
- orange slices (to garnish): Adds a fresh aroma and a splash of bright color.
How to Make Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Sugar
Start by bringing 4 cups of water and 1 & 1/2 cups of sugar to a boil in a large pot. Stir continuously over high heat for about 3-5 minutes until all the sugar dissolves completely. This simple syrup is the backbone of the slush, making sure every sip has that pleasant sweetness without any grit.
Step 2: Combine the Juices and Frozen Lemonade
Remove the syrup from the heat, then pour in the cranberry juice, orange juice, and the frozen lemonade cans. You want the lemonade directly from the freezer – do not thaw or juice it beforehand – so it adds texture and the delicious tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Step 3: Stir Until Even
Take your time mixing everything together gently until the frozen lemonade begins to melt slightly and all the juices are well blended. This step ensures every bite of the slush is bursting with harmonious flavor notes.
Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Pour your slush mixture into two wide, shallow 9×13 casserole dishes or cake pans so it freezes evenly and quickly. Cover them tightly, then pop into the freezer for at least 3 hours, or you can leave it for up to a week if preparing ahead. This is when the magic happens, turning the liquid into a gorgeous icy slush.
Step 5: Prep the Glasses with Festive Sugar Rims
While the slush is freezing, give your glasses a fun makeover. Rub the rims with a lemon or orange wedge to get them sticky, then dip into colored sugar for a whimsical, sparkly border. Red, green, white, or yellow sugar all work wonderfully for Christmas vibes. Doing this step in advance means less fuss when it’s party time.
Step 6: Serve with Sparkle and Fizz
When you’re ready to serve, use a fork to break up the frozen slush into fluffy chunks. Scoop the slush into each glass, then top it off with Cherry 7Up. The fizz brings a playful, bubbly finish that makes every sip lively and refreshing.
Step 7: Garnish to Impress
Finish off with fresh cranberries and bright orange slices. They’re simple, elegant touches that make your Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe feel truly festive and inviting.
How to Serve Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh cranberries and orange slices aren’t just for looks. They add bursts of tartness and citrus aroma that elevate the drinking experience. You can even thread a few cranberries on a cocktail pick for an instant holiday flair.
Side Dishes
This slush pairs beautifully with light, savory snacks like roasted nuts, cheese boards, or crisp veggie platters. The fruity acidity cuts through richness, making it an ideal palate cleanser between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving the slush in clear glasses or mason jars to show off its brilliant crimson hue. Adding festive straws or mini candy canes hooked on the rim will up the holiday cheer. Or, serve it in a hollowed-out watermelon or melon for a striking seasonal punch bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any slush left over, store it covered in the freezer. Because it’s already frozen, just keep it tightly sealed to avoid freezer burn and it will stay fresh for up to a week. You can stir it briskly before serving again to loosen it up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Just be sure to use shallow containers for even freezing, and allow it to thaw slightly before serving so it’s easy to scoop. Avoid freezing the Cherry 7Up with the slush – add the soda fresh at serving time for maximum fizz.
Reheating
Since this is a slushy beverage, reheating isn’t needed. Instead, soften frozen leftovers by letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes or stirring vigorously, then add fresh soda for a perfectly textured, icy drink once again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without cranberry juice?
You can experiment with other fruit juices like pomegranate or cherry juice, but cranberry juice gives that signature tartness and festive color you want for the Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe. Substituting will change the flavor profile quite a bit.
Can I use fresh lemon instead of frozen lemonade?
Frozen lemonade cans are great because they add icy texture and concentrated lemon flavor all at once. Fresh lemon juice won’t freeze the same way, so it’s best to stick to frozen lemonade for the classic slush consistency.
How long can I store the prepared slush before serving?
You can freeze the slush for up to one week ahead, which makes this recipe perfect for holiday meal prep. Just keep it covered tightly and thaw slightly before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe is safe for those avoiding gluten without any changes needed.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Set up a festive drink station with pre-rimmed glasses, garnishes, and chilled Cherry 7Up so guests can scoop their slush and add soda themselves. It’s interactive, fun, and lets everyone customize their pour perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe. The way it combines tart, sweet, and fizzy elements with an icy, slushy texture makes it an instant crowd-pleaser every holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just want a special treat to share with loved ones, this drink will brighten your festivities and put everyone in the Christmas spirit. I can’t wait for you to make it and watch faces light up with every frosty sip!
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Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Lemonade Slush Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sparkling Christmas Slush Drink is a festive, refreshing, and sweet beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining tart cranberry juice, zesty frozen lemonade, and citrusy orange juice, it is sweetened with a simple syrup and frozen into a delightful slush. Served chilled with fizzy Cherry 7Up and garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices, this drink adds a colorful and celebratory touch to any Christmas party.
Ingredients
Syrup and Juice Base
- 4 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 5 cups 100% cranberry juice
- 2 (24-oz) cans frozen lemonade
- 3 cups orange juice
- 1/4 lemon or orange (optional, for rimming glasses)
Additional Ingredients
- Colored sugar (optional, for rimming glasses)
- 6 liters Cherry 7Up (three 2-liter bottles)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the sugar syrup: In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water with 1 1/2 cups sugar. Heat the mixture over high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely to create a simple syrup.
- Add juices and lemonade: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 5 cups cranberry juice, 2 cans (24 oz each) frozen lemonade without thawing, and 3 cups orange juice into the syrup.
- Dissolve lemonade: Stir the mixture until the frozen lemonade slowly dissolves into the mixture, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Freeze the slush mixture: Pour the juice mixture evenly into two 9×13-inch casserole dishes or any wide, shallow containers. Cover and freeze until solid, at least 3 hours or up to 1 week.
- Sugar glass rims: Pour colored sugar into a small bowl or plate. Rub the rims of serving glasses with a lemon or orange slice, then dip the rims into the colored sugar to coat them. Allow rims to dry; this can be done up to an hour before serving or the night before to save time.
- Serve the slush: When ready to serve, use a fork to scrape and break up chunks of the frozen slush from the casserole dishes, and spoon portions into each glass.
- Add Cherry 7Up: Pour chilled Cherry 7Up into each glass over the slush mixture to add a sparkling fizz.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing each glass with fresh cranberries and an orange slice for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use 100% cranberry juice for authentic tartness and flavor.
- The frozen lemonade should be added frozen to create a refreshing slush texture.
- Colored sugar rim adds a decorative and festive element but is optional.
- Freezing time can be extended up to one week if preparing in advance.
- This drink is non-alcoholic and suitable for all ages.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, adjust the amount of lemon or orange used for rimming glass rims.
