Frozen Vodka Slush
Frozen Vodka Slush is a family favorite from way back in the day. This simple recipe combines frozen orange juice and lemonade, sugar, green tea, and vodka. A perfect large-batch cocktail to prepare ahead of time and so refreshing for warm nights on the patio!
Try our Pink Lemonade Vodka Slush next!
Vodka Slush Cocktails
I should have called this recipe the “Reding Family Holiday Slush“. Because that’s basically what it is. For as long as I can remember, we drank vodka slush at our family gatherings, and we still do. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, graduations, and birthdays meant vodka slushes and good times. This is a “next level” special drink for our family.
Mom almost always had a “bucket” of slush (using repurposed plastic ice cream containers) in her freezer for when we all gathered. I’m pretty sure I drank it in high school (or before) WITH my family. Hello, we grew up Catholic and drinks are welcome for most ages. 😀
The weirdest thing is that we rarely drank slush in the summertime. But I’m putting an end to that here and now, because a frozen slushy concoction is BEST when we have warm weather, don’t you think?
Why This Recipe Works:
- SIMPLE TO PREP – If you can boil water, you can make this recipe. Such a simple recipe to prepare and it stores well too.
- LARGE BATCH – This slush feeds a crowd and I’ve made it for many gatherings. Slushy cocktails are always a great choice!
- FAMILY RECIPE – This recipe has been around for as long as I can remember. My mother made it again and again and now all of my siblings do too.
- PERFECT SUMMERTIME SLUSH – A refreshing slush is a necessary thing when we’re sweating it out here in HOT Texas. Vodka slush plus a pool party plus summer bbqs is my kind of jam!
Ingredients needed for Frozen Vodka Slush Recipe:
These simple ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store.
- Frozen Items – You’ll need one large can of frozen orange juice concentrate and lemonade concentrate. The orange juice is what gives this drink that lovely bright yellow color!
- Sugar – You’ll need some granulated sugar to sweeten our vodka slush.
- Green Tea – Green tea adds to the taste plus it makes our slush “healthy” – LOL.
- Vodka – Use good quality vodka, as always, for best results (and easier on the body too).
- Sprite/7Up – This is optional, but a splash to serve gets the frozen cocktail to melt slightly and makes it easier to drink. You can also skip it, and just wait for the individual drinks to become slushy.
If you have 15 minutes, that’s all you’ll need to make vodka slush. Of course, you’ll need plenty of time for the freezing process (or about 24 hours). Very simple to make and super handy to have available in your freezer for last-minute happy hours or just because.
How to make this Frozen Vodka Slush Recipe:
Step 1
Prep. To make this recipe, you’ll need a large airtight container with a lid along with the recipe ingredients listed.
Step 2
Dissolve the sugar. Boil 6-7 cups of water on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
Step 3
Steep the green tea. Boil two cups of water and add four bags of green tea. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes. Stir well.
Step 4
Empty the frozen products in the container. Empty the frozen orange juice and lemonade into a large container.
Step 5
Add remaining ingredients. To the container, add the water and sugar mixture, seeped tea, and vodka. Stir until the frozen ingredients are fully dissolved.
Step 6
Freeze. After the mixture has cooled off, place the container in your freezer for approximately 24 hours.
Step 7
Serve. To serve, set the slush out on your counter, and let it slightly soften. Spoon slush mixture into glasses, add a splash of Sprite or 7UP (or any lemon-lime soda), and serve with a spoon or a straw. Enjoy your happy hour!
Recipe FAQs:
I have passed this recipe on to many friends and this is what they normally ask me. You can use any vodka you have on hand BUT just be wary if it is super cheap. Cheap alcohol equals headaches even if you don’t over-drink. I usually use a fairly good quality vodka, like Kettle 1.
The simple answer to this question is absolutely not. You can skip the green tea if you want. However, I feel like it adds to the taste, and it’s easy to keep green tea in the pantry.
This is a tricky question. My mom often kept “buckets” of slush in the freezer for months if it didn’t get consumed at our holiday gatherings (which was rare). It was still good! But for best results, I recommend drinking it by the end of three months.
![l]]]]]]]]]]]]ofTwo overhead shot s of ftwo glasses of slush.](https://suebeehomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/frozen-vodka-slush-2.jpg)
Snacks to serve with Slush Drinks:
As with all happy hours, it’s best to eat while drinking. You’ve come to the right place for that, and I’ll share a few of my favorite recipes to munch on while slushing. 😀
- Creamy Jalapeño Queso – A spicy queso with salty chips goes perfectly with these somewhat sweet cocktails.
- Classic Taco Pizza – You can make this pizza in advance. Save some time and use store-bought crust!
- Balsamic Glazed Tomatoes and Burrata – The simplest of appetizers, and oh so yummy.
- Spicy Chex Party Mix – Watch out, cuz this snack is super tasty!
Try these summertime cocktails next!
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Frozen Vodka Slush Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz. frozen orange juice
- 12 oz. frozen lemonade
- 6 cups water
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 4 bags green tea
- 24 – 28 oz. good quality vodka
- Sprite to serve – optional
Instructions
- Prep. To make this recipe, you'll need a large Tupperware container with a lid along with the recipe ingredients listed.
- Dissolve the sugar. Boil seven cups of water with 1 1/4 cups of sugar until sugar dissolves. Add to container.
- Steep the green tea. Boil two cups of water and add four bags of green tea. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes. Stir well.
- Empty the frozen products in the container. Empty the frozen orange juice and lemonade into a large container.
- Add remaining ingredients. To the container, add the water and sugar mixture, seeped tea, and vodka. Stir until the frozen ingredients are fully dissolved.
- Serve. To serve, set the slush out on your counter, and let it slightly soften. Spoon slush into glasses, add a splash of Sprite or 7UP, and serve with a spoon or a straw. Enjoy!
Notes
- I use Kettle 1 for this vodka slush.
- This vodka slush lasts in the freezer for up to three months (or maybe even longer.
I found the slush to leave a slight bitter taste in my mouth.
Hmmm, I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the slush like we do!
So excited to find this. My mom made this for years. She loved it. Since she passed I thought the recipe was lost. Thank you for such a great memory and I will be making this soon!
My mother made this slush for special events too! I’m glad you found me, Kay!
I’m so excited to make this – haven’t had this in many, many years! Gathering all the ingredients and see I don’t have the lemonade, but I have limeade. Do you think that will work with the OJ, or will it taste weird?
I haven’t tested this recipe with limeade so I really can’t say. Good luck!
many years ago we made this so glad to find the recipe again. Is there any way to email this to my daughter?
You can copy this link and send in your email.
https://suebeehomemaker.com/frozen-vodka-slush-recipe/
Has anyone made this with an artificial sweetener vs sugar?
Can I omit the orange juice and add another lemonade?
The taste will be pretty different, but you can definitely give it a try.
Every year, my sister in-law sends a text to make sure I am going to have this in the freezer when everyone gets together for Christmas! 🙂 Always a big hit!
This is probably my favorite slush recipe on the blog. Also nostalgic for me!
Is it necessary to use the simple syrup? I’m thinking just use water instead. I’m finding it very sweet.
Yes, feel free to add less sugar!
My family has made Orange Juice Slush for holidays & family gatherings since probably the ’70s. Like you, I drank it as a teen with my family! Ours was made with regular tea instead of green tea and bourbon instead of vodka. The rest of the ingredients are the same. I’ll have to give your version a try sometime, but do love our bourbon version!
That sounds great too, Michele!
I just realized I didn’t give this a rating, just a review. Definitely a 5 star recipe!
This is always favorite! We made these the other night, and once again they did not disappoint! So yummy and so easy!
I’m so glad, Terry! This slush is one of our favs too!
Thanks for posting this Sue! This recipe is awesome!
You’re welcome, Adam! Enjoy! 🙂
How much vodka u use
25 ounces
Do you need the additional two cups of water if you are not using the green tea?
The slush will just be a little bit stronger if you don’t use the extra two cups of water (more alcohol content to water). You can definitely skip the green tea and just use extra water, but either way is fine. Good luck!
I make this for every Ugandan gathering, they are hooked!! So many memories around this one!!
I’m so glad they enjoy it, Shari! Now they have the recipe so they can make it too!! 🙂
Your recipe is one of my favorites!! Yum!!
Thank you Terry! I’ve got some in my freezer, so just come on over anytime!! 🙂
Seriously one of your BEST drink recipes, right next to the tropical sangria! So yummy & refreshing!!
Ahhh, thank you sweet Tiff. It’s one of my all-time favorites!
I want to make this as a summertime drink for my grandkids. If I omit the vodka, what should I use instead?
The best drink for parties and family gatherings ever because it tastes great and……
1) It is quick to make.
2) It can be made in advance.
3) It serves a lot of people .
4) Its fun and social.
You got it! THE perfect cocktail!