Welcome to the dog days of summer. When we kick off our shoes at every possible opportunity, the sun starts to dip below the horizon just a moment earlier every night (but we’re in total denial about it), and the every night is BBQ night. Nothing complements a fire-cooked meal like a drink so cold its condensation drips down your palm and into your lap – but in the heat, you barely notice.
This is also the time of year, luckily, when the cherry harvest is in full force and everywhere you look in grocery stores and farmers markets, there is a pile of them. I don’t know about you, but it always feels like I’ve struck oil in my backyard whenever I see a display of plump, juicy summer cherries. (Can you imagine my glee when I actually got to pick them? I’m actually surprised that Bryan still wants to be seen with me after that day).
Summer finally came to Chicago, thank goodness, a few weeks ago, and that means taking advantage of every excuse to go outside and soak up the sun (She says while sitting in a dark room with the shade drawn staring at a computer screen. Who doesn’t love a little irony?), preferably with a drink in your hand. My favorite part about this drink is that it’s just as good with alcohol as without. Or, if you’re like me, with just a tiny splash. Hi, I’m a lightweight.
Even though it’s called a slushie, there is no special equipment required, though if you have one of those ice-crushing margarita machines, you could certainly use your fancy machine-crushed ice. Lucky you! I don’t even have a fridge that crushes ice so I had to do it the old fashioned way: put the ice in a zip-top bag and smack it with a rolling pin. It’s an age-old tradition. (Maybe.)
Other than that, everything you need is as straightforward as it gets: bottled sweet cherry juice (preferably unsweetened; look for nothing but cherry juice in the ingredient list), whole pitted cherries (I used fresh, but I’ll bet frozen would work just as well), fresh lime juice, a blender and of course, vodka.
If you’re extremely sensitive to vodka, I’d recommend springing for one of the more premium varieties that are gluten free, since they’re made from corn, potatoes or grapes. My favorite is Tito’s, but if you can’t find that, Smirnoff is more widely available. In case you’re curious, here is the full list. You can also, of course, use a different liquor like rum, or skip the booze altogether. It’s still just as delicious, refreshing and summery either way.
Cherry Lime Slushie
Naturally Sweetened Cherry Lime Vodka Slushie - because delicious cocktails shouldn't be full of sugar and artificial ingredients!Â
Ingredients
- 4-6 ice cubes
- 1 ½ Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1.5 ounces vodka, 1 shot
- 3 ounces no-sugar-added sweet cherry juice, 2 shots
- ½ Tablespoon honey
- 6 whole cherries, pits and stems removed
Instructions
- Add the ice to a high speed blender, preferably with an ice crush (or equivalent) setting.
- Pulse several times to puree the ice, transfer crushed ice to a glass.
- Add all of the ingredients except the ice to the blender and blend until smooth
- Pour the cherry mixture over the ice and garnish the glass with lime slices and fresh cherries (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan or FODMAP diet compliance.
- To prep this drink in advance, crush the ice and store it, in the serving glass, in the freezer until ready to serve. Blend the remaining ingredients and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- To make a virgin version, skip the vodka and add one additional shot of cherry juice.
- To make a more snow cone-like slushie, freeze the cherry juice mixture + 1/3 cup water in ice cube trays, then run them through a high speed blender to create "snow".
- Yield: One serving. Multiply as necessary.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 185Sodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 22gSugar: 18g
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Julia says
This is the type of cocktail I could put on repeat – I love simple, refreshing bevvies that include zero refined sugar and I’m loving your cherry juice idea here. So pretty and tasty!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Totally! I would be lying if I said it wasn’t already in repeat in my house 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Yum! I have never had cherry and lime together but it sounds delish and the color is fantastic 🙂
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Oh, you have to try it! The two flavors are a great compliment to one another 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal says
Nora, I have done my fair share of shades drawn room sitting this summer so I feel you 🙂 This slushie looks so refreshing and I love that it has cherries and lime–that is the perfect slushie combo!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Well at least you have a great (and adorable) reason! I hope you are catching some naps in those dark rooms. FYI this drink is just as delicious without the vodka!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Look at that pour shot! I want to grab that drink and enjoy it while louging around on this hot day! Hooray for Cherries and their abundance! Oh yesss…. the days are getting shorter, but there’s still summer to be had! I’m loving this sipper, Nora! It’s perfect right now. And cherries? What’s not to love! Thank you for this my dear!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
You’re welcome, Traci! I couldn’t agree more – let’s enjoy the rest of summer while it lasts!!
Monica says
Ahh the photos here looks beautiful! A totally refreshing, bright red splash of summer; makes me giddy just looking at the drink and thinking about all the cherries (: Well done!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Thanks, Monica!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
This looks DELICIOUS. We always have a ton of no-sugar added cherry juice around the house, because my roommate likes to drink it for her kidneys. So I think I have all of the ingredients! So glad I stumbled upon your blog today 🙂
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
What a great ingredient to have around on a regular basis! It is kind of my weakness 🙂 I am so glad you stumbled upon the site too. Welcome!!
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
Oh Nora. . .looking at this is making me so thirsty. Sadly the last two times I have ventured to the grocery store, cherries were no where to be seen. As much as I hate to admit it. . .I think cherry season is a distant memory in my neck of the woods. But I will continue to scour the markets for these ruby beauties as I need a sip of this (and my morning ritual of yogurt topped with poached cherries).
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Don’t worry, Lynne, you can use frozen cherries instead! I have been having trouble finding them lately, too, even though they were abundant a couple of weeks ago when I made this drink.
Cakespy says
I want to be a lush for this slush!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Haha! That can be arranged!
Mary Frances says
Your photography is just so … I can’t even. Those cherries look incredible. And then that slush! Sonic is my kryptonite and being able to avoid the sugar crash – yes please!
PS Nora, you are just the sweetest. Thanks for the encouragement about college, I appreciate it lots! <3
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Wow, thank you!! I have never had the Sonic version to be honest (or, actually, been to Sonic) but I hope this lives up to it! Hope you’re having a great first week(s) at college!
Cate | Chez CateyLou says
This looks so refreshing – what a perfect beverage for the dog days of summer! And yes, I’m totally in denial about the nights getting shorter. Gorgeous photos too – just stunning!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Thanks, Cate!