Let’s talk homemade slushees, delicious and easy homemade slushies to be exact!
One my daughter’s all time favorite treats is a blue raspberry slushie (or is that slushee, I never quite know). There is a little snow cone place near our home and she’s always finding ways to convince me that we need to go get snow cones. They are great, I’ll give her that, but I kind of want to fall over every time I pay a few bucks for what is basically a cup of ice.
And then there is the issue of the bright blue tongue and lips which make her look like she has hypothermia, and make me feel like I need to call the dentist. I figured there had to be a better way. And there is!
Oh yeah! Fabulous homemade blue raspberry slushies that have been declared “the best ever” by a very honest and incredibly picky ten year old. Woohoo! I have to admit, these turned out all kinds of awesome and are super easy.
When I recently found some McCormick’s Raspberry Extract at my grocery store, I knew I had to try and create a fun, summery, frozen drink with it. I am so thrilled with the results.
This recipe only calls for four ingredients… Water, sugar, McCormick Raspberry Extract and McCormick Food Coloring. My daughter picked the Neon Blue food coloring, but the regular blue would work as well. You can also make this without any food coloring.
I used my ice cream maker to make these, and let me tell you, it is ALL kinds of awesome for this. How I haven’t tried it before is beyond me. It makes PERFECT homemade slushees!
All of the ingredients are mixed up, then into the ice cream maker they go for 20 minutes.
And out came the perfect slushee consistency.
How cool is that???
This made four servings, about one cup a piece. The flavor was perfect and I loved that my daughter’s mouth and teeth were not some crazy shade of blue after she enjoyed her treat. It’s nice to be able to control the amount of food coloring in it.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker and have considered getting one, go for it. They are so easy to use, and I keep finding more ways to use mine (in addition to crazy delicious homemade ice cream). I have the Cuisinart Ice 20 1 1/2 Quart Machine and there is a newer model out for a few dollars more that comes in lots of fun colors.
If you want to make one without an ice cream maker I would try replacing two of the cups of water with ice, and making it in the blender. I haven’t tried that myself, so if anyone does, let me know how it goes.
If you love this recipe, make sure to check out my Disney Dole Whip Recipe as well! While the kids are enjoying one of these frozen treats, whip yourself up a Frozen Margarita or a Frozen Pina Colada!
Easy Homemade Slushies
Easy Homemade Slushee Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp McCormick Raspberry Extract
- 4-6 drops of McCormick Neon Blue Food Coloring or other color of your choice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine water and sugar and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Add in McCormick Raspberry Extract and stir well. Follow with 4-6 drops of McCormick Food Coloring to achieve your desired color. Stir well. Pour into your ice cream maker (this recipe was tested in a 1 and 1/2 quart ice cream maker) and turn on and run according to ice cream maker package directions. Let run for approximately 20 minutes or until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
So much fun! I think next I’m going to try a vanilla version, which is what I typically get at the Snow Cone place we go. Though coconut and lemon sound pretty tasty as well, or even root beer! I’m sure we will be experimenting with this recipe quite a bit this summer. I might even have to try making margaritas in the ice cream maker. 🙂 Cheers!
Cute straws can be found at Sweets & Treats Boutique.
Originally posted in 2013
Megan says
I have an slushie maker! What would you do different to just make slushie mix to go over the ice?? Sounds yummy!!!
Christi says
Megan, hmm. I’m thinking you need to cut back on the water, just not positive how much. I’d maybe try cutting the water in half to try it. I’d leave the coloring and extract the same. Let me know if you try it, I’d love to hear your feedback on how it works as more of a snow cone topping.
Katie says
Hi,
Made these, super yummy but I didn’t get anywhere near enough to fill a mason jar for three people!
Christi says
Katie, what size mason jars did you use? I have the half pint, 8 oz I believe. Was right about four cups into the recipe, four cups out.
Crystal says
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting an ice cream maker and you have convinced me. My daughter is always wanting Sonic slushes. These will be perfect to make at home!! I love the idea of coconut, root bear and vanilla!! Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Margaritas oh yes. Oh yes.
Shannon Harvey - Sweets & Treats says
I’m totally loving this idea using an ice cream maker! You really are the bomb. Olivia would love this. We just went a few weeks ago and got her first snow cone and she loved it. I’m definitely going to have to do this for her and even experiment with the whole ice cream stuffed cones too. I’m a newbie and this sounds so good to me! I’ve never really been a fan of them, but stuffed with ice cream – how could i resist?!?
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I saw your pic on Instagram and could not wait for the recipe!!! I told my kids and they were all super excited. Since school let out my girls and I randomly jump up and down yelling summer summer as my son just watches us! This recipe gets a lot of jumping up and downs from us all!!!
Erin @ Making Memories says
Oh my gosh. My daughter is going to freak out when I make these. Thank you! Pinned.
Shannon says
My parents were recently given a Krupps ice cream maker and it is the BOMB! We were used to the old-school ones that are as loud as a dump truck and take forever. This thing is so easy to use. We will definitely be making these slushees. What other ice cream maker recipes ya got?
Christi says
Shannon, here you go… http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/tag/ice-cream/ The deep dark and delicious chocolate one is incredible, and the vanilla based ones are super easy. Have fun!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
When I ordered my ice cream maker last week I told my husband that slushies were first on my list! 😀
Christi says
Katrina, I’m putting margaritas on that list! 🙂
Karissa K. @ Sweet As A Cookie says
I saw you Instagram this earlier and I have patiently been waiting for the recipe.
I can’t wait to try this. I got an ice cream maker for my birthday last year and this will be the perfect recipe to try first!
Christi says
Karissa, it’s so easy! I can’t wait to try some other varieties as well. 🙂 Enjoy your ice cream maker, I let mine sit forever and now I can’t get enough of it.