Back when I first downloaded Instagram, one of the first photos I snapped was of my then-boyfriend drinking a wine slushy at the California state fair. I had never heard of the glorious thing that is called 'wine slushy,' and so I stood in line over and over again to try all of the flavors. It was so quintessential California, and so perfect on that hot day.
Why it’s taken me years to post a recipe for the delicious creation is something I wasn’t prepared to speak of today. Life gets in the way, wine gets drunk straight from the bottle, and wine slushies became a fond memory. Finally, I got to the point where I just needed one in my hand, dammit!
My favorite flavor by far that day was mixed berry with pink Zinfandel.
Don't miss the video above making this recipe!
Now, here’s the thing: I’m a proud red wine drinker. The darker, the better. Much like my taste in men, the thicker, the more complex, the richer, the happier I am. To buy a bottle of pink Zin for this recipe was slightly torturous. I could feel the guy at the wine store resisting to make a better suggestion. I know he looked at me and thought ‘yeah, she drinks that.’ No offense to you pink Zin lovers---I have a friend who drinks it exclusively with gobs of ice cubes, and I love her guts. But, I’m proud of my purple stained teeth.
I persisted for you. Your life needs wine slushies. Your summer needs it, too.
Why a home version of a slushy machine has yet to be invented is eluding me. So, to mimic the wonderful attributes of a slushy machine, we will use the granita scrape-and-freeze method: After pureeing and straining the mixture, pour it into a shallow baking dish (like a 9" pie plate), and freeze for 2 hours. Scrape the mixture every 30 minutes with a fork to break up the ice crystals. Easy peasy!
One bottle of pink Zinfandel plus 1 cup of mixed frozen berries will make 4 wine slushies. Feel free to double or triple the recipe, stand around on the deck, and enjoy the hot summer sun with a wine slushy in your hand. Bonus points for stripey straws!
Were you hoping to see the vintage insta-shot of wine slushy? I found it, circa 2011:
Wine Slushies
A refreshing wine cocktail that's perfect for the summer.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white Zinfandel (the pink wine)
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
Instructions
- Puree the wine and berries in a blender. Strain the mixture, and then pour the mixture into a shallow dish, like a 9" pie plate.
- Freeze for 30 minutes. Scrape the mixture with a fork. Repeat 3 times for a perfect slushy consistency.
- Divide between 2-4 glasses, let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to defrost, and then serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 351Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 3gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
I adore you for including that IG pic of the original! And I adore this recipe. Another cocktail to add to our "must drink" STL list!
Karly says
Oh, I think I could definitely get down with a wine slushy or two!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Simple perfection! And gorgeous colors! Pinned
Carol at Wild Goose TEa says
You have brighten my world! I am waaaaaaay older than you are and I can't believe I have never heard of such a thing.
What a great way to use a less expensive wine. Totally fun! Thank you, Girl!
Matt Robinson says
Now that Naomi can drink again, no way these aren't happening soon. Love 'em!
Christina Lane says
Did she have the baby?!!
Susan says
I love that you call it "the pink wine". My mom would love this and I happened to have a bottle of "the pink wine" at home from working with a wine company. Now I know what to do with it. Wine slushies for the wine! p.s. I love my deep dark and spicy reds too!
Danae @ recipe runner says
Wine slushies?! Love it, want one right now!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I've never thought to mix wine with ice, but it makes total and complete sense. Hot summer days need this slushie. Your photos are gorgeous.
Monica says
I don't think I've ever had one of these! I'd love to try and I know my sister would love it, too. So pretty!
stacey says
Wine slushies are my drink of choice while I'm wandering the streets of Fredericksburg! I'd never thought to make my own! I'm usually a "the darker and drier the better" red gal, but when summer rolls around I can't keep my grubby paws off of the cold pink wines. A winery near our house makes a Strawberry Riesling and Watermelon White Merlot that I can drink by the gallon come June. They'd be PERFECT for wine slushies!
Stephanie says
Where abouts do u live? I'd love to put an order in for both Strawberry Riesling & Watermelon White Merlot! Sounds super delightfully delicious! :)
Kathy says
Stephanie,
Could you please send me the name of the winery where you purchase the Strawberry Riesling and Watermelon Merlot. Had this once in my travels and would love to share at my next party. Appreciate the help.
Thank you in advance.