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
Kristen says
What a gorgeous creation! And I'll totally support a wine slushie machine kickstarted... hop to it!
runinboise says
I am heading to the store to get a bottle now! I have 2 huge bags of frozen blueberries I need to use & this will be perfect!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
I have a friend who drinks the pink stuff too and I can't help cringing every time. It's just so sweet! I like your wine style. But I must admit, these wine slushies sound perfectly summery!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Best recipe... of ALL recipes... ever. :)
Diana Hall says
Best excuse ever to buy the ice cream attachment for my Kitchenaid stand mixer! Yum!
Diane says
I only drink Merlot however, when I make wine slushies I use the big jug of Carlo Rossi sangria. I pour it into individual plastic cups and freeze them. Yum!!!
Cassie says
It's 5 o'clock somewhere...and I'm wishing it was RIGHT here. ADORE these.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Need these in my life. Stat.
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
How did I not realize you were in St. Louis? Missouri born and raised here and Mizzou grad as well.
I just opened a bottle of pink zin this morning for a recipe - I know exactly what I'm doing with the rest of it!
Jenny @ BAKE says
This sounds like an amazing party drink to break out as guests arrive instead of a cocktail!