Wine Slushies are a refreshing way to cool off when the weather heats up, and this cherry vanilla version is scrumptious with its juicy dark cherries, sweet Moscato, and hint of pure vanilla!
Summer is in full swing and it's getting HOT. So I decided that Wine Slushies would be an entirely appropriate way to embrace the rising temps!
Have you jumped on this bandwagon yet? I suppose the inspiration for this concoction should originally be credited to the clever Venetian bartender who, decades, ago, combined pureed peaches and sparkling white wine in his little bellini invention...and then to Macaroni Grill (??? -- ha) for transforming that concept into a frozen boozy beverage.
Regardless, Wine Slushies are currently taking the internet by storm. And seeing as how I'm partial to both fruit and wine, I decided to join in on the fun with this cherry vanilla version, my nod to a flavor combination that I rather enjoyed back in college with waaaay too many Route 44 Cherry Vanilla Cokes.
How to Make Them
As a bonus, these Wine Slushies are super-dee-duper easy to make.
Simply puree a bag of frozen cherries with a couple cups of Moscato and a splash of pure vanilla extract.
Blend until smooth and frosty and -- ta da! A frozen delight fit for a girls' night in...or a tired mom come kids-are-in-bed-time.
I won't judge, friends...and I might just join ya.
Ingredients + Substitutions
I chose to make my Wine Slushies with Moscato -- which one of my friends fittingly refers to as "Skittles in a Glass" -- because slushies are supposed to be sweet, no?
Of course, if your cherries are super sweet, or if you'd prefer your slushie to be a bit less saccharine, you can substitute Riesling instead of Moscato.
But honestly, feel free to use your favorite light and fruity white wine...Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, whatever floats your boat.
If fresh cherries are sweet and in season, feel free to buy some to pit and freeze yourself for churning into slushies. If not, however, a 16-ounce bag of frozen dark cherries will work just dandy and allow you to enjoy this drink any 'ol time, cherry season or not.
Speaking of the cherries, feel free to swap another type of frozen fruit for the cherries...berries, peaches, pineapple, mangoes, the possibilities are endless!
And if the vanilla in this recipe doesn't particularly complement a particular type of fruit that you decide to substitute -- free free to leave it out.
A Note About the Vanilla
Back to the vanilla...if you include it, it's very, very important to use a good-quality pure vanilla extract (y'all already know my favorite).
And don't go overboard with it! Start with 1/4 teaspoon, and if you crave a stronger vanilla flavor, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon at a time, tasting between additions.
Or if you prefer, leave out the vanilla altogether to enjoy pure and unadulterated Wine Slushie bliss.
Orrrr -- if your Geman mother taught you from an early age to keep a small bottle of kirschwasser (cherry schnapps) alongside the extracts in your spice cabinet for jazzing up various cherry desserts -- you may even add a splash of that to your slushies for super-charged cherry flavor. After all, German mothers aren't afraid of a little kirschwasser in their Wine Slushies...or their Black Forest Cherry Cakes. 😉
So who's ready for a boozy frozen beverage? I foresee myself enjoying Wine Slushies all spring and summer long.
In fact, if you'll excuse me, the kids are finally in bed and I think I hear a container of leftover burgundy goodness calling me from the freezer...
More Frosty Beverages
- Mexican Martini {Trudy's Copycat}
- Fresh Pineapple Margaritas
- Strawberry Lemonade Mojitos {or Faux-jitos}
- Boozy Arnold Palmer
Wine Slushies
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 2 cups chilled Moscato, OR Reisling OR your favorite light/fruity white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon good-quality pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a blender, combine frozen cherries, chilled wine, and vanilla. Purée until completely smooth. Serve immediately. If a thicker slushie is preferred, pop mixture in the freezer for a bit, stirring occasionally, until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- You may use fresh cherries if they are in season, but be sure to pit them and freeze them first.
- Feel free to change up the type of fruit you use in your Wine Slushies -- frozen peaches, pineapple, mango, or any berries would all be delicious! You may also omit the vanilla if you don't care for it OR if it doesn't complement your choice of substituted fruit.
Post originally published on May 2, 2016.
Lorr
These sound wonderful as is, but I couldn't help wondering how a little chocolate liquor mixed in there would taste for us chocolate-covered cherry lovers!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Well, I'm pretty sure that's the best idea I've heard all day, Lorr! YUM.
BirdSong
These are totally amazing!! They are my new favorite drink- TFS!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Yay!!! So happy to hear these were a hit! 🙂