My sister Amanda showed up last July in the middle of a heat wave, fanning herself with a takeout menu and looking at me like I was supposed to fix it. I had one can of red wine in the fridge and a bag of frozen berries I'd forgotten about. We dumped everything into the blender with a little orange juice, hit the button, and sat on the porch steps with glasses so cold they left rings on the wood. She took one sip of those red wine slushies, closed her eyes, and said, “This is what summer should taste like.”
If you're looking for other quick drinks that save the day, this Hot Buttered Rum Recipe is perfect for cold nights, this Peach Lemonade Recipe is sweet and easy, and this Best Moscow Mule Recipe takes five minutes too.
Why You Will love this Red Wine Slushies
This red wine slushies comes together in about 4 minutes, and that's if you're moving slowly. There's no chopping, no soaking, no waiting around. You don't need special equipment beyond a decent blender, and the ingredient list is short enough to memorize.
The frozen berries do all the heavy lifting they chill the drink, add natural sweetness, and give it that gorgeous deep red color. It's one of those recipes that feels impressive but is actually almost embarrassingly simple. Plus, you can make it boozy or keep it light, depending on your mood.
The Story Behind This Red Wine Slushies
Amanda has this habit of showing up right when I'm about to sit down with a book. Last summer, she knocked on the door with her sunglasses still on and announced she was melting. I had a can of red wine in the fridge one of those single-serving ones and a bag of frozen berries I'd been meaning to use. "Let's just throw it all in the blender," she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I added a splash of orange juice and hit the button.
Within seconds, the blender was churning out this thick, purple-red slush that looked like something from a beach bar. Amanda took one sip, then another, then looked at me and said, "We're making these every weekend." We sat on the porch steps with our glasses, and she kept dunking her finger in to taste it again. "It's like sangria, but faster," she said. "And colder." By the time we finished, the ice had melted into little rivers down the sides of our glasses, and Amanda was already planning which friends to invite over next time.
Jump to:
- Why You Will love this Red Wine Slushies
- The Story Behind This Red Wine Slushies
- Red Wine Slushies Ingredients
- HOW TO make Red Wine Slushies
- Substitutions and Variations
- Kid-Friendly Version
- Expert Tips
- Equipment FOR Red Wine Slushies
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Red Wine Slushies
Red Wine Slushies Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these red wine slushies.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Red wine: Use a fruity, medium-bodied red like Merlot or a Spanish red blend. The wine is the base of the drink, so choose something you'd actually enjoy sipping on its own.
Orange juice: Adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances the wine's richness. Just a quarter cup does the trick.
Frozen mixed berries: These create the icy, slushy texture and add natural fruit flavor. Look for a blend with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Brandy (optional): A small splash adds warmth and depth, but you can skip it if you want to keep things lighter or simpler.
HOW TO make Red Wine Slushies
This red wine slushies comes together in two quick steps.
Blend everything: Add the red wine, orange juice, frozen berries, and brandy (if using) to your blender. Start on low speed and gradually increase to high, using the tamper if your blender has one. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and thick, usually about 1 to 2 minutes.
Freeze if needed: If your slushie isn't quite thick enough, pour it into a container and pop it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. Give it a quick stir, then pour into glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint if you have it.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the berries: Try frozen mango, peaches, or cherries for a different flavor profile. Mixed berries work best for that classic sangria vibe, but stone fruit makes it sweeter.
Use white wine: Swap red wine for a crisp white or rosé and follow the same steps. The flavor will be lighter and more summery.
Skip the brandy: The red wine slushies are just as delicious without it. If you want a little extra something, try a splash of triple sec or Grand Marnier instead.
Make it sweeter: Add a tablespoon of honey, agave, or simple syrup if your berries are on the tart side.
Kid-Friendly Version
Leave out the wine and brandy and replace them with grape juice or cranberry juice. Use the same frozen berries and orange juice, and blend until smooth. Kids love the icy texture, and it tastes like a fancy fruit smoothie.
Expert Tips
Use frozen fruit, not fresh: Fresh berries won't give you that thick, icy texture. Frozen is key here.
Choose a fruity red wine: Skip the heavy, tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. Stick with something lighter and fruitier, like a Garnacha or a Beaujolais.
Adjust the thickness: If your slushie is too thick to blend, add a splash more orange juice or a tablespoon of water. If it's too thin, toss in a handful more frozen berries.
Serve immediately: These slushies start to melt pretty quickly, especially on hot days. Blend and pour right before you're ready to drink.
Equipment FOR Red Wine Slushies
Blender: A high-speed blender like a Vitamix works best for breaking down frozen fruit, but any decent blender will get the job done. If your blender struggles, let the berries thaw for a few minutes first.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These red wine slushies are best enjoyed right away while they're still icy and thick. If you have leftovers, pour them into an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 days. The texture will get a little icier, so you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a quick stir before serving. You can also reblend it to bring back the smooth, slushy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these frozen red wine slushies in large wine glasses or Mason jars with a sprig of fresh mint on top. They're perfect for sipping on the porch, serving at a backyard barbecue, or bringing to a potluck in a cooler. Pair them with grilled chicken skewers, a cheese and charcuterie board, or some salty tortilla chips and guacamole. The sweet, fruity flavor balances savory foods really well.
FAQ
What is the best red wine for slushies?
A fruity, medium-bodied red works best. Try Merlot, Garnacha, Beaujolais, or a Spanish red blend. Avoid anything too heavy or tannic, like Cabernet Sauvignon, since the bold flavors can taste a little harsh when frozen. Amanda always says to use something you'd drink on its own if you wouldn't sip it, don't blend it.
What goes in a wine slushie?
Most Red Wine Slushies include wine, frozen fruit, a bit of citrus juice, and sometimes a splash of liqueur like brandy or triple sec. The frozen fruit creates the icy texture, while the citrus brightens up the flavors. You can also add a little sweetener if you like.
Is a wine slushie just wine?
Not quite. A wine slushie blends wine with frozen fruit and other ingredients to create a thick, icy drink. It's more like a frozen cocktail than straight wine. The fruit adds flavor, sweetness, and that slushy texture.
How much alcohol is in a wine slushie?
It depends on how much wine you use. This Red Wine Slushies uses 375 mL of red wine, which is about two glasses, and serves 2 people. Each serving has roughly the same alcohol content as one glass of wine. If you add brandy, there's a bit more alcohol, but it's still a pretty light cocktail overall.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with red wine slushies
Red Wine Slushies
Ingredients
Method
- Place the red wine, orange juice, frozen berries, and brandy if using into a high-speed blender, securing the lid tightly before starting.
- Begin blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high and using the tamper if needed until the mixture becomes fully smooth and icy.
- For a thicker, frostier texture, transfer the blended mixture to the freezer for 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint or fruit if desired before serving immediately.
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