Summer Frozen Cocktails

Is this summer particularly warmer than in recent years?  The soaring temperatures, staggering in the 90s for days on end, have taken the term “heatwave” to an entirely different level. Climate change may be to blame but that does not help those of us who are melting out there. Thank goodness for working central air conditioning and the ice machine.

Unfortunately, happy hour approaching at the end of the day coincides with the hottest temperatures of the day so my mind can think of little else except frozen cocktails. Frozen daiquiris, frozen margaritas, and even frozen wine–yes, the Frozé–will all fit the bill but if you are ready to take that curious little twist, I have some wonderful frozen cocktail ideas for you to try–and hopefully to cool you down a bit.

If you have some ice, a few ingredients from your bar, and a blender you’re in business.

I couldn’t think of writing about frozen cocktails without beginning with my favorite.  My Kentucky Bourbon Slush is a holiday staple at my house.  It’s a tradition that was passed down from Steve’s father.  Dave Hennigan’s Bourbon Slush was his trademark and Thanksgiving with the Hennigan family always started out with a big batch of this frozen deliciousness. Dave’s recipe follows a more classic line but I’ve added my own curious twist–peaches. And what better time to have a Bourbon Slush than in summertime when peaches are at their best. 

My recipe is simple and uses just a few ingredients:

4 peaches, sliced and 

2 cups lemonade

1 cup Kentucky Bourbon

2 cups ice

Add sliced peaches, honey, bourbon, and ice to a blender. Combine until slushie consistency. Divide into four glasses, and garnish each drink with a sliced peach and a straw.  This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a gathering.

Blending up a batch of Bourbon Slush got me thinking about other cocktails that could also work with a blender and ice.  The Frozen Old Fashioned was my first experiment.  Just a slight adjustment in the ingredients.  Mix up a batch using simple syrup, water, a couple of cups of bourbon, a can of frozen orange juice concentrate (slightly thawed), a couple of tablespoons of Boozy Cherry juice, and a ¼ cup of bitters.  Freeze in a baking dish until for 10-12 hours or overnight.  Scoop into a glass, fill with a little lemon-lime soda, and top with an orange slice and a Boozy Cherry.      

Basically a similar process for an Aperol Slushie or a Frozen Gin and Tonic.  Just about any cocktail can be turned into a frozen drink.  Use your imagination. Blending up a batch or two of your favorite frozen drinks makes you feel like you’re spending the day at the beach.  Frozen margaritas and pina coladas are two of my favorites.  

One important tip to keep in mind:  have plenty of bags of your favorite frozen fruit on hand or freeze your own seasonal, Farmers Market fruit finds.  Pop a handful of frozen fruit, your favorite spirit and some ice into a blender and invent your own frozen favorite.

These summer temperatures are soaring and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight.  Stay safe and keep a batch of your favorite frozen concoction handy.  Fall can’t be that far off?

Cheers!