Something about the summertime seems to bring out the kid in all of us. Great weather, time outdoors, vacations… it’s easy to forget that we were complaining about shoveling snow three or four months ago. Even the cocktails are more fun. Summer drinks are so bright and playful – creative garnishes, colorful fruits, lots of fizz, and the occasional frozen cocktail. From boozy popsicles to frosé, it’s clear that frozen booze is in. And why not? It’s so much fun. And totally weather-appropriate.
There are lots of ways you can turn your favorite drink into an icy treat. Breaking out the blender works great if you want a smoother texture. But if you have a little time to wait and want something a little icier and more fun, you can make a slushie. Since alcohol doesn’t freeze, diluting a cocktail a bit and leaving it in the freezer overnight can produce a perfect, partially-frozen treat. All you need to do is break it up a little with a spoon and enjoy.
For my first boozy slushie, I wanted to make one of my favorite summer cocktails: a Pimm’s Cup. Made with Pimm’s No. 1, ginger beer, lemon, cucumber, and lots of fruits and berries, it’s a fantastic summer treat. But turn it into a slushie and you have utter warm weather perfection. Serve it with a spoon and a dash of fizzy ginger beer on top for a little extra bite. You’ll feel like a kid again in no time.
Pimm’s Slushie
3 oz. Pimm’s No. 1
3 oz. ginger beer (+ more to top)
1 oz. water
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/4 oz. cucumber juice*
1/8 oz. simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a freezer-safe glass or tupperware and stir gently. Leave in freezer until frozen, roughly overnight. Use a spoon to break up the slushie and transfer to a stemmed glass. Garnish with frozen berries and a sprig of mint. Serve with more ginger beer on top.
*If you don’t have a juicer, the best way to get cucumber juice is to grate a cucumber into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or cup measure. Press the gratings to extract the liquid.
Thanks to Kitchen Treaty for some advice on slushie-fying a cocktail.