Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries: The Ultimate Summer Cool-Down (and Warm-Up!)

Summer is calling, and it’s demanding something boozy, refreshing, and downright delicious. Look no further than this Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries recipe! It’s the perfect adult beverage to sip on a hot afternoon, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next barbecue, and surprisingly versatile enough to enjoy even as the weather starts to cool down. The bourbon adds a touch of warmth, balancing beautifully with the icy slush and the sweet, potent cherries. This isn’t your grandma’s frozen lemonade – unless your grandma is exceptionally cool. Get ready to impress your friends (and yourself) with this easy-to-make and unforgettable drink.

Why This Bourbon Slush is the Best

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of slush recipes out there. But this one stands out for a few key reasons:

* **The Bourbon Factor:** Bourbon brings a depth of flavor that vodka or rum just can’t match. Its caramel and vanilla notes complement the fruit juices perfectly, creating a complex and satisfying drink.
* **Drunken Cherries:** These aren’t just any cherries; they’re bourbon-soaked jewels that add an extra layer of boozy goodness and a burst of sweet, tart flavor.
* **Make-Ahead Magic:** This recipe is designed for convenience. You can prepare the slush mixture well in advance and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. No last-minute scrambling required!
* **Customizable:** While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also easy to adapt to your preferences. Swap out the juices, add different fruits, or adjust the amount of bourbon to create your own signature slush.
* **Seriously Delicious:** Above all else, this bourbon slush is simply delicious. The combination of sweet, tart, boozy, and icy is irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries:

**For the Drunken Cherries:**

* 1 (10-12 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, with stems
* 1 cup bourbon (choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking – see notes below)

**For the Bourbon Slush:**

* 4 cups water
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 1 (12 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
* 1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
* 1 (46 ounce) can pineapple juice
* 1 ½ cups bourbon (again, choose a bourbon you like)
* Optional: Orange slices and extra maraschino cherries for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Bourbon:** The quality of your bourbon will impact the flavor of the slush. A good mid-range bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, or Woodford Reserve works well. If you prefer a sweeter bourbon, try one with a higher rye content. If you’re on a budget, Jim Beam or Evan Williams are solid options. Avoid overly cheap or harsh bourbons, as they can make the slush taste unpleasant.
* **Maraschino Cherries:** While maraschino cherries are traditional, you can experiment with other types of cherries, such as Luxardo cherries, for a more sophisticated flavor. If you do, adjust the bourbon amount accordingly, as Luxardo cherries are already soaked in syrup.
* **Orange Juice Concentrate:** Make sure to use frozen concentrate, not refrigerated juice. The concentrate provides the necessary sweetness and intensity of flavor.
* **Lemonade Concentrate:** Same as the orange juice concentrate – frozen is key!
* **Pineapple Juice:** Canned pineapple juice works perfectly. You can also use fresh pineapple juice if you prefer, but be sure to strain it well to remove any pulp.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is the standard choice, but you can also use cane sugar or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. Adjust the amount to taste.
* **Juice Variations:** Feel free to get creative with the juices! Try adding cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, or even a splash of ginger ale for a unique twist.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large saucepan
* Large pitcher or container with a lid
* Freezer-safe container (at least 4 quarts)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board (for slicing oranges, if garnishing)
* Slushy glasses or mason jars
* Ice cream scoop or large spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries

Now for the fun part – making the slush! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfectly boozy and refreshing treat.

Part 1: Making the Drunken Cherries (at least 24 hours ahead)

1. **Drain the Cherries:** Drain the maraschino cherries from their syrup, reserving the syrup for another use (or discarding it). Gently pat the cherries dry with a paper towel.
2. **Soak in Bourbon:** Place the drained cherries in a jar or airtight container. Pour 1 cup of bourbon over the cherries, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. **Refrigerate:** Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to a week. The longer they soak, the more boozy and flavorful they will become. Gently shake the jar occasionally to ensure even soaking.

Part 2: Making the Bourbon Slush Base

1. **Make Simple Syrup:** In a large saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a simple syrup, which will prevent the slush from becoming too icy.
2. **Cool the Syrup:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely. This is crucial, as adding the hot syrup to the juice concentrates will melt them and affect the final texture of the slush.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large pitcher or container, combine the cooled simple syrup, thawed orange juice concentrate, thawed lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, and remaining 1 ½ cups bourbon. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. **Freeze:** Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container (at least 4 quarts). Cover tightly with a lid and freeze for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. The mixture should be frozen solid but still slightly slushy.

Part 3: Assembling and Serving the Bourbon Slush

1. **Thaw Slightly (if necessary):** If the slush is frozen completely solid, let it thaw slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop.
2. **Scoop and Serve:** Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to scoop the slush into glasses or mason jars.
3. **Add Drunken Cherries:** Top each glass of slush with several drunken cherries and a spoonful of the bourbon-soaked cherry liquid. This adds an extra burst of flavor and boozy goodness.
4. **Garnish (optional):** Garnish with orange slices and/or extra maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
5. **Enjoy Immediately:** Serve the Bourbon Slush immediately and enjoy responsibly!

Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Slush

* **Don’t Over-Freeze:** Avoid freezing the slush for too long, as it can become rock solid and difficult to scoop. If this happens, let it thaw at room temperature for a longer period before serving.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet slush, reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Make a Large Batch:** This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough container for freezing.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavors! Try adding different fruits, juices, or even a splash of liqueur to customize the slush to your liking.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final product will be. Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking, use fresh fruit juices (if possible), and don’t skimp on the sugar.
* **Presentation Matters:** Garnish your slush with orange slices, cherries, or even a sprig of mint to make it look extra special. A little bit of presentation can go a long way.
* **Kid-Friendly Version:** Omit the bourbon from the slush base for a kid-friendly version. Use the maraschino cherry juice instead of bourbon for soaking the cherries, or simply use regular maraschino cherries.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Bourbon Slush is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are a few serving suggestions and pairing ideas:

* **Barbecues and Cookouts:** Serve this slush at your next barbecue or cookout. It’s the perfect refreshing drink to cool down on a hot day.
* **Pool Parties:** This is the ultimate pool party drink! Just be sure to drink responsibly and avoid over-indulging while swimming.
* **Summer Gatherings:** Whether it’s a casual get-together with friends or a more formal party, this Bourbon Slush is sure to be a hit.
* **Dessert:** Serve this slush as a dessert or as an accompaniment to other desserts, such as grilled pineapple, ice cream, or cake.
* **Pairings:** The bourbon slush complements grilled meats, especially pork and chicken. It also pairs well with spicy foods, as the sweetness and coolness of the slush can help to balance the heat.

Storage Instructions

* **Slush:** The Bourbon Slush can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, the texture may start to deteriorate.
* **Drunken Cherries:** The Drunken Cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. The bourbon will help to preserve them.

Recipe Variations

* **Spiced Bourbon Slush:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the simple syrup for a spiced version of the slush.
* **Cranberry Bourbon Slush:** Substitute cranberry juice for some of the pineapple juice for a festive holiday twist.
* **Peach Bourbon Slush:** Add pureed peaches to the slush mixture for a summery peach flavor.
* **Mint Julep Slush:** Muddle fresh mint leaves with the sugar when making the simple syrup, and use a mint-infused bourbon for an extra refreshing take.
* **Blackberry Bourbon Slush:** Muddle fresh blackberries and add a splash of blackberry liqueur for a dark and fruity version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use a different type of alcohol?** While bourbon is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other types of alcohol. Rum, vodka, or even tequila can work well, but the flavor profile will be different. Adjust the amount of alcohol to taste.
* **Can I make this without alcohol?** Yes! Simply omit the bourbon from the slush base and use the maraschino cherry juice or apple juice as a substitute for soaking the cherries.
* **Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen concentrates?** Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe accordingly. Use about 3 cups of fresh orange juice and 2 cups of fresh lemonade. You may also need to add more sugar to taste.
* **How long does the slush take to freeze?** The slush typically takes about 8 hours to freeze, but it can take longer depending on the temperature of your freezer. It’s best to freeze it overnight to ensure it’s frozen solid.
* **My slush is too hard. What should I do?** Let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. You can also break it up with a fork or spoon.
* **My slush is too liquidy. What should I do?** Put it back in the freezer for a few more hours to allow it to freeze further.

Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries Recipe Card

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes (plus 24 hours for cherries)
**Freeze time:** 8 hours

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Drunken Cherries:**
* 1 (10-12 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, with stems
* 1 cup bourbon
* **For the Bourbon Slush:**
* 4 cups water
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 1 (12 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
* 1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
* 1 (46 ounce) can pineapple juice
* 1 ½ cups bourbon
* Optional: Orange slices and extra maraschino cherries for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Drunken Cherries:** Drain the maraschino cherries and soak them in 1 cup of bourbon for at least 24 hours.
2. **Make Simple Syrup:** In a large saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves. Cool completely.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a pitcher, combine cooled syrup, orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, and bourbon. Stir well.
4. **Freeze:** Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 8 hours.
5. **Serve:** Scoop into glasses, top with drunken cherries, and garnish with orange slices (optional).

Conclusion: Your Ticket to Summer Bliss

This Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of summer, the joy of sharing with friends, and the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious. So, gather your ingredients, prepare to be patient (the freezing part is crucial!), and get ready to enjoy the ultimate cool-down (and warm-up!). Cheers to a boozy, slushy, and unforgettable summer!

Now go forth and make some Bourbon Slush! And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #BourbonSlush #DrunkenCherries #SummerCocktails. We can’t wait to see your slushy masterpieces! Happy sipping!