Wine Slushies: the fun way to get your 5 a day

Your head is telling you to drink some fruit juice because that’s what is good for you. It’s impossible to ignore the health messages in the media and longer! On the other hand, your heart (and your taste buds) really wants that glass of wine! Why not have both? You can combine a healthy fruit puree with your favourite vino to get a shot of Vitamin C while you relax. Wine slushies look spectacular, taste great and are best enjoyed al fresco as you make the most of the sunshine.

A wine slushy can be as simple, or as elaborate, as you want to make it. You are in charge of how much alcohol it contains, and there are wine slushy ideas and recipes to suit all budgets. Why not indulge and push the boat out by using champagne or simply pour in some cheaper red, white or rose wine.

You can serve slushies as a cooling drink on a hot day that will rival the old favourites like Pimms and pitchers of Pina Coladas. You can even pimp them up with grated chocolate, crème fresh and a wafer to serve them as a spectacular dessert to finish off your dinner party with a flourish!

Stunning red wine slushies

Here are some top ideas for red wine slushies to get you started. You can adapt the ideas to make the most of what you have in your kitchen and which fruits are in season.

Sangria slushies are not just for Spain. Blend up some red wine with some mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries or any others that you have to hand) and add a dash of brandy and orange liqueur for an authentic taste that will trigger memories of the warm Spanish sunshine.
Instant triple trouble berries. You don’t need to make this one in advance. Wizz up some frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries with ginger ale, red wine and sugar for a half liquid/half solid treat. Serve with fresh berries, a spoon and a straw. Let your guests decide if they want to eat it or drink it!
The pink princess of slushies. If you truly want the wow factor, this is the slushy for you. Start by blending the red wine with some raspberries and then freeze for several hours. Serve in champagne flutes with a swirl of chocolate whipped cream and grated chocolate on the top for an irresistible dessert slushy.
Rose blush slushy. This isn’t strictly red wine, but the delicate colour is stunning. Blend up your favourite rose wine with fresh strawberries for a drink that begs to be a part of those long and lazy summer afternoons. Garnish with a sprig of lavender for the perfect presentation. If you are feeling really adventurous, you could even bake some lavender shortbread to serve with them.

Wonderful white wine slushies

White wine makes beautifully refreshing slushies that are just perfect on a warm day. You don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy them though!

Making Prosecco even more perfect. Just when you thought Prosecco couldn’t get any better! Freeze the bubbles with some orange juice, honey and frozen strawberries to create a perfect pink prosecco slushy.
Sweet Riesling and cherries. Nothing tastes of summer quite like an icy sweet Reisling and cherry combo. Blend up some peaches and cherries with the wine for a vibrant red and orange slushy.
Watermelon and white wine. The delicate watermelon flesh blends effortlessly with some lemon juice, sugar and a crisp white wine. The result is a blush pink, icy delight that looks great with a twist of lime zest and a sprig of mint.
Super simple Moscato slushie. This one is so simple it’s impossible to get it wrong! Sweet Italian Moscato and ice. Job done!

You don’t need a lot of kit to make these delicious, cooling drinks. As long as you have a blender and a freezer you will be fine. You can make them in advance, store them in your freezer and then serve them up to impress your guests or just keep them all to yourself!