Easy Bourbon Slush – Frozen Cocktail for Any Occasion
❄️ Bourbon Slush: The Ultimate Refreshing Treat

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]
Oh, friends, imagine a sun-drenched afternoon, a gentle breeze, and a shimmering, icy delight that’s both wonderfully refreshing and carries the warm, inviting hug of bourbon. That, my dear food lovers, is the magic of Bourbon Slush! This isn’t just a drink; it’s a feeling – a vibrant symphony of sweet, tangy citrus, robust tea, and the smooth, comforting depth of bourbon, all swirled into a perfectly frosty concoction. It’s absolutely divine for summer porch sips, holiday gatherings, backyard BBQs, or simply when you crave something extraordinary to cool down and unwind. Every sip is a little celebration, a moment of pure bliss that dances on your tongue.
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Quick Glance
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes active, plus 8-12 hours freezing
- 🍽️ Servings: 8-10 servings
- 💥 Vibe: Refreshing, Zesty, Boozy
Jump Ahead
- What You’ll Need
- How to Make Bourbon Slush
- Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Reviews
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Bourbon Slush masterpiece is half the fun! Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfectly balanced, irresistible flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to create this frosty dream:
- 2 cups strong brewed black tea, cooled
- 2 cups bourbon (your favorite!)
- 1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4-6 cups lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up), chilled, for serving
- Fresh orange or lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Bourbon Slush

Creating this Bourbon Slush is surprisingly simple, yielding a spectacular result that will impress everyone! Just follow these gentle steps, and you’ll be sipping bliss in no time.
- First things first, brew your favorite black tea and allow it to cool completely. For a quicker chill, pop it into the fridge while you gather the rest of your ingredients.
- In a very large freezer-safe container or bowl (aim for at least 3-4 quart capacity to give it room to expand a tiny bit!), lovingly combine the cooled black tea, your chosen bourbon, the thawed lemonade concentrate, the thawed orange juice concentrate, and the granulated sugar.
- Now, stir everything together with enthusiasm! Make sure that sugar is completely dissolved into the liquids. This crucial step ensures your slush will be wonderfully smooth and evenly sweet.
- Cover your container snugly with a lid or plastic wrap and tuck it into the freezer. Let it work its magic for at least 8 hours, though overnight is truly ideal. Don’t worry, it won’t freeze solid thanks to the bourbon; instead, it will transform into a delightful, scoopable icy slush.
- When you’re ready for that ultimate refreshment, grab a sturdy spoon or an ice cream scoop. Scrape generous portions of the slush into individual serving glasses, filling each about halfway.
- Top off each glass with 4-6 ounces of chilled lemon-lime soda. The effervescent fizz from the soda helps break up the slush beautifully and creates that absolutely perfect, invigorating texture.
- For that extra touch of elegance and a burst of fresh aroma, garnish your glasses with a vibrant fresh orange or lemon slice, or a sprig of fragrant mint, if your heart desires.
- Serve immediately and watch smiles appear as everyone enjoys this wonderfully delightful and perfectly chilled creation!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While our classic Bourbon Slush is pure perfection, a little creativity can elevate it even further! Here are a few ways to make this delightful drink uniquely yours:
- Berry Bliss: Muddle a handful of fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries) at the bottom of your glass before adding the slush and soda. It adds a beautiful color and a burst of fruity goodness!
- Spiced Slush: Brew your black tea with a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a star anise for a warmer, more autumnal spice note. Perfect for cooler evenings by a fire pit.
- Ginger Kick: Swap out half of the lemon-lime soda for chilled ginger ale or ginger beer. The spicy kick of ginger pairs beautifully with the bourbon and citrus.
- Tea Time Variation: Experiment with different types of black tea – Earl Grey for a floral note, or a smoky Lapsang Souchong for an adventurous twist.
- Mocktail Magic: For a delightful non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon and double the quantity of strong brewed black tea. It’s still incredibly refreshing and delicious!
Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it! Hear what our amazing community of home cooks are saying about this incredible Bourbon Slush:
- Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is a summer lifesaver! I made a huge batch for our Fourth of July party, and it was the first thing to disappear. So easy to make ahead, and everyone raved about it. My new go-to!”
- Michael T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely phenomenal! The balance of sweet, tart, and bourbon is just perfect. I love how it doesn’t freeze solid, making it so easy to scoop. A must-try for any bourbon lover.”
- Linda K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I was skeptical about the tea, but it adds such a lovely depth! It’s so much more interesting than a regular frozen cocktail. My guests were asking for the recipe all night. Thank you!”
FAQ
We know you might have a few questions about making your perfect Bourbon Slush. Here are some common queries we often receive:
Q: Will the slush freeze solid because of the alcohol?
A: No, not at all! The alcohol content in bourbon actually prevents the mixture from freezing completely solid. It creates that wonderful, scoopable, icy slush texture we all love.
Q: Can I use a different type of tea?
A: Absolutely! While black tea provides a classic depth, feel free to experiment. Earl Grey offers a lovely floral note, or a decaffeinated black tea works just as well if you’re sensitive to caffeine. Just ensure it’s a strong brew!
Q: How far in advance can I make Bourbon Slush?
A: This recipe is fantastic for making ahead! You can prepare the slush mixture and freeze it for up to 2-3 weeks. Just make sure it’s in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container to maintain its fresh flavors.
Q: What if I don’t have lemon-lime soda?
A: No worries! While lemon-lime soda provides the perfect fizz and citrusy complement, you could also use ginger ale for a spicier kick, or even plain sparkling water if you prefer less sweetness and just want the effervescence. The key is a cold, bubbly mixer!
Conclusion
There you have it, friends – the ultimate guide to creating a Bourbon Slush that’s destined to become a beloved classic in your home. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor moments, to share laughter, and to bask in the simple joy of a perfectly crafted drink. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or simply treating yourself to a quiet moment of bliss, this Bourbon Slush promises to deliver a delightful escape with every single sip. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, infuse your kitchen with warmth, and prepare to fall in love with this shimmering, boozy masterpiece. Happy sipping!
Recipe Note
For the best texture and flavor, allow the slush to sit out at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping, especially if it’s been frozen for a long time. This makes it easier to serve and ensures that beautiful, yielding consistency.
Bourbon Slush
Cook Time: 5 minutes (tea)
Total Time: 8 hours (plus freezing time)
Course: Beverage, Drinks, Cocktails, Frozen Drinks
Servings: 8-10
Calories: 250 per serving (approximate)
Ingredients
- 3 cups strong brewed black tea, cooled
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 2 cups bourbon
- Fresh mint sprigs or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the cooled brewed black tea, water, and granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the thawed frozen lemonade concentrate and bourbon to the mixture. Stir again to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container or multiple freezer bags. Ensure there’s enough headspace for expansion as it freezes.
4. Place the container in the freezer for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until the mixture is frozen solid but scoopable, like a granita or slush.
5. To serve, scrape the frozen slush with a spoon or scoop into chilled glasses. If it’s too solid, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish each serving with a fresh mint sprig or a lemon slice, if desired. Serve immediately.
Chef’s Notes: For a stronger slush, reduce the amount of tea slightly. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs or lemon slices before serving. This recipe yields a large batch, perfect for parties.
