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Spiced apple cider slushies are the perfect icy, refreshing drink for crisp yet sunny fall days, made with chilled and frozen apple cider! They’re so easy to make and 100% kid-approved!
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Super Simple and Refreshing Frozen Apple Cider Slushie
When it comes to simple beverages bursting with fall flavors, pumpkin spice lattes, and mulled apple cider are top of the list. However, for crisp yet sunny fall days, or just those who prefer their drinks icy and refreshing, no matter the weather outside, there’s no reason you can’t get in on the fun.
Having just shared a recipe for warm and cozy homemade spiced apple cider, this simple apple cider slushie recipe is the perfect way to use up any leftovers (or a bottle of apple cider picked up at your local farmer’s market/orchard).
Better yet, you can make it with as little as just ONE ingredient if you already have prepared mulled apple cider. However, there are several ways to boost the flavor further (including making a spiked version for entertaining adults) with maple syrup, warm vanilla, and more.
Just blend the ingredients in a high-speed blender into the perfect thick and icy slushie consistency. Plus, thanks to the’ double apple cider’ trick, there’s no need to worry about it getting watered down. No matter what, this is a crowd-pleasing, child-approved drink that might just become a new fall staple.
Looking for more ways to enjoy apples this fall? Check out our recipes for baked apple chips, stuffed baked apples, and a cozy apple crumble, or scroll to the bottom of the post for even more delicious vegan apple fall recipes.
The Ingredients
- Apple cider: You can use store-bought (at a local farmers’ market/orchard is best!) or homemade apple cider – plain or spiced. In this recipe, we’ll use it frozen and chilled to create the best texture and flavor.
What Could I Add to Apple Cider Slushies?
- Cinnamon & nutmeg: If you’re using plain apple cider, increase the cozy fall flavors with a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg or even some apple pie spice.
- Sweetener: Boost the sweetness in the apple slushie with maple syrup or a sugar-free syrup added to taste.
- Lemon juice: Add just a tablespoon to brighten the overall flavor.
- Orange juice/ cranberry juice: Add flavor depth by replacing some cold apple cider with orange or cranberry juice.
- Vanilla extract: Just a small splash for warm, delicious dessert-like depth.
- Caramel: Add some caramel syrup to the apple cider slush, to taste.
How to Make Apple Cider Slushies
There are really only a couple of few steps needed to prepare this delicious apple cider slushies recipe, though it requires a little planning ahead.
- 1) First, pour the apple cider into an ice cube tray (I love these ice cube trays) and leave it to freeze solid (overnight is best, or 4-5 hours minimum).
Alternatively, pour the apple cider into a gallon Ziplock or Stasher bag and spread flat to freeze for 3-4 hours. You can then break it into chunks to add to the blender.
- 2) When ready, pop 2-3 cups of the frozen apple cider ice cubes into a high-speed blender along with about 2 cups of cold apple cider.
- 3) Blend to your desired consistency. Add more frozen cider ice cubes or cold cider if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
- 4) Transfer to glasses optionally garnished with apple slices and a cinnamon stick (or even a cinnamon sugar rim!), and enjoy!
Drink the apple cider slush immediately before it melts again, or store any leftovers back in the refrigerator for a day or two to enjoy as regular chilled apple cider.
FAQs
It is possible to pull together a quick apple slushie using cold apple cider and regular ice cubes (about 2 cups of apple cider per 3 cups of ice). However, as the regular ice melts, it will water down the drink, so it’s best enjoyed immediately or topped up with extra cider as needed.
Yes, and it’s technically even easier than the above version. Just pour all your ingredients into the ice cream machine and allow it to churn to your desired consistency (usually between 10-14 minutes).
Pro Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality apple cider: For the best flavor, use fresh farmers’ market/farm/orchard apple cider or make your own.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more apple cider for a thinner drink or more of the apple cider ice cubes for a thicker one.
- Sweeten to taste: If preferred, wait until it’s strained, then taste and add sweetener, if preferred, to taste.
More Fall/ Winter Apple Recipes
- Easy vegan apple muffins
- Apple blueberry crumble
- Apple cranberry crisp
- Strawberry applesauce
- Easy apple pear pie
- Apple crescent rolls
- Vegan apple pie
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Apple Cider Slushie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill an ice cube tray with the mulled apple cider and allow it to freeze overnight.
- When ready to make the slushie, using a high power blender, add 2 to 3 cups of frozen apple cider cubes and pour 2 cups of cold cider.
- Blend until desired consistency is achieved. Add more frozen cubes if needed.
Notes
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- Use high-quality apple cider: For the best flavor, use fresh farmers’ market/farm/orchard apple cider or make your own.
- Ice cube trays: I like these trays because they include a lid.
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- Adjust the consistency: Add more apple cider for a thinner drink or more of the apple cider ice cubes for a thicker one.
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- Sweeten to taste: If preferred, wait until it’s strained, then taste and add sweetener, if preferred, to taste.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
So creative and delicious!