Description
A refreshing Strawberry Ginger Limeade Slush with an ideal balance of sweetness, tartness, and icy texture, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups (about 1.3 lbs / 1135g) chopped frozen strawberries, bright red and fully ripe
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 cups (720ml) white cranberry juice or white grape juice
- 26 ounces (750ml) gin
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional, for extra kick)
- 2 ounces (60ml) club soda per serving (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chopped frozen strawberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes aromatic. This extracts natural sweetness and flavor from the strawberries.
- Step 2: Remove saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to near room temperature. For quicker cooling, refrigerate the mixture for approximately 20 minutes. A well-cooled base prevents flavor loss and ensures better slush consistency.
- Step 3: Using a fine mesh strainer, separate the strawberry solids from the syrup, collecting both parts. This step removes chunky bits, delivering a silky texture in the final slush.
- Step 4: Puree the strained strawberries in a blender until smooth. Combine this strawberry puree with the cooled syrup in a plastic container, mixing thoroughly. Chill the container briefly if needed to keep ingredients cold before adding remaining liquids.
- Step 5: Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice, white cranberry juice (or white grape juice), gin, and ginger if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Step 6: Cover the container and place it in the freezer. After about 6 hours, check for ice sheets forming on top. Use an immersion blender or whisk to break down these ice crystals. This process creates the desired smooth, slushy texture instead of hard ice chunks.
- Step 7: Repeat the blending step at least once more during the freezing process to ensure the slush remains soft and easy to scoop.
- Step 8: When ready to serve, stir the slush well. Spoon approximately 4 ounces (120ml) of slush into an 8-ounce (240ml) chilled glass. Top with 2 ounces (60ml) of club soda for a refreshing fizz. Garnish immediately with fresh lime wedges or berries if desired.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftover slush in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Stir well before serving to redistribute ingredients evenly.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and stir to restore texture. Room temperature storage is not recommended due to perishable ingredients.
- To prevent freezer burn and maintain texture, cover containers tightly and minimize air exposure during freezing.
- If your slush turns too icy, re-blend after 6 hours of freezing and refreeze to smooth consistency.
- To address separation, stir well before serving to blend flavors and texture again.
- Adjust sweetness by blending in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice if the slush tastes too sweet without changing texture.
- Adding 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger when simmering enhances flavor complexity and adds a mild spicy note.
- This recipe is not intended to be reheated. Maintain chilled or frozen state for optimal texture and taste.
- Serve in chilled glasses topped with club soda to add effervescence.
- Pair with fresh watermelon slices or a summery fruit platter to complement the bright flavors.
- Use as a base for mocktails or create frozen ice pops by pouring mixture into molds before freezing.
- For a slushy float, layer the slush with coconut cream or vanilla yogurt.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges and drizzle agave syrup or sparkling water for extra refreshment.
- Substitute gin with blanco tequila for a smoother flavor that balances lime tartness.
- Swap white cranberry juice for white grape juice for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit gin and increase club soda amount or add sparkling water.
- Incorporate 1 teaspoon fresh ginger for spiced notes if preferred.
- Use fully ripe, bright red frozen strawberries to ensure natural sweetness and vibrant color. Avoid frozen berries with added sugar or preservatives.
- Freshly squeeze lime juice for best zing and freshness; bottled lime juice tends to be flat.
- Prepare simple syrup by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved for a fresher sweetener alternative if preferred.
- Select a quality gin or tequila to harmonize with the citrus and strawberry flavors.
- Opt for club soda that is low in salt to keep the drink tasting bright and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg