Patriotic Slushie for 4th of July Refreshment
Cool off your 4th of July with a Patriotic Slushie, a vibrant, layered drink featuring red fruit, creamy white coconut, and bold blue berry flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, this refreshing, no-cook beverage is perfect for patriotic parties, BBQs, or hot summer days.
Ingredients
FOR THE RED LAYER
- 1 cup frozen strawberries or cherries
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice or fruit punch
- 1 tbsp simple syrup optional
- A small handful of ice only if needed for thickness
FOR THE WHITE LAYER
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup lemonade
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk optional
FOR THE BLUE LAYER
- 1 cup frozen blueberries or blue raspberry drink
- 1/2 cup blue sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade
- 1 tbsp simple syrup optional
- A small handful of ice optional
OPTIONAL GARNISH
- Lime slice
- Red and white striped paper straw
Instructions
- MAKE THE BLUE LAYER: Add frozen blueberries, blue sports drink, and simple syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth and thick, aiming for a pourable texture without being too watery. Transfer the mixture to a jar and place in the freezer.
- MAKE THE WHITE LAYER: Rinse the blender, then add ice, coconut milk, lemonade, and sweetened condensed milk if using. Blend until creamy and thick. Pour into another jar and freeze until ready to layer.
- MAKE THE RED LAYER: Rinse the blender again and add frozen strawberries, cranberry juice or fruit punch, and simple syrup. Blend until smooth and vibrant. Store in the freezer alongside the other layers.
- CHOOSE YOUR LAYERING ORDER: Decide between the classic red-white-blue order or the reversed blue-white-red version. Always use the heaviest mixture as the base to prevent mixing between layers.
- POUR THE FIRST LAYER: Pour the thickest, heaviest mixture into a serving glass to form the bottom layer. Freeze for 5–10 minutes to set before adding the next layer.
- ADD THE MIDDLE LAYER: Gently pour the second layer over the back of a spoon to maintain separation. Return the glass to the freezer for another 5 minutes to firm it up.
- ADD FINAL LAYER AND GARNISH: Pour the final layer over a spoon to complete the slushie. Add a lime slice and a festive straw before serving immediately.
Notes
For best visual results, avoid overfilling layers and keep each one as thick as possible. Simple syrup can be adjusted or omitted based on sweetness preferences. A high-speed blender works best for a smooth consistency.