A cherry slushie is a vibrant, icy beverage that captures the essence of summer with its natural tartness and sweetness. Made by blending ripe cherries with lemon juice and sweetener, then freezing to a slushy consistency, it results in a refreshing, visually appealing drink perfect for hot days. The final texture is smooth and icy, with a bright, ruby color and a burst of fruity flavor in every sip.
Pit the cherries carefully, removing the stems and pits, until you have about 2 cups of pitted cherries. The cherries should be deep red and fragrant.
Add the pitted cherries to your blender, along with a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey or sugar. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and vibrant red, with no large chunks remaining.
Taste the cherry mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar if desired, blending briefly to combine.
Pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish or freezer-safe container, spreading it out evenly. Cover and place in the freezer.
Freeze for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes with a fork to break up ice crystals and keep the texture smooth and slushy.
Once the mixture is thoroughly frozen and has a slushy, scoopable texture, scoop it into glasses. If needed, stir gently to loosen the consistency.
Garnish with fresh cherries, a sprig of mint, or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Serve immediately with a messy straw or spoon, enjoying the bright, icy burst of summer flavor.
Notes
Use ripe, fragrant cherries for the best flavor and color. Stir every 30 minutes during freezing to achieve a perfectly smooth, slushy texture. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste before freezing to balance the flavors.