Brandy Slush Recipe

Have you ever wanted to capture the essence of a summer party in a glass? Let me introduce you to my go-to recipe for a refreshing and boozy Brandy Slush, perfect for any gathering or just unwinding on your patio.

I adore making drinks that are cold and invigorating, my very favorite summer refresher being Brandy Slush. The essence of orange juice concentrate and lemonade melds so well with the warmth of the brandy, yet the balance of sweet and strong pales next to the refreshing herbal taste of tea.

And we can’t forget the right amount of fizz, which comes from lemon-lime soda.

Ingredients

• Water: Essential for hydration, acts as the base for slush.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness, energy source but high in calories.
• Tea Bags: Provides antioxidants, a subtle aromatic flavor.
• Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: Boosts vitamin C, tangy citrus taste.
• Frozen Lemonade Concentrate: Refreshing sourness, pairs well with sweetness.
• Brandy: Adds warmth, flavor complexity, moderate alcohol content.
• Lemon-lime Soda: Effervescence, additional sweetness, citrus touch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 tea bags
• 7 cups water
• 12 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
• 12 oz frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 1/2 cups brandy
• Lemon-lime soda, for serving

How to Make this

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally to create a simple syrup.

2. In a separate pot, bring 7 cups of water to a boil. When it reaches a boil, take it off the heat and add 4 tea bags. Allow them to steep for about 5 minutes and then take out the tea bags.

3. In a big mixing basin, bring together the straightforward syrup, the brewed tea, and the brandy.

4. Incorporate the frozen orange juice concentrate and frozen lemonade concentrate into the mixture. Combine well until the concentrates are completely dissolved.

5. Transfer the blend into an expansive, freezer-secure receptacle with a tight-sealing cover.

6. Put the container in the freezer and let it freeze for a minimum of 12 hours, or until it has a slushy consistency.

7. When set to serve, take a scoop of the slush and place it into a glass.

8. Lemon-lime soda is a preferred top-off.

9. Gently stir to mix, then serve at once.

10. Savor your revitalizing Brandy Slush! Stow any leftover slush in the freezer for your next serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Spoon for stirring
3. Pot
4. Mixing basin (large mixing bowl)
5. Measuring cups
6. Freezer-safe container with a tight-sealing lid
7. Scoop or ice cream scooper
8. Glass for serving
9. Can opener (for frozen concentrates if canned)
10. Timer (optional, for monitoring steeping and freezing times)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of brandy?A: Yes, you can substitute the brandy with bourbon or rum, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
• Q: How long does it take for the slush to freeze?It usually requires approximately 4 hours to freeze, but for the best results in terms of consistency, it should be left overnight.
• Q: Can I use fresh orange and lemon juice instead of concentrates?A: It is possible, but for the ideal texture and balance of sweetness, using concentrates is recommended.
• Q: Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?A: Yes, just leave out the brandy and add another 1 1/2 cups of water or your favorite juice for a mocktail.
• Q: How should I store leftover brandy slush?Freeze the slush in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
• Q: Can the sugar be reduced without affecting the texture?You can decrease the sugar a bit, but don’t forget that it aids in getting the slushy texture.

Brandy Slush Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To replace sugar, use honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
For tea bags: Use green tea bags or herbal tea bags to mix up the flavor a little.
To make a substitution for frozen orange juice concentrate, use fresh orange juice mixed with a little water. You can also use juice from mandarin oranges, mixed in the same way.
To make frozen lemonade concentrate: Combine fresh lemon juice with simple syrup, or use frozen limeade concentrate for a different flavor.
If a recipe calls for brandy, you can use bourbon, rum, or a non-alcoholic substitute like apple juice.

Pro Tips

1. For a more robust tea flavor, consider using a combination of different types of tea bags, such as black and green tea, or adding an extra tea bag during steeping.
2. To ensure a smooth slush texture, occasionally stir the mixture gently in the first few hours of freezing. This helps reduce the formation of large ice crystals.
3. Experiment with adding a splash of triple sec or Grand Marnier to the mix for a citrusy depth of flavor.
4. If you prefer a sweeter slush, taste the mixture before freezing and add more sugar or a sweetener of your choice, adjusting to suit your taste.
5. Garnish each serving with fresh mint leaves or a slice of citrus to enhance presentation and add a refreshing aroma.