This easy bourbon slush recipe needs just 5 ingredients and a freezer. Make this frozen party drink ahead, then rake, scoop, and serve!

Easy Bourbon Slush in a glass with bottle in background

Why this recipe works

This easy bourbon slush recipe only needs five ingredients, a freezer, and about fifteen minutes of prep to make a grown up scoopable citrus slush. You can even make them into popsicles following the same steps as my boozy ice pops recipe!

There’s a little magic behind frozen alcohol drinks. Alcohol lowers the freezing point, which is why it never fully hardens over in a standard freezer. It’s pretty much foolproof, so long as you use the correct measurements. Plus, you can make it ahead of time for parties and even take it along with you in a cooler if you need to transport it. Mix it, freeze it, and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy!

o9verhead photo of Easy Bourbon Slush in a glass

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BOURBON – Since it gets mixed with tea, juice, and sugar, you don’t need a top-shelf bourbon, but I do prefer to use a medium shelf option. The bourbon does play a part on the texture, since the alcohol is what keeps the slush scoopable instead of frozen into a brick. You can easily swap with rum, whiskey, or blackberry brandy instead!

BLACK TEA – One steeped sachet gives the slush some depth so it doesn’t taste like regular ole juice. Unsweetened is great, since the orange juice and lemonade add sweetness already. You can omit the tea for a more juice-forward slush if preferred.

ORANGE JUICE – Any standard orange juice from the carton work. Don’t worry about using freshly squeezed orange juice here unless you really want to put in the extra work!

LEMONADE – Lemonade brightens everything and balances the bourbon. This bourbon slush would also be tasty with strawberry, peach, or mixed-berry lemonade!

How to Make Easy Bourbon Slush

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Heat water to boiling, then remove from heat and add the sachet of tea. Allow tea to steep for 5 minutes then remove.
Stir in sugar until mostly dissolved.
Add orange juice, lemonade, and bourbon, stirring to incorporate everything.
Pour into a large container or large ziploc bag. Freeze for at least 8 hours, or until slushy.
To serve, rake slush with a fork and spoon into serving glasses. Serve with a spoon or straw.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Do you have to use tea in bourbon slush?

Black tea is traditional and gives the slush its depth, but you can leave it out if you’d like. Without tea, the drink is sweeter and more juice-forward, so you may want to cut back slightly on the sugar.

What kind of bourbon is best for bourbon slush?

Mid shelf bourbon is ideal here. Bottom shelf bourbon will work in a pinch as long as you enjoy the flavor of it, while top shelf or more expensive bourbons aren’t necessary because it’s being mixed with so many other flavors. I prefer to use mid range, such as Bulleit Bourbon or Old Forester, for example. The flavor of the bourbon you choose is what’s most important, you want to enjoy it after all!

Why is my bourbon slush rock solid?

If your slush is solid as a brick, this usually means the measurements of the bourbon are off. The alcohol should keep it from freezing over entirely, and is what makes the slush scoopable. Let it sit on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes, then rake it with a fork to loosen it up.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Sure! Omit the bourbon and add a little extra tea or juice. It will freeze harder without the alcohol, so freeze it in a shallow pan and scrape it more often for the right texture. For another non-alcoholic or kid-friendly slush idea check out my honeydew lemon slush recipe.

glass of Easy Bourbon Slush with a cherry garnish

Storage and Freezing Information

Store your bourbon slush in a sealed freezer-safe container or freeze it flat in a large ziptop bag. It will keep well in the freezer for several weeks or up to 2 months for the best flavor.

To transfer it to parties, pop it in a cooler with plenty of ice.

Serving Suggestions

Rake the surface of your bourbon slush with a fork to break it up a bit and scoop it straight from the container. Serve it in a pretty stemless wine glass or a rock glass with a spoon or straw. Or, you can freeze the mixture in popsicle sleeves like we do in my boozy ice pops. That way you have cute little individual servings, great for pool parties.

Optionally top each glass with a splash of lemon lime soda or ginger ale for a little added fizz. I like to add a maraschino cherry and an orange wedge as garnish. Bourbon slush is popular in the warmer months alongside grilled main dishes, but honestly, it can be enjoyed year round. Whenever and wherever!

More Party Drinks and Cocktail Recipes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

This recipe was originally contributed by Sarah from LiveEatLearn.