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Apple Cider Slushie

A refreshing frozen beverage combining apple cider, orange juice, and warming spices into a seasonal slushie perfect for fall gatherings or a cool treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 glasses
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 64 ounces apple cider one half-gallon carton, fresh or shelf-stable
  • 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or quality store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 whole star anise optional but recommended
  • 4 whole cloves optional
  • Fresh cinnamon sticks for serving optional

Equipment

  • Large shallow baking dish or 9x13 inch casserole pan
  • Fork or whisk
  • Blender or food processor
  • Tall drinking glasses
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Freezer

Method
 

  1. Pour the apple cider and orange juice into a large shallow baking dish and stir gently to combine.
  2. Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the liquid and stir until completely dissolved.
  3. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the mixture and whisk thoroughly to distribute evenly.
  4. Add star anise and cloves if using, stirring them into the mixture.
  5. Place the baking dish in the freezer and freeze for 2 hours.
  6. Remove the dish and use a fork to scrape and break up ice crystals around the edges and bottom, then return to the freezer.
  7. Repeat scraping every 45 minutes to 1 hour for about 4 to 6 hours total, until the slushie reaches a thick, slushy consistency.
  8. Scoop the slushie into chilled glasses, letting it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes if frozen solid, and garnish with cinnamon sticks before serving.

Notes

Store leftover slushie mixture in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three weeks; let soften 5–10 minutes before serving.