Slushies are a refreshing way to battle the summer heat, and this recipe uses only 3 ingredients plus water and ice. Only 2 ingredients if you choose not to make a float. These slushie floats are so easy to make, your kids can do it!
Why this recipe works
Each slushie costs less than 60 cents to make. If you head to 7-11 for a Slurpee, or Dairy Queen for an Arctic Rush, you’ll pay a lot more than that!
These drinks are a family favorite. Even as the kids got older, I can’t remember a summer without making these slushies. It all started when my daughter was 4-years old and would beg for Slurpees. So we started making our own homemade slushies and slushie floats.
Ingredients you will need
We often use the unsweetened packets of Kool-Aid, but you can use any brand you like.
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
How to Make Homemade Slushie Floats
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!
Make sure you have a blender that is capable of crushing ice.
- In a blender, combine powdered drink mix, water, sugar and ice.
- Blend until you have a slush type consistency.
- Pour into two large glasses or four small glasses and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add some cute paper straws!
Expert Tips & FAQs
There are three ways to enjoy these homemade slushies.
- Just the slush – follow instructions above but leave out the ice cream. This is similar to a Slurpee or a DQ Arctic Rush (anyone remember the Mr. Misty??)
- Slushie Float – Follow the instructions. Adding the ice cream makes it a float! This is similar to the DQ Arctic Rush Float.
- Blended Slushie Float – After adding the ice cream, blend the slushie again. This gives your slushie a creamier texture, also similar to a blended DQ Arctic Rush Float.
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- Just the slush
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- Slushie float
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- Blended slushie float
As you can see above, you can also layer the different flavors for a fun unicorn look! We love making our own slushies during the summer. Such a great way to cool off. Hope you enjoy it!
More Fun Summer Ideas
- Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Cherry Peach Slushie
- Strawberry Banana Fizzy Float
- Pina Colada Recipe
- Easy Strawberry Lemonade
- Patriotic Vodka Lemonade Slushie
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Homemade Slushie Floats (Slurpees)
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 0.13 ounce package of unsweetened powdered drink mix any flavor
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup sugar can add up to an additional 1/4 cup to taste
- 4 cups ice
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Things You'll Need
Before You Begin
- Just the slush - follow instructions above but leave out the ice cream. This is similar to a Slurpee or a DQ Arctic Rush (anyone remember the Mr. Misty??)
- Slushie Float - Follow the instructions. Adding the ice cream makes it a float! This is similar to the DQ Arctic Rush Float.
- Blended Slushie Float - After adding the ice cream, blend the slushie again. This gives your slushie a creamier texture, also similar to a blended DQ Arctic Rush Float.
Instructions
- In a blender, combine drink powder, water, sugar, and ice. Blend.
- Pour into two large glasses or four small glasses and add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on July 1, 2009 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
Amanda Davis
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Beto says
This was awesome! I am nostalgic for slushies from when I was a teenager in the 80’s. It made two teenagers very happy today. Orange and vanilla. It took a whole 5 minutes. Thanks!
Hannah Nicolas says
Definitely need to add more kool aid mix for it to taste sweeter but other than that it was decent.
Amanda Formaro says
This recipe uses unsweetened Kool Aid mix, so adding more will not make it sweeter. If you have a higher sweet preference than most, you can adjust the amount of sugar added to fit your tastes.
Christa says
Just made these today and loved it. Thanks for the refreshing recipe.
Amanda Formaro says
Oh yum, now I need to make them again! :)
Neko says
Thanks for the recipe my younger siblings loved it! The first cup tasted and looked like the Mr. Misty and after that each cup turned into a ICEE-Misty fushion! ^^ Thanks!!!
Amanda Formaro says
So fun! We haven’t made any of these this year yet, so thanks for the reminder!
Allie @ Allies Clean Plate Club says
I LOVED Mr. Misty’s as a kid! I am definitely making this for myself….no kids in our house, just 2 adults that can’t wait to try a taste from our childhoods! Thanks for the great post :)
Sue McEndree says
Those look really refreshing.. gonna have to make some soon! Thanks for posting it