Frozen Old Fashioned Slush – A Bold, Boozy Classic Gone Cool

Thank you so much for stopping by, cocktail lovers! Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or just craving a cold sip with a bold kick, I’m genuinely thrilled to share this summer-ready twist on a true icon. The Frozen Old Fashioned Slush is more than just a chilled version of the classic—it’s a frosty, fun reinvention that stays faithful to the spirit of the original while delivering maximum refreshment.

This is a drink that wears a bowtie but isn’t afraid to jump in the pool. Whether you’re hosting friends, relaxing on a patio, or just winding down after a long day, this icy cocktail delivers in style and simplicity. If you want more recipes like this sent straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to get every new creation as soon as it’s out!

What is a Frozen Old Fashioned Slush?

At its heart, this is everything you love about the Old Fashioned—bourbon, bitters, a hint of citrus, and a touch of sweetness—taken for a spin in the blender. The result? A smooth, icy cocktail that still honors the deep, caramel-rich flavor of bourbon but refreshes like your favorite frozen daiquiri.

Unlike sugary slushies that mask the alcohol, the Frozen Old Fashioned Slush highlights the bourbon beautifully. You’ll still taste those rich oak and vanilla notes, but softened and brightened by the ice and orange. It’s a drink that manages to feel classy and totally chill at the same time.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

I promised you cool, classic, and completely irresistible—and here’s why this drink delivers on all fronts:

• Perfect for hot weather – An ideal way to enjoy whiskey when it’s too warm for neat pours.
• Simple to make – Just five ingredients and a blender!
• Beautiful in the glass – That frosty texture with a curl of orange zest? Stunning.
• Impressive but low-effort – You’ll look like a cocktail pro without lifting more than a finger.
• Easy to batch for parties – You can scale this up to a pitcher in seconds.

What Does It Taste Like?

It’s got everything you love in a traditional Old Fashioned: the deep, warming hit of bourbon, the sweet balance from a sugar cube or simple syrup, and the unmistakable aromatic edge of Angostura bitters. But blend it with orange juice and ice, and it becomes silky and refreshing—more like a grown-up slushie than a heavy cocktail.

Expect bold bourbon first, followed by bright citrus, a hint of herbal spice, and that soft, creamy texture from the ice. The drink melts slowly in your glass, changing a little with every sip—an experience as much as a beverage.

Benefits of the Frozen Old Fashioned Slush

This cocktail isn’t just a treat—it’s downright practical too:

• Great for entertaining – It scales up beautifully and impresses guests.
• Super versatile – Sweeten it, spike it, or add your twist.
• Batch-friendly – Blend and freeze, then serve when ready.
• Easy to prep ahead – Make it hours before and stash it in the freezer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this icy masterpiece:

• Bourbon – 3 oz (use a solid mid-range bottle; nothing too smoky or overpowering)
• Simple syrup or sugar cube – 1 oz or 1 sugar cube
• Angostura bitters – 3 to 4 dashes
• Fresh orange juice – 1 oz
• Orange zest – for that perfect garnish
• Ice – at least 2 cups (more if needed to thicken)
• Optional cherry garnish – for a splash of color and sweetness

Tools You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy mixology tools. Just grab:

• A high-speed blender
• A jigger or measuring tool
• Citrus zester or microplane
• A juicer (or just squeeze by hand)
• Chilled glassware (rocks glasses or coupes work best)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

One of the best things about this slush is how adaptable it is! A few ways to switch it up:

• No simple syrup? Muddle a sugar cube with a few drops of warm water.
• Want it brighter? Add lemon or lime juice for a citrusy kick.
• Make it sweeter? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds another layer of flavor.
• Add herbal complexity? Try orange, walnut, or cardamom bitters.
• Looking for spice? Add a dash of cinnamon or clove to the blender.

How to Make Frozen Old Fashioned Slush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Juice and zest your orange. Save the zest for garnish.
2. In a blender, combine bourbon, fresh orange juice, simple syrup (or sugar), and bitters.
3. Add the ice – start with 2 cups and add more if needed to reach a slushy consistency.
4. Blend until smooth and icy—aim for a frozen margarita texture.
5. Pour into chilled glasses.
6. Garnish with a twist of orange zest or a cocktail cherry.

Boom! You’ve got yourself a poolside-ready version of an American classic.

What to Serve with Frozen Old Fashioned Slush

This cocktail loves company. Pair it with:

• Grilled meats – try bourbon-glazed ribs or smoked brisket.
• Cheese boards – especially aged cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese.
• Appetizers – bacon-wrapped dates, spiced nuts, or mini sliders.
• Sweet pairings – chocolate bark, candied orange peel, or pecan pie bites.

Want a full summer cocktail lineup for your next party? Round out your menu with these sunny stunners:

• Passion Fruit Margarita Punch – fruity, zingy, and completely crushable
• Pineapple Rum Punch – tropical vibes in a glass
• Pineapple Breeze Cocktail – fresh, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing

All perfect companions for your Frozen Old Fashioned Slush!

Tips for Success

Make your slush sing with these pro-level tips:

• Use good bourbon. You don’t need top shelf, but use something you’d drink straight.
• Chill everything. From your glassware to your orange juice—cold ingredients = longer-lasting slush.
• Don’t over-blend. Stop as soon as the mixture turns slushy—overdoing it turns it into a soup.
• Balance the sweet and bitter. Taste after blending and adjust with more syrup or bitters if needed.
• Serve immediately. Like all frozen drinks, this is best enjoyed fresh and frosty.

How to Store and Make Ahead

To make ahead:
Blend the slush and pour into a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, give it 5–10 minutes at room temp and stir to recombine the texture. You can even re-blend briefly for that just-made feel.

Leftovers:
They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 1 week, though the texture might change slightly. Stir well before re-serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Replace the bourbon with brewed black tea and add a dash of vanilla extract and a splash of apple cider for depth.

Can I use another spirit?

Sure can! Rye whiskey gives it extra spice. Rum or cognac make interesting, sweeter variations too.

Can I batch this for a party?

Yes! Multiply the recipe by however many servings you need, blend in batches, and freeze in a large pitcher or container. Stir before serving.

What’s the best bourbon for this?

Stick with something balanced—avoid overly peaty or smoky options. Think: Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, or Bulleit.

In Conclusion: A Frozen Toast to the Classics

The Frozen Old Fashioned Slush is the cocktail you didn’t know you needed until now. It brings together all the elegance and depth of a traditional Old Fashioned and marries it with the carefree fun of a frozen drink. It’s bold, smooth, citrusy, and just so satisfying on a hot day.

This is the drink that’ll turn whiskey skeptics into believers and give bourbon lovers a whole new reason to celebrate. If you’re throwing a summer get-together or just treating yourself after a long week—this is your go-to.

And don’t stop here—if you loved this, definitely check out these other refreshing cocktail recipes to round out your menu:

• Passion Fruit Margarita Punch
• Pineapple Rum Punch
• Pineapple Breeze Cocktail

Share Your Sips!

Tried this Frozen Old Fashioned Slush? Leave a comment below, let us know how it went, and tag your pics on Pinterest—I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 8g
• Alcohol: ~1.5 oz bourbon
• Gluten-Free: Yes
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes

Cheers to chill classics, sunny days, and cocktails that know how to party!

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