Ninja SLUSHi Brandy Slush Recipe

Ninja SLUSHi Brandy Slush mixes smooth brandy, citrus juices, and soda into a cold frozen drink. Easy to make and perfect for warm days. Try this simple recipe today.

I’ve made this more times than I can count since I first got my machine, and it’s become my go-to warm-weather drink. I put smooth brandy, orange juice, cherry juice, lemon-lime soda, simple syrup, and a few drops of bitters, and let the machine do the rest.

On July 5th, 2023, I had a few bottles of soda and juice in the fridge. The day felt too warm for a heavy drink, so I mixed the juices with brandy and poured the blend into my machine. Soon, the drink had a soft, icy texture. I served it with orange slices, and everyone enjoyed the bright citrus and cherry flavor.

The Ninja SLUSHi Brandy Slush recipe is simple, and the Ninja SLUSHi does most of the work. Just pour in the mixture, choose the right setting, and let the machine chill it into a smooth, refreshing slush.

What Is A Brandy Slush?

I’d never heard of this drink until a friend from Wisconsin introduced me to it, and now I make it every summer. It’s one of those recipes that sounds fancy but is really just a few pantry staples working together.

A Brandy Slush is a frozen take on the Brandy Old Fashioned. You may have seen it in Wisconsin supper clubs and lake towns. This drink first showed up in the late 1960s and 1970s, when frozen juice and sweet tea mixes became common.

People mixed brandy with sugar, weak tea, orange juice, and lemonade, then froze it in a big bowl. You would scoop it into a glass and top it with soda.

I like to think of it as a cold, sweet, adult slushy. You get the classic Old Fashioned taste, but in a frosty form that is easy to sip on a hot day.

Classic vs. Modern Brandy Slush: What’s the Difference?

I’ve made this the old-school freezer way plenty of times before I got the Ninja SLUSHi, so I can tell you firsthand how much time the machine actually saves.

The old-school method and the Ninja SLUSHi method both end with the same tasty drink, but they get there in very different ways. Here’s how they compare:

1. Traditional Method: Mix everything, pour it into a large freezer-safe container, and freeze it overnight. Scoop the frozen mix into glasses and top with soda.

2. Ninja SLUSHi Method: Pour the pre-mixed liquid into the machine, choose the “Spiked Slush” setting, and wait fifteen to sixty minutes for a fresh, ready-to-pour drink.

3. Texture: The Ninja machine churns the mix as it freezes, so you get a smooth, even slush every time. The freezer method can turn out icy or clumpy in spots.

4. Convenience: The Ninja SLUSHi Brandy Slush is ready the same day with no planning ahead, while the traditional method needs a full day in the freezer before you can serve it.

Ingredients Needed for Brandy Slush With Swap Ideas

I’ve tried a few different brands and combos over time, and these are the ones that give me the best balance of flavor and color.

The Ingredients

• Brandy (10 oz): This carries most of the flavor in the drink, giving it that warm, smooth base. Korbel is a popular brand in Wisconsin, and it’s the one I usually reach for. You can also use Christian Brothers or another brandy.

• Orange Juice (12 oz): I like this for the bright citrus lift it gives, plus it colors the slush nicely. Use 100% orange juice for the best taste. You can use fresh squeezed or store-bought, though I’ve found pulp-free orange juice works better for a smooth texture.

• Cherry Juice (8 oz): This is what gives the drink its deep red color and that sweet-tart edge, and honestly it’s what makes the glass look so pretty when I serve it. Tart cherry juice or sweet cherry juice both work well. Maraschino cherry juice from the jar also works in a pinch.

• Lemon-Lime Soda (24 oz): The fizz and sweetness come from here, and the bubbles keep the drink light and refreshing. Sprite, 7-Up, or any brand you like will do. I stick to a clear soda so the color stays nice.

• Simple Syrup (6 oz): Sweetness without any grit comes from this. You can buy it at the store or make your own at home by mixing equal parts sugar and water, heating until the sugar melts, then letting it cool. Honey or agave syrup also works if that’s what I have on hand.

• Bitters (2 dashes): A little spice and complexity go a long way here, and they help balance out the sweetness of the juices. You only need a few dashes, so don’t skip this one. I’ve noticed it really makes a difference in the final taste.

Swap Ideas

Once I had the base recipe down, I started testing different combos depending on what I had on hand or who I was serving. Here are the swaps that worked out well for me.

• Brandy Choice: Korbel is classic, but any other good brandy will work. You can also experiment with bourbon for a warmer, smokier flavor.

• Citrus Swap: You can use pineapple juice instead of orange juice. This will make the drink tropical and sweet.

• Cherry Options: Use a different cherry juice for a new flavor. You can also use maraschino cherry juice for a sweeter, more artificial cherry taste.

• Soda Swap: Try using ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda. It adds a nice spicy flavor.

• Bitter Blends: Try a different kind of bitters. There are many flavors like orange or cherry bitters that will change the taste.

How I Make Brandy Slush in My Ninja SLUSHi

I’ve run this recipe through my machine enough times now that I’ve got the setup down to a routine, so here’s exactly how I do it step by step.

1. Set Up the Ninja SLUSHi: Place the Ninja SLUSHi on a flat, solid surface. Let it sit upright for at least 2 hours before first use, so the refrigerant can settle.

Install the condensation catch under the evaporator by sliding it into the rail grooves.

Slide the auger over the evaporator and turn it until it fits onto the pin. With the bail handle up, slide the vessel over the auger and evaporator.

Lock the vessel in place by pushing the bail handle back. Insert the drip tray in front of the motor base until it clicks. Plug the unit in.

2. Mix the Base Liquid: In a mixing pitcher, combine 24 oz lemon-lime soda, 12 oz orange juice, 8 oz cherry juice, 6 oz simple syrup, and 10 oz brandy.

Add a few dashes of bitters. Stir well until the mix is smooth. If you use weak black tea in your base, add it now and stir.

3. Fill the Vessel: Open the cover on the top of the vessel. Pour the mixed liquid into the easy-fill port. Make sure the total liquid is at least 16 oz and no more than 64 oz. Close the cover.

4. Select the Spiked Slush Preset: Press the power button to turn the unit on. Choose the “Spiked Slush” preset. The preset will start at the default temperature for ideal texture.

If you want a thicker or thinner slush, adjust the temperature with the control buttons.

5. Wait for the Slush to Freeze: The machine will chill and stir the drink. This can take 15–60 minutes, depending on the volume and starting temperature. The LEDs will pulse while the drink is freezing.

When the slush reaches the set temperature, the LEDs will stay solid and the unit will beep. The machine will keep the drink at the ideal temperature for up to 12 hours.

6. Dispense and Serve your Brandy Slush: Place a cup on the drip tray under the handle. Slowly pull the handle to dispense the slush.

Release the handle to stop. Garnish with an orange wedge and a cherry on a pick. Serve your Brandy Slush for the best flavor and texture.

My Tips for Getting the Texture Right

These are the little things I’ve picked up from making this over and over, the small habits that actually make a difference in how the slush turns out.

Chill your ingredients. The colder the liquid is when it goes into the machine, the faster it will freeze. This also saves you time.

Taste the base before you freeze it. The mixture will taste sweeter before it is frozen. This is normal. The cold numbs your taste buds, so the drink will be less sweet after it is slushed.

Let the machine rest. Give your machine a break between batches. This helps it stay cold for the next round of drinks.

Don’t add ice. The machine is designed to freeze liquid. Putting ice or frozen fruit in it can damage the blades.

How This Brandy Slush Tastes to Me

Every time I make a batch, I notice something a little different depending on how cold the ingredients were going in, so I’ve started paying closer attention to that step.

The first sip of Ninja SLUSHi Brandy Slush brings smooth brandy right up front. You taste a light sweetness from the simple syrup and the natural sugars in the juices.

Orange juice adds a bright citrus lift while cherry juice gives a soft red-fruit note that sits in the middle. Bitters round everything out so the drink never feels too sweet or too sharp.

Lemon-lime soda keeps the finish clean and a little fizzy even after the machine freezes it. We like how the cold texture makes the flavors open slowly. You get brandy warmth without any burn, then the juices, then a clean finish.

The machine keeps the crystals small so each mouthful feels even. When you serve it the drink stays cold longer than a regular ice cube mix.

We pour it into short glasses and the taste holds steady from the first pour to the last.

What I Usually Serve Alongside It

I like to build a little spread around this drink whenever I’m having people over, since the flavors pair so well with salty, casual food.

This slush is great for a party. You can also enjoy it with a simple meal or snack.

It is perfect for a summer barbecue. The cold drink is a nice contrast to grilled hot dogs and burgers. This slush also pairs well with salty snacks.

Think about serving it with a bowl of pretzels, chips, or mixed nuts. The salt from the snacks makes the sweet and tart flavors of the drink pop even more.

How to Store Leftover Brandy Slush

I used to worry about leftovers going to waste, but this drink actually holds up really well if you know where to keep it.

One of the best parts about a slush is that you can save it for later. If you don’t finish the whole batch, you can store it. The easiest way is to leave it right in the machine.

The Ninja SLUSHi will keep it at the right temperature for up to 12 hours. It will keep it from melting. You can just pour another glass whenever you want.

Ninja SLUSHi Brandy Slush Recipe FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

These are the questions I get asked most often when I bring this drink to a get-together, so I figured I’d answer them here too.

1. Can I make this recipe without the Ninja SLUSHi machine?

Yes, you absolutely can. The classic method works great. Just mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Put the bowl in your freezer. You need to let it sit overnight, or for at least 24 hours. This allows it to get icy. When you are ready to serve it, take it out and scrape it into glasses. Top with a splash of soda.

2. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this slush?

Sure, you can. Just leave out the brandy. You will need to add a substitute to make up the volume. You can use extra lemon-lime soda or orange juice. Since there is no alcohol, you would use the “SLUSH” preset on the machine, not the “Spiked Slush” one.

3. Why is my slush not freezing in the machine?

If your drink is not freezing, there could be a few reasons. First, make sure the mixture is not too hot. The ingredients should be cold. Also, check the alcohol content. If there is too much alcohol, it will not freeze properly. You may need to add more mixers like juice or soda.