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Slush drinks aren’t just for funfairs and summer fetes—they’re a colourful, cooling treat you can easily make at home. From classic flavours to healthier alternatives, this guide will walk you through exactly how to make your own slushies from start to finish – whether you’re using shop-bought or homemade syrups, and whether you’re using a blender or a slush machine.
🎡 How to Use Ready-Made Syrups
If you’ve bought a ready-made slush syrup (like blue raspberry, strawberry, or cola), here’s how to use it in your slush machine or blender.
🔁 Syrup to Water Dilution Ratio
Most commercial slush syrups are highly concentrated, and a 1:5 ratio (1 part syrup to 5 parts water) is commonly used.
So if you’re making 200ml of diluted syrup, you’d mix together:
- 33ml syrup
- 167ml cold water
Ratio: 1 part syrup to 5 parts water. Mix well before adding to slush machine or blender.
So to make exactly 1 litre, the syrup amount should be:
Total = Syrup + (water x 5) = 6 parts
1 litre = 1000ml ÷ 6
– 167ml syrup
– 833ml Water
🧊 Using a Slush Machine
🔄 Large Batch (Makes ~1.2 litre)
- 200ml syrup
- 1 litre cold water
Instructions:
- Combine syrup and cold water (1:5 ratio).
- Pour the mixture into a pre-chilled slush machine.
- Turn the machine on and allow it to churn for 20–30 minutes, or until slushy.
- Serve and enjoy!
📝 Tip: Always follow the slush machine manufacturer’s guidelines for fill lines and volumes.
🧊 Using a Blender
Ingredients:
- 200ml diluted syrup (e.g. 33ml syrup + 167ml cold water)
- 4 cups of ice (about 500–600g)
This will provide approximately 3 to 4 servings of slush (around 600–700ml total volume, depending on how fine your ice is and how much air gets blended in).
Instructions:
- Add the ice to your blender.
- Pour in the diluted syrup.
- Blend until the texture is slushy and smooth.
- Serve immediately.
How to Make Your Own Slush Syrup at Home
Fancy going DIY? It’s easier than you think!
To make approximately 325ml syrup you will need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- Flavouring (extracts, fruit juice, or cordial)
- Optional: food colouring
Method:
- Heat sugar and water in a saucepan until fully dissolved – don’t boil!
- Let it cool, then stir in your chosen flavouring and colouring.
- Store in a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
🔹 How Much Slush Can That Make?
Using the 1:5 ratio (1 part syrup, 5 parts water):
- 325ml syrup × 5 = 1625ml water
- Total = ~1.95 litres of diluted slush mix
Healthier Slushie Ideas (Still Delicious!)
Trying to cut back on sugar? No worries! You can make lighter slushie versions that are still bursting with flavour with fruit juice or no added sugar syrups:
Fruit Juice Slushies – Naturally Sweet and Refreshing
Cutting back on sugar doesn’t mean giving up on flavour. Fruit juice slushies are a fantastic alternative to syrup-based slushies. They’re quick to make, naturally sweet, and perfect for kids or anyone watching their sugar intake.
Use natural juices like orange, apple, mango, grape, berry blends or pineapple. Just freeze and blend!
🧃 Ratios (Blender Method)
These slushies skip the added sugar syrups and rely on the natural sugars and flavours in fruit juice. Here are a couple of common methods:
🧊 Method 1: 100% Pure Juice Slushie
Best for: Sweet, strong-flavoured juices like orange, pineapple, mango, or grape.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) pure fruit juice (not from concentrate if possible)
- 2–3 cups of ice
Instructions:
- Pour the fruit juice into a powerful blender.
- Add 2–3 cups of ice, depending on desired thickness.
- Blend on high for 30–60 seconds, or until the ice is crushed and the texture resembles a slushie.
- Serve immediately in a chilled glass.
💡 Tips:
- Use freshly squeezed juice for the most natural version.
- Works well with tropical flavours like passion fruit, watermelon, and berries.
🧊 Method 2: Diluted Juice Slushie – (Lower Sugar, Milder Flavour)
Best for: Very sweet juices, young children, or anyone wanting lower sugar.
Portion Guide
| Portion Size | Juice | Water | Ice | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 120ml | 120ml | 2 cups (about 240g) | 400–450ml |
| Medium | 240ml | 240ml | 2–3 cups (240–360g) | 600–700ml |
| Large | 480ml | 480ml | 3–4 cups (360–480g) | 1,100–1,250ml |
Instructions:
- Mix the juice and water together.
- Add the mixture to a blender with the ice.
- Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Taste and adjust – more juice for flavour, more ice for texture.
Notes:
- Ice weight to volume: Ice expands slightly when blended into a slush texture (you’re not just stacking liquids).
- Total yield accounts for both liquid and air volume introduced during blending.
- Medium and large sizes often don’t require 1:1 water to juice because juice itself can hydrate the blend, especially in fruit-based slushies.
- Always start with less liquid and add more if needed — it’s easier to thin out than thicken.
Optional Additions to Boost Flavour or Nutrition
| Add-In | Purpose | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen fruit chunks | Adds texture and natural sweetness | Add ½ cup frozen berries, mango, or banana |
| Lemon/lime juice | Brightens flavour and balances sweetness | 1–2 tablespoons |
| Mint leaves | Fresh twist, especially good with citrus | Blend with the rest or use as garnish |
| Honey or agave | Natural sweetener if needed | Start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste |
No-Added Sugar Syrups
No-added sugar syrups are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious slush drinks without the extra sweetness or calories of traditional syrups. These syrups contain either natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol or are simply unsweetened concentrates that rely on the natural flavours of fruit extracts and herbs.
Why Choose No-Added Sugar Syrups?
- Healthier Option: They’re perfect for those watching their sugar intake, whether for weight management, diabetes, or just a healthier lifestyle.
- Diet Friendly: Suitable for low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets without sacrificing flavour.
- Lower Calorie: Great if you want to enjoy a refreshing treat without the guilt.
Flavour Varieties
No-added sugar syrups come in a wide array of flavours, from classic fruit favourites like raspberry, lemon, and cherry, to more exotic options such as mango, passionfruit, or elderflower. Many brands also offer unique blends and herbal-infused syrups that add a grown-up twist to your slush drinks.
Usage Tips
- Because these syrups are less sweet, you might want to experiment with the amount you add to your slush machine to find your perfect balance.
- They blend beautifully with sparkling water or ice to create a refreshing, light slush that’s bursting with natural flavours.
- Mix and match different no-added sugar syrups to create your own unique flavour combinations!
Make Your Own No Added Sugar Syrups
If you love having full control over your ingredients or want to try something a bit different, making your own no-added sugar syrups at home is easier than you might think!
It’s a great way to customise flavours, avoid artificial additives, and create a truly unique slush drink experience. You control exactly what goes in, and it’s a fun DIY project for your next fairground fun day!
Syrup Ingredients:
- Natural fruit juice (unsweetened) or fresh or frozen fruit (e.g. berries, citrus, mango)
- Water
- Natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener — or a small amount of honey/agave syrup if you’re okay with a little natural sugar
- Lemon juice (optional – adds brightness and helps preserve the syrup)
You will also need:
- A saucepan
- A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- A clean bottle or jar for storing your syrup
Basic No-Added Sugar Fruit Syrup Recipe:
Prepare Your Fruit:
Chop fresh or thaw frozen fruit to roughly equal pieces. For example, use about 1 cup of fruit for every 1 cup of water.
Cook the Fruit:
In a saucepan, combine your fruit and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The fruit should soften and start to break down, releasing its natural flavours.
Strain the Mixture:
Pour the cooked fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl or jug, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp or save it for smoothies.
Sweeten to Taste:
While the juice is still warm, add your chosen natural sweetener a little at a time. Start with 1-2 teaspoons of stevia or erythritol and adjust based on your preferred sweetness. If using honey or agave, add sparingly to keep sugar content low. Add a splash of lemon juice if you like—it brightens the flavour and helps preserve the syrup.
Cool and Store:
Let your syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean bottle or jar with a tight lid. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Using Your Homemade Syrup in Slush Drinks:
Mix your syrup with crushed ice and blend it or use it in a slush machine. Adjust the amount of syrup to taste—start with 30-50ml per serving and add more if needed. Enjoy a refreshing, guilt-free treat bursting with natural flavour!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Syrups:
Experiment with flavours: Try mixing fruits like raspberry and lime or mango and ginger for exciting new combinations.
Herbal infusions: Add a sprig of fresh mint, rosemary, or basil to the fruit while simmering for an aromatic twist.
Keep it simple: If you’re after a sugar-free option, just use fruit juice with stevia and lemon juice, skipping the simmering step for a quicker syrup.
