There’s nothing quite like sipping a Kentucky Bourbon Slush on a hot summer evening — cold, citrusy, a little sweet, and just strong enough to make you feel like you’re doing summer right.
This classic Southern recipe has been passed around at church picnics, backyard cookouts, and holiday parties for generations.
Made with a smooth blend of black tea, lemonade, orange juice, and bourbon, it freezes into a scoopable slush that you serve in glasses and top with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. The result? A refreshing drink with grown-up flavor and front-porch charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This drink is cool, citrusy, and seriously satisfying — especially when it’s hot out. The bourbon flavor is mellowed by the fruit juices and tea, creating a balanced slush that’s not too sweet and not too strong.
It’s also easy to make ahead, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Just stash the mix in your freezer, scoop when ready, and top with soda. Bonus: it serves a crowd and looks gorgeous in mason jars or punch cups!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups strong brewed black tea (about 4 tea bags)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 2 cups bourbon (Kentucky bourbon recommended)
- 3 cups water
- Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda (for serving)
- Optional garnishes: lemon slices, orange wedges, fresh mint
Pro Tips
- Use a good-quality bourbon — the flavor comes through even when frozen.
- Brew your tea strong so it holds its flavor in the slush.
- Mix completely before freezing to ensure even texture and flavor.
- Let it sit 5–10 minutes at room temp before scooping for easier serving.
- Top with soda at the last minute to keep the slush from melting too fast.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl or pitcher
- Whisk or spoon
- 9×13 freezer-safe container with lid (or large freezer bag)
- Ice cream scoop or large spoon
- Mason jars, punch cups, or cocktail glasses for serving
Substitutions & Variations
- No bourbon? Try spiced rum or whiskey instead.
- Less sweet: Use unsweetened tea and reduce sugar to ¾ cup.
- More citrusy: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before freezing.
- No soda: Serve as-is for a more potent version.
- Frozen fruit garnish: Add frozen orange slices to keep drinks chilled.
Make Ahead Tips
This slush must be made ahead — it needs at least 6–8 hours in the freezer, preferably overnight.
You can store it for up to 1 month in the freezer. Just scoop, top with soda, and serve whenever you’re ready.
Instructions
1. Brew the Tea
Boil 2 cups of water and steep 4 black tea bags for 5–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl or pitcher, whisk together the brewed tea, sugar, orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, remaining 3 cups of water, and bourbon. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Freeze the Slush
Pour the mixture into a large freezer-safe container (like a 9×13 dish). Cover and freeze overnight, or at least 8 hours, until slushy.
4. Scoop and Serve
Let slush sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop into glasses and top with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Garnish with citrus slices or mint if desired.
Leftovers & Storage
Keep leftover slush frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To serve again, let sit for a few minutes to soften, scoop, and top with soda as usual. Don’t refreeze once thawed and watered down.
Recipe FAQs
1. What kind of bourbon should I use?
A mid-range Kentucky bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Evan Williams works great — smooth and flavorful but not too pricey.
2. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Just skip the bourbon and replace it with an equal amount of water or brewed tea. It’ll be a sweet citrus slush instead.
3. Can I use fresh orange juice and lemonade instead of concentrate?
Technically yes, but the flavor won’t be quite as bold or sweet — the concentrates give that classic Southern slush vibe.
4. How do I serve this at a party?
Make a double batch and keep it in a large punch bowl. Let guests scoop their own slush and top with soda!
The Final Sip
This Kentucky Bourbon Slush is the kind of Southern classic that keeps summer cool, fun, and just a little bit fancy.
With bold bourbon, bright citrus, and that irresistible slushy texture, it’s sure to become your go-to party drink. Try it once and you’ll understand why it’s been passed around for generations. Let me know in the comments — do you like yours sweet, strong, or extra citrusy?