Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries

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Stay party-ready with a make-ahead, big-batch cocktail. The bourbon slush and boozy cherries will keep for up to a year.

By
Elizabeth Heiskell
Elizabeth Heiskell
Elizabeth Heiskell

Elizabeth Heiskell is a food contributor for The Today Show and has appeared as a judge on Food Network's The Kitchen and on Chopped. Elizabeth is a Southern Living contributing editor and author of three best selling cook books.

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Published on November 18, 2024
Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries in glasses garnished with orange slices and cherries, next to a bowl with cherries and a plate with crackers
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Freeze Time:
8 hrs
Stand Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
8 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
10
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

Drunken Cherries:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 2 (1x3-inch) strips orange peel

  • 2 1/2 cups bourbon

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup (thawed) frozen pitted dark sweet cherries or pitted fresh cherries

Bourbon Slush:

  • 6 cups water

  • 6 black tea bags

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

  • 1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate

  • halved orange slices, for garnish

Directions

  1. For drunken cherries, combine brown sugar and orange peel in a pint-size canning jar. Muddle until peel releases oils. Add 1/2 cup bourbon and the vanilla. Cover and shake vigorously until sugar dissolves. Add cherries; cover and shake gently to combine. Chill at least 8 hours (and up to 1 year).

  2. Meanwhile, bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat. Add tea bags. Steep according to package directions. Remove and discard tea bags. Add white sugar; stir to dissolve. Let cool.

  3. Pour tea mixture and remaining 3 cups water into an extra-large pitcher or freezer-safe container. Add lemonade and orange juice concentrates; stir until combined. Stir in remaining 2 cups bourbon. Freeze until almost firm, 8 to 12 hours. (Freeze in an airtight container up to 1 year.)

  4. When ready to serve, let frozen tea mixture stand at room temperature until partially thawed and slushy, 15 to 30 minutes. Stir well, then spoon into glasses. Garnish with drunken cherries and orange slices. Serve immediately.

    From the Editor

    Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of drunken cherries. The actual amount of drunken cherries consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

337 Calories
0g Fat
57g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 337
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 11mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 57g 21%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 50g
Protein 1g 3%
Vitamin C 78mg 87%
Calcium 37mg 3%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 361mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.