With all things Nineties back in the trend cycle, it was only a matter of time before the slushie made its triumphant return.
The childhood drink of dreams - especially in the summer months - readers old enough to have enjoyed them the first time around will fondly remember the delicious berry or cola flavours that would inevitably turn your tongue into a lurid, unnatural hue.
A good slushie was often devoured right after swimming (ideally with a portion of fryer-fresh chips) or slurped on while tucked into a cinema seat in front of the latest child-friendly blockbuster.
Slushies continue to reign in the summer months. At festivals such as Mighty Hoopla, Glastonbury and Isle of Wight, slushie-hawking drinks stands had some of the longest queues around with adults waiting patiently for their chance to wrap their lips around a booze-soaked version.
Good weather has come to bless the UK, which makes now the perfect time to invest in a slushie maker. Whether it’s to satisfy the thirst of kids on summer holidays or to take pals down a nostalgic drinks path when they pop over for a BBQ, a decent slushie will always be a welcome thing.
While the slushies of their heyday were likely soaked in E numbers and additives, you can now make them with fresh fruit - strawberries and watermelon are great options - sweetened with ingredients like lime juice, honey or maple syrups. The only non-negotiable? Cups full of crushed ice.
Also known as a granita in Italy (where, in the 9th century, it was reserved for the upper echelons of society) and ice gola in India where it’s soaked in rose, orange or mango syrup, there are plenty of ways to serve up the cool treat.
The easiest starting point is with a slushie maker, and as luck would have it, we’ve rounded up the best options below.
Your slushie dreams are no longer on ice; shop now
SLUSH PUPPiE Snow Cone Machine
Think of slushies and we’d wager you’re picturing the coolest cartoon pup around. Yes, Slush Puppie was the posterchild for the treat in the 90s - and still is. This branded machine can make up to a litre of the good stuff in minutes, meaning the baying crowd at your BBQ won’t be kept waiting for very long. Also good for making snow cones, this ice shaving machine can be paired with branded syrups for authentic flavour.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker
Yes, the price is astonishing - sit down and we’ll make you a stiff drink with this Margaritaville-branded frozen cocktail maker. This branded machine, in Brat green no less, will instantly recall island holidays or trips to Key West, Florida where frozen margs are practically an unofficial religion.
The mixer comes with markings on the side so you can pour in precise volumes and shaved and blend functions can be operated both manually and automatically for total control. The device turns into a jug when you’re done - simply pour serves from the spouted lip or forgo glasses and stick some straws into it instead for jolly communal sipping.
Buy now £393.07, Amazon
Neo Ice Crusher Slush Machine
Crush and grind ice to the perfect fine or coarse consistency with Neo’s slush machine. An automatic stirrer keeps the shards from sticking to each other and also blends syrups and flavourings through so there are no empty pockets. It can be used for slushie creation, but the crushed ice is also perfect for adding to coffee or using in smoothies and snow cones.
Buy now £41.99, Amazon
Nostalgia Frozen Beverage Station
Slushies, snow cones, frozen daiquiris and margs - you name it, this retro-inspired beauty will make it. Sold with a pitcher that can hold 1.1 litres, make coarse or fine snow from ice cubes and the precision-cut stainless steel cutting blades will take care of the rest. As the ice is shaved, a mixing paddle stirs the ice with your drink or flavouring for consistent results in every cup.
Buy now £43.19, Amazon
WingFly Manual Ice Crusher Slush Machine
Slushie machines may deliver delight, but they’re not always the most aesthetically pleasing things to look at. Enter this manual crusher from WingFly, minimalist enough to suit any kitchen. The hand crank makes quick work of crushing the block of ice in the included mould and with a few turns you’ll have beautifully shaved ice before you know it.
What’s more, cleaning is a doddle since the whole body is detachable making washing up afterwards easy.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
MANBA Slush Machine and Slush Puppy Machine
Having a slushie at home is all good and well, but what about when you’re on the move? Never be without your favourite crushed ice drink again with this manual crusher. Simply add frozen cubes into the chamber and churn the three stainless steel blades for the perfect amount of fluffy shaved ice for one. A perfect camping cooler accessory or surprise staycation addition.
Buy now £19.54, Amazon
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker & Frozen Dessert Maker with 3 Tubs
A hot weather essential - especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth - the CREAMi is the latest wonder gadget from Ninja, the makers behind some of the country’s leading air fryers. If you’re looking for dessert, this baby does it all with seven modes to make everything from ice cream and gelato to sorbets, milkshakes, smoothies and more. For slushies, add cubes of ice and your flavourings before mixing. It will be loud, but then again, anything crushing ice is going to be.
Buy now £149.00, Amazon
Klarstein Icebreaker Ice Crusher
Best for: the speediest of ice machines
If you need to crush a large amount of ice in a hurry, Klarstein’s beautiful silver and black machine is up to the job. With four suction cup feet to keep it steady on your kitchen work surface or home bar, it slices through cubes and large chunks of ice like they’re butter, collecting smaller chips in the 3.5L ice collection tank. Perfect for helping you make slushies and summertime serves like a frozen margarita.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon
