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    Home » Cocktails » Frosty Cranberry Vodka Slush Recipe

    Published: Sep 11, 2023 · Updated: Sep 11, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Frosty Cranberry Vodka Slush Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    easy frozen slush cocktail with cranberry and vodka
    Spiced Cranberry Vodka Slush collage.
    Text: Yummy Cranberry Vodka Slush with footed glasses holding a frozen cocktail made from spiced cranberry juice and vodka.

    If you're looking for a fun holiday-inspired cocktail idea to serve at parties this season you need to make this frozen Cranberry Vodka Slush recipe! These Christmas cranberry cocktails are perfect for making ahead, ready to serve to guests at your next holiday party!

    2 glasses of a cranberry vodka slush cocktail.
    Cranberry Slush with Vodka? Yes, please!
    Jump to:
    • About this alcoholic slush recipe with vodka
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • How to make vodka cranberry slush
    • Tips and Tricks
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • A few more easy recipes you might also enjoy!
    • Frozen Cranberry Vodka Slush

    About this alcoholic slush recipe with vodka

    This Cranberry Slush with vodka would make a great signature cocktail for any get-together. You can easily serve them up as you need them. Just keep the slush in the freezer and top with soda as needed! 

    With seasonal spices and bright cranberry flavor, your friends and family will love this tasty frozen cocktail! I mean, it's essential a frozen vodka cranberry (sometimes called a Cape Cod) but a lot more flavorful.

    Give yourself a few days to make this easy vodka recipe (there's some heating, cooling, freezing, etc.) but once it's prepped, these cocktails are a breeze to serve.

    Like, give yourself a few days. You can probably make it a bit quicker than that, but you would need to be way more hands-on and you really just can't rush the freezing process. 

    Gather up the ingredients and make these this year for all your Christmas parties!

    Why This Recipe Works

    I know a frozen Cranberry Vodka Slush is probably not the first cocktail you think about when you think of cold-weather gatherings. 

    But it should be. 

    The color is so fun and festive and you're totally going to love the flavor! 

    The Spiced Cranberry Juice that you make as the base can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 weeks so you can really make it ahead of time! It's full of seasonal flavors that feel festive.

    This would be so yummy for a fun girls' night in party (like a cookie exchange) or even on Christmas day! 

    If you're making the cranberry base, you may also want to try this yummy Cranberry Mule and Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail.

    Candy cane martinis on a table with text next to it.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for cranberry vodka slush on a table.
    What you need to make this Christmas Slush with vodka.

    This frozen vodka slush for Christmas is probably going to end up a part of your holiday traditions. That gorgeous color would pretty up any party! 

    • Batch of Spiced Cranberry Juice
    • vodka
    • orange juice
    • lime juice
    • lemon-lime soda

    This drink starts with my Spiced Cranberry Juice. If you aren't ready to click over and check out the cranberry juice post just know you will also need 64 oz. of cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and fresh ginger. And cheesecloth. 

    I used Tito's Vodka in my cranberry slush, but you can use whatever you have on hand. You can also try this by leaving the vodka out and freezing the spiced cranberry and citrus juices in ice cube trays.

    Orange juice and lime juice are best when fresh-squeezed, but you can make it easier with store-bought.

    You can blend those, with vodka, in a blender. Or make it similar to my Slushy Vodka Sunrise - over shave ice! 

    Top with Lemon Lime Soda. If you aren't a fan of lemon-lime soda, this would also be super tasty with ginger ale, ginger beer, and maybe even champagne! Get creative! (Note: I prefer generic brand lemon-lime soda for cocktails. I just like how the flavor pairs with other ingredients over name brand soda).

    How to make vodka cranberry slush

    A pitcher with cranberry juice and other ingredients on a table next to a bottle of vodka.

    Step 1

    Make the Spiced Cranberry Juice per the directions in this post. (It would be best to make it the day before you need it at least as it needs to freeze 4 hours but is better overnight!)

    Step 2

    In a large pitcher, add cranberry juice, vodka, orange, and lime juice.

    Mix well.

    Frozen cranberry vodka slush in a zip bag on table next to lemon lime soda cans.

    Step 3

    Pour into double Ziplock bags or another freezer-safe container.

    Step 4

    Freeze overnight or at least 4 hours.

    Frozen cranberry cocktail in a ziplock bag.

    Step 5

    Let thaw for 5-10 minutes before serving (depending on how slushy you want it). It will start to soften pretty quickly. And when you add the soda, it will begin melting even more.

    Festive Cranberry Slush cocktail in footed glasses on a table.

    Step 6

    Place about ½ cup of frozen vodka slush into a glass.

    Step 7

    Top with lemon-lime soda.

    Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

    Cranberry Vodka Slush cocktail in a glass on a table next to an ornament.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Make the Spiced Cranberry Juice ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks.
    • To get a good slushie effect, you'll need to freeze the cranberry vodka mixture overnight.
    • You can use infused vodka if you'd like. You can even make your own. A citrus or orange flavor would be excellent with the cranberry juice.
    • Don't want to make this with vodka? No problem! Just leave it out and you've created a mocktail your kids will love. Just keep in mind that the mixture will freeze all the way and will need more time to thaw out.
    • You can also use tequila or bourbon if you prefer.
    3 glasses of Cranberry Vodka Slush with a cinnamon stick garnish.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does vodka freeze?

    Vodka doesn't freeze. The Kitchn says that the vodka in your recipe should be 20% or less to get the perfect slush texture.

    What type of vodka should I use?

    I love Tito's. It's reasonably priced, reputable and a very popular bottle.

    A few more easy recipes you might also enjoy!

    • Best Cranberry Moscow Mule
    • Spiced Cranberry Ginger and Bourbon Cocktail
    • Pineapple Orange Champagne Punch
    • Spiced Pear Bellini Fall Cocktail
    • Dairy Free Bourbon Milk Punch
    • Christmas Cosmo Recipe
    • Amaro Recipe

    Save this and Pin it for later!

    If you want to save this recipe make sure you Pin it for later! If you are not already you can follow me on Pinterest, as well as keep up with me on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. If you make this recipe make sure to tag me in your photos and leave a star rating below!

    Square image of three small parfait glasses filled with cranberry vodka slush.

    Frozen Cranberry Vodka Slush

    This flavorful Cranberry Vodka Slush is a great holiday cocktail idea for all your seasonal entertaining.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Freezing Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 5 hours hours
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 145kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Equipment

    • Blender
    • Ziploc bags

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups spiced cranberry juice
    • 2 cups Vodka
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • ½ cup lime juice
    • Top with Lemon Lime Soda

    Instructions

    • Make the Spiced Cranberry Juice per the directions in this post. (It would be best to make the day before you need the juice.)
    • In a large pitcher, add cranberry juice, vodka, orange and lime juice.
    • Mix well.
    • Pour into doubled up Ziplock bags or another freezer-safe container.
    • Freeze overnight or at least 4 hours.
    • Let thaw for 10 minutes before serving (depends on how slushy you want it).
    • Place about ½ cup of frozen vodka slush into a glass.
    • Top with lemon-lime soda.
    • Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

    Notes

    The Spiced Cranberry Juice can be made up to 3 weeks ahead of time if kept in the fridge in an air-tight container.
    Since the vodka won't freeze all the way, it will get slushy pretty quickly once removed from the freezer and especially when you add the lemon-lime soda.
    You can use a spoon to help break it up, also.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Welcome!
    I'm your go-to for easy, no-fuss party recipes. After hosting countless get-togethers and teaching myself to make cocktails at home, I'm sharing my secrets for how to mix drinks with ease (no bartender skills or fancy tools needed!). Plus learn my stress-free party shortcuts and favorite crowd-pleasing recipes. Email me at [email protected]

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    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

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