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Frosty Cranberry Vodka Slush Recipe

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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!

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! 

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 1/2 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!

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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 4 votes
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Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 145kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Ziploc bags

Ingredients

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 1/2 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
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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I saved a non-alcoholic portion for the kids and they liked it too! Thank you!

  2. Marye Audet-White says:

    Omigosh – this cranberry vodka slush is gorgeous! Definitely perfect for the holidays.

  3. One Crazy House says:

    Oooh I might make a mocktail version of this cranberry slush for the family on New Year’s Eve!

  4. This cranberry slush is a great way to stay cool and refreshed at a holiday party!

  5. I love this how this cranberry slush puts a festive spin on a standard vodka cocktail. I especially like the blend of fruity and spicy flavors.

  6. I know cold drinks aren’t usually a thing in the winter months, but I think this cranberry slush is perfect for holiday gatherings! Hot flashes are real and cold (boozy) drinks help! ;)

  7. 5 stars
    I love the idea of a slush drink during the holidays, and never would’ve thought of it! Can’t wait to make this cranberry vodka slush!

  8. I’m sure this cranberry vodka slush would be a big hit at any holiday party – and it’s so pretty, too!

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