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A Easy to Make Spiced Apple Cider Slush Recipe
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Apple season in California? You bet it is. Whether you’re strolling through a local orchard, hitting up a roadside cider stand, or just living your best cozy life at home, now is the perfect time to raise a frosty glass of something totally unexpected—an apple cider slush. That’s right, a slush. It’s refreshing, full of warm spices, and just what your taste buds didn’t know they needed.
This isn’t your average slushie, and California isn’t your average apple-producing state either.
California Apples: Crisp, Cool, and Ready to Sip
Let’s talk apples. California may not be the first place you think of when apple season arrives, but spoiler alert—it should be. Did you know that California is the 5th largest producer of apples in the U.S.? Oh, yeah, we are, and we are the second-largest exporter of apples, too. We grow Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Cripps Pink in ideal upper Northern California climates from July through October, and let me tell you—the flavor? Unmatched.
And fresh apple is the star of the show in this simple Apple Cider Slush recipe that is all flavor. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself grating apples and freezing apple cider cubes faster than you can say slushie season!
Why This Apple Cider Slushie Is The Move This Season
Not convinced yet? Here’s what makes this delicious apple cider slushie a game-changer:
- Easy recipe: You freeze, you blend, you sip. No complicated steps or fancy gear needed. A standard ice cube tray, a cheese grater, and a good blender are all you need.
- Perfect addition to your late summer and fall lineup: It’s like the pumpkin spice latte’s much cooler cousin.
- The fresh apple cider flavor is front and center in this recipe, especially if you’re using the real-deal stuff from California legends like Martinelli’s.
- A slushie’s consistency is completely customizable. If you want it thicker, add more apple cider ice cubes. Thinner? Add more apple cider.
Where to Score the Good Stuff 🍏
Planning to go all-in on flavor? Visit one of California’s dreamy cider mills or local apple orchards this season. Here are a few hot picks:
Gizdich Ranch: A pick-your-own paradise with apples, berries, and pie that’ll haunt your dreams (in the best way).
Gowans Heirloom Cider: The very first outdoor cider tasting room and an incredible apple history dating back seven generations. You can literally sip cider and cider slushies right where the apples grow. Bliss.
Apple Cider Slushie Tips & Tricks
Before you hit blend, keep these in mind:
- Freeze half your cider into apple cider ice cubes—this helps build that ideal texture.
- A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy flavor.
- Grated apple brings texture and fiber to the party.
- Drizzle a little honey inside the glass before pouring for a sweet, swirly finish.
Apple Season is Finally Here—Don’t Sleep on it by Waiting for Fall. Start Celebrating Now!
We’re just getting into the thick of apple season, and this recipe is the perfect way to toast the harvest. Whether you’re into classic apple recipes or just want to keep things light and frosty, this simple recipe delivers all the crisp, sweet notes of fall with none of the fuss.
NEED A PLAYLIST FOR CELEBRATING APPLE SEASON? CHECK OUT OUR CA GROWN SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS:
Craving more California flavor?
Try visiting one of our beautiful apple-picking farms and sip a cider or devour a slice of apple pie inspired by an iconic film location!
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Apple Cider Slush Recipe
Equipment
- peeler
- grater
- high speed blender
Ingredients
To make apple cider ice cubes:
- ½ gallon apple cider divided
To make an apple cider slush:
- 1 apple peeled and grated
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 TBSP honey
Instructions
To make the apple cider ice cubes:
- Add half of the apple cider to ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until frozen solid.
- Once frozen, you are ready to make an apple cider slush.
To make an apple cider slush:
- In a blender, add 2 ½ cups (590 ml) of frozen apple cider ice cubes, ¾ cup (180 ml) of the remaining cold apple cider, grated apple, ice cubes, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Blend until all of the ingredients are smooth and fully incorporated. If the mixture is too thick, add more apple cider 1 TBSP at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- To serve, drizzle honey inside the serving glass, then pour and serve immediately.