Transforming simple ingredients into a frosty, flavorful delight has never been easier! This incredible homemade cherry slushi recipe requires just three core components and your trusty Ninja Slushi Maker to achieve frosty perfection. Bursting with real, juicy cherry flavor, this refreshing beverage is the ultimate way to cool down on a hot day or simply treat yourself to a fun, vibrant drink. Say goodbye to artificial flavors and hello to pure, fruity goodness in every sip.
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If you’re a fan of refreshing frozen drinks, you’ll adore this cherry slushi. The Ninja Slushi Maker makes crafting these delightful beverages incredibly straightforward, ensuring a consistently icy and smooth texture every time. Beyond this cherry sensation, you might also love exploring other fantastic Ninja Slushi recipes. Get inspired by our other creations like the Ninja Slushi Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade, Ninja Slushi Lemonade, Ninja Slushi Daiquiri, Ninja Slushi Margarita, Ninja Slushi Wendy’s Frosty, Ninja Slushi Coffee Frappé (Vanilla Caramel), Ninja Slushi Strawberry Lemonade Slush, and Ninja Slushi Vanilla Protein Shake.
Unleash the Flavor: Why Homemade Cherry Slushies Are a Game-Changer
There’s nothing quite like a frosty, sweet, and tart cherry slushi to brighten your day. While store-bought options are readily available, making a homemade cherry slushi offers a superior experience. You get full control over the ingredients, ensuring no artificial colors, flavors, or excessive sugars sneak into your drink. This means a healthier, fresher, and more vibrant beverage that truly highlights the natural goodness of cherries.
Not only is it a more wholesome choice, but it’s also incredibly cost-effective. A bag of frozen cherries and a bottle of sparkling water go a long way compared to repeatedly buying individual slushies. Plus, the satisfaction of crafting your own perfect frozen treat is unparalleled. This easy slushi recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy families, summer parties, or simply a quick personal indulgence.
The Magic of the Ninja Slushi Maker
The Ninja Slushi Maker truly simplifies the art of creating perfectly textured frozen drinks. Unlike traditional blenders that can leave you with an inconsistent mix of ice chunks and watery liquid, the Ninja Slushi Machine is specifically engineered to churn ingredients into a smooth, uniformly icy slush. Its specialized functionality ensures that your homemade cherry slushi reaches that ideal frosty consistency, mimicking professional-grade machines.
The convenience of this appliance lies in its set-it-and-forget-it nature. After a quick initial blend, the machine takes over, gradually chilling and churning your mixture to perfection. The self-serve spout adds a fun, interactive element, allowing everyone to easily dispense their own customized drink. If you love frozen beverages, investing in a Ninja Slushi Maker will elevate your homemade drink game significantly, making this cherry slushi and many other recipes a breeze to prepare.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Cherry Slushi
Crafting the ultimate cherry slushi starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. This recipe focuses on three simple, yet powerful, components that deliver maximum flavor and an irresistible texture.
- Frozen Cherries – These are the undisputed stars of our slushi. Using frozen cherries is paramount because they provide a naturally thick, icy texture without the need for additional ice cubes, which often dilute the flavor. Their inherent sweetness and bold tartness form the base of the drink, making it vibrant and intensely fruity. While fresh cherries can be used, we highly recommend freezing them first to achieve the best results and reduce processing time. Opt for dark sweet cherries for a sweeter slushi or tart cherries if you prefer a more tangy kick. You can often find large bags of high-quality frozen cherries at warehouse clubs like Costco, offering excellent value.
- Cherry Sparkling Water – This ingredient pulls double duty by enhancing the cherry flavor and introducing a delightful effervescence. The bubbles add a light, refreshing fizz that elevates the slushi experience beyond a simple frozen juice. If cherry sparkling water isn’t available, you have several excellent alternatives. Regular plain sparkling water or club soda can provide the fizz without altering the flavor profile significantly. For a richer cherry taste, cherry juice (diluted if too sweet) works well, or even plain water if you prefer a simpler base. Coconut water can also be a fantastic option for a subtle tropical twist and added hydration.
- Sweetener or Sugar – The amount of sweetener needed will depend on the natural sweetness of your cherries and your personal preference. Cherries can vary in sweetness, so it’s always best to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. We often use a zero-calorie option like monk fruit sweetener, which provides sweetness without adding extra calories. However, regular granulated sugar, honey, agave nectar, or even maple syrup are all viable options. Begin with a quarter cup and taste the mixture after blending before adding more to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Slushies Using the Ninja Slushi Maker
Making a vibrant, icy cherry slushi in your Ninja Slushi Maker is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for the perfect frosty treat. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Base: The key to a smooth slushi from the Ninja machine is starting with a well-blended base. Begin by adding your frozen cherries, cherry sparkling water, and your chosen sweetener (or sugar) to a high-powered blender. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. This pre-blending step ensures that the Ninja machine can effectively churn the liquid into a consistent slushi texture without encountering large ice chunks.
- Transfer to the Ninja Slushi Maker: Carefully pour the smoothly blended cherry mixture into the main reservoir of your Ninja Slushi Maker. Ensure it’s filled to the recommended maximum line to prevent overflow during processing. Once the mixture is in, secure the lid and paddle according to your machine’s instructions. Select the “Slush” button on your Ninja machine. For optimal freezing and the best slushi consistency, we often find it beneficial to run the machine at its highest temperature setting, typically found on the right control dial. This helps to achieve that extra cold, frosty texture.
- Allow the Machine to Process: Patience is a virtue when making perfect slushies. Let the Ninja Slushi Maker run its cycle. The processing time can vary significantly, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. Factors like the initial temperature of your liquid, the sugar content of your mixture, and even ambient room temperature can influence how long it takes. In our experience, it generally takes at least 25 minutes to reach the ideal consistency. The machine will churn and cool the mixture, gradually transforming it into a thick, icy slush.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the machine’s cycle is complete and your cherry slushi has reached the desired frosty consistency, it’s time to serve! Place a cup directly under the convenient self-serve spout. Pull the handle down gently to dispense a stream of perfectly chilled cherry slushi. Garnish with a fresh cherry or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.
Fun Add-Ins or Variations
While the classic cherry slushi is undeniably delicious, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these fun add-ins and variations to customize your drink to your liking:
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries. It elevates the overall flavor profile, making the slushi even more refreshing.
- Raspberries: Blend in a handful of frozen raspberries along with your cherries for a delightful mixed berry slushi. Raspberries add another layer of tartness and a slightly different fruity aroma.
- Strawberries: Similar to raspberries, frozen strawberries blend seamlessly with cherries. This combination creates a sweeter, more classic red fruit flavor that’s universally appealing.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a half teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can add a subtle creamy depth and warmth, reminiscent of a cherry pie. Add it during the initial blending stage.
- Coconut Water: Replace some or all of the sparkling water with coconut water for a tropical twist and added electrolytes. It gives the slushi a lighter, more refreshing feel.
- Club Soda: If you don’t have cherry sparkling water, club soda is a perfect substitute to achieve that desired fizz without altering the cherry flavor.
- Almond Extract: For a unique and sophisticated flavor, add a few drops of almond extract. This creates a wonderful cherry-almond profile, much like a gourmet cherry pie. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount.
- Frozen Banana: For a creamier, thicker slushi and a boost of natural sweetness, blend in half a frozen banana with your other ingredients. This works especially well if you prefer a less icy, more smoothie-like texture.
- Coconut Milk: A splash of full-fat coconut milk (canned, not cartoned) can create an incredibly creamy, dairy-free slushi, transforming it into a luxurious frozen treat.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: For an invigorating finish, muddle a few fresh mint leaves into your blended mixture or use them as a garnish. The cool menthol flavor pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: For an indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt *after* the slushi has been dispensed. This creates a delicious cherry float-style dessert.
- A Splash of Alcohol: To make an adult version, add a splash of rum, vodka, or cherry liqueur to the blended mixture before processing in the Ninja Slushi Maker. Most Ninja machines even have a “Spiked Slush” setting designed for alcoholic beverages, ensuring the perfect boozy slushie.
Troubleshooting Tips if You Have Problems with the Machine
While the Ninja Slushi Maker is generally user-friendly, you might occasionally encounter minor issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips to ensure your slushi-making experience is always smooth and successful:
- Check the Liquid Ratio – If your slushi mixture is too thick, the machine’s paddle may struggle to churn it effectively, leading to uneven freezing or the machine stopping prematurely. This often happens if there isn’t enough liquid. Try adding just 1-2 tablespoons of additional liquid (sparkling water, juice, or even plain water) and gently stir before restarting the cycle. Gradually adding liquid helps you reach the right consistency without making it too watery.
- Make Sure the Mixture is Cold Enough – The Ninja Slushi Machine works most efficiently and freezes fastest when the initial liquid base is already very cold. If your ingredients were at room temperature or not adequately chilled, the machine will take much longer to reach a slushi consistency. To speed things up, try refrigerating or even briefly freezing your blended mixture for 15-30 minutes before adding it to the machine.
- Let It Process Fully – Don’t be too quick to judge! The Ninja Slushi Machine requires a dedicated amount of time to properly chill and churn the mixture into the perfect slushi texture. Be patient and allow the machine to complete its full cycle, which can be anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. If it seems to be taking longer, avoid opening the lid too frequently, as this can disrupt the cooling process. If needed, restart the cycle for another 10-15 minutes.
- Check for Ice Blockage – Sometimes, if the mixture is too cold or highly concentrated in one area, it can freeze unevenly or create a blockage around the paddle. If you notice the machine struggling or hearing unusual noises, turn it off, let it sit for a minute or two to soften slightly, then give the mixture a gentle stir with a non-abrasive utensil before restarting.
- Ensure the Machine is Properly Assembled – A common oversight is incorrect assembly. Double-check that all removable parts, including the lid, paddle, and reservoir, are securely locked into their correct positions. If any component is misaligned or not properly seated, the machine may not operate correctly or might display an error. Refer to your Ninja Slushi Maker manual for detailed assembly instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Slushies
Yes, you can, but it’s strongly recommended to freeze them first for the best slushi texture. If you use fresh, unfrozen cherries, you’ll need to add a significant amount of ice to achieve the desired icy consistency, which can dilute the intense cherry flavor. Freezing fresh cherries yourself, or buying a bag of frozen cherries (like those from Costco), ensures a concentrated flavor and ideal texture.
No problem! You have several options. You can substitute it with regular plain sparkling water or club soda for the fizz. For a richer cherry flavor, use plain cherry juice (you might want to reduce the sweetener if your juice is already sweet). If you prefer a simpler taste, regular water or even coconut water works well.
Sweetness is subjective! We recommend starting with ¼ cup of your chosen sweetener and tasting the blended mixture before adding it to the Ninja Slushi Maker. If you prefer a sweeter slushi, gradually add more, up to ½ cup or even slightly more, until it perfectly suits your taste buds. Remember, cherries themselves vary in sweetness.
Slushies are generally best enjoyed immediately after they are made, as their icy consistency can melt quickly. If you need to prepare it in advance, you can blend the mixture and freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let it thaw slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then re-blend it briefly in a high-powered blender to restore its smooth, frosty texture.
Absolutely! A high-powered blender is all you need. Simply add the frozen cherries, sparkling water, sweetener, and a handful of ice (if your cherries aren’t super cold or you want extra thickness) to your blender. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more liquid; if not thick enough, add more ice and blend again until you reach the perfect slushi consistency.
Yes, you certainly can! Simply add your preferred alcohol to the blended cherry mixture before processing it in the Ninja Slushi Maker. Vodka, rum, or even a cherry liqueur would pair wonderfully. Many Ninja Slushi machines even have a dedicated “Spiked Slush” setting designed for alcoholic beverages to achieve optimal consistency.
How to Store Your Cherry Slushi
While fresh slushies are always best, you can definitely save any leftovers for later enjoyment. If you have the luxury of keeping your Ninja Slushi Maker running, it will maintain the frozen texture for up to 12 hours. However, once you turn the machine off, the slushi will eventually melt back into a liquid state.
To store melted or leftover slushi, pour it into a freezer-safe, airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to soften slightly. Then, give it a good stir or, for the best consistency, re-blend it briefly in a high-powered blender until it returns to that smooth, icy slushi texture. This re-blending process is key to preventing an overly icy or separated mixture.
What to Pair With Your Refreshing Cherry Slushi
A cold, sweet cherry slushi is the perfect complement to a variety of savory dishes, especially during warmer months or at a backyard barbecue. Its sweet-tart profile cuts through richness and offers a refreshing palate cleanser. Consider pairing it with these delicious food recipes:
- Dill Pickle Potato Salad
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Southern Baked Beans
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
- Smoked Pulled Chicken
- Oven Baked Ribs
- How to Grill Chicken Wings
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply enjoying a meal at home, a homemade cherry slushi adds a fun, flavorful touch that everyone will appreciate.
Cherry Slushi (Ninja Slushi Machine)
Author: Brandi Crawford
3 ingredients! That’s it. This homemade cherry slushi is bursting with juicy cherry flavor and blended to frosty perfection in the Ninja Slushi maker! Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or just need a fun, refreshing drink, this easy slushi recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings. No artificial flavors, just real, fruity goodness!
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Prep Time
5 mins
Processing
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Course
Drink
Cuisine
American
Servings
3 servings
Calories
127 kcal
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Equipment
- Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Machine
- High Powered Blender
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cherries
- 2 cups cherry sparkling water (Add more if needed. See notes below.)
- ¼-½ cup sweetener or sugar (Adjust to suit your taste. I used ½ cup. Use more for sweet slushies.)
Instructions
- You will have to blend the cherries first, prior to adding them to the machine. Add the frozen cherries, sparkling water, and sugar or sweetener to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the blended drink to the Ninja Slushi Maker. Press the Slush button. We recommend running this at the highest temperature setting on the right in order to get it cold enough to create the slushi.
- Allow the machine to process. Let the machine run for 15-45 minutes, depending on the sugar content and temperature of the liquid. Mine took at least 25 minutes.
- Once the cycle is complete, place a cup under the self-serve spout and pull the handle to dispense the slushi.
Notes
Adjust the ingredients for the slushi to suit your taste.
How to Make This Using a Blender: You will need to use ice for thick texture. Just use a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more liquid a little at a time. If the mixture isn’t thick enough, add ice and blend.
Troubleshooting Tips if You Have Problems With the Machine:
- Check the Liquid Ratio – If the mixture is too thick, the machine may struggle to process it. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional liquid (sparkling water, juice, or even plain water) and restart the cycle.
- Make Sure the Mixture is Cold Enough – The machine works best when the liquid is super cold. If your base wasn’t chilled before adding it to the machine, try refrigerating or briefly freezing it before processing.
- Let It Process Fully – The Ninja Slushi Machine may take a few minutes to reach the right consistency. Be patient and let it complete the cycle. If needed, restart the process.
- Check for Ice Blockage – If the mixture is freezing unevenly, it may be too cold or concentrated in one area. Let it sit for a minute, give it a gentle stir, and try again.
- Ensure the Machine is Properly Assembled – Double-check that all parts (including the lid and paddle) are locked into place. If something is misaligned, the machine may not operate correctly.
Nutrition
Calories: 127 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 1g
Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!
We hope you enjoy making this delightful homemade cherry slushi as much as we do! It’s a fantastic recipe that brings a burst of fruity freshness to any occasion, all with the convenience of your Ninja Slushi Maker. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and experiments with us!
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