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Patriotic Vodka Lemonade Slushie

Category: Chilled and Refreshing Beverages

This vibrant layered vodka lemonade slushie features bold red, white, and blue layers, each one bursting with distinct flavors. Frozen raspberries and lemonade blend into a colorful base, while vodka adds a spirited kick. Careful preparation of each layer, with time in the freezer between steps, ensures perfect texture and separation in every glass. Serve in hurricane or Poco Grande glasses for a festive touch that’s ideal for summer gatherings or holiday parties. Experiment with different berries or use grenadine as a substitute for added color and sweetness. Always keep layers chilled until ready to assemble for best results.

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Ranah
Updated on Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:15:43 GMT
Two glasses of red, white and blue slushies. Save
Two glasses of red, white and blue slushies. | bakeitgood.com

Few summer cocktails are as festive and refreshing as this Patriotic Vodka Lemonade Slushie layered in vibrant red white and blue. Whether you are celebrating a holiday or just beating the heat it is always a hit at backyard gatherings. Every time I mix these up my friends go wild for the icy texture and bold flavors.

The first time I made these was for a backyard Fourth of July party and every guest asked for the recipe. Now it is a yearly tradition and I love switching up the fruit or lemonade base sometimes.

Ingredients

  • Ice: this is what gives each layer its thick slush texture so use clean fresh ice for the best taste
  • Frozen raspberries: they bring vibrant color and tart flavor use frozen for easier blending and a frostier finish
  • Lemonade: adds bright citrus and sweetness look for fresh squeezed if you can or buy a high quality pre-made version in the refrigerated section
  • Vodka: for a smooth kick choose a good mid-range brand for cocktails that are crisp not harsh
  • Blue curacao: creates the brilliant blue layer and brings sweet orange notes choose a brand with natural coloring if available

Make sure your ice is not freezer burned and your raspberries are vibrant not mushy. Taste your lemonade first to be sure it is not overly tart or too sweet for your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Freezer Area:
Set aside freezer space for glasses or mason jars so you can chill each colored layer between steps. This helps keep the stripes defined and prevents melting.
Blend the Red Layer:
In a blender combine one and half cups ice with the frozen raspberries half cup lemonade and two ounces vodka. Pulse until the mixture is thick and icy not runny. I like to stop the blender and push the mix down a couple times to help everything blend evenly. Transfer this layer into a jar or glass and pop it into the freezer.
Blend the White Layer:
Rinse the blender thoroughly with cold water. Add two and a half cups ice a quarter cup lemonade and two ounces vodka. Pulse until completely crushed and slushy then transfer to a separate container and return to the freezer.
Blend the Blue Layer:
Wash and rinse the blender again. Blend three cups of ice with a quarter cup lemonade and one and a half ounces blue curacao. Pulse until smooth and frosty.
Assemble the Drinks:
Grab your chilled glasses or jars. Spoon the red layer into the bottom of each glass then add the white layer and finally the blue. I always use a wide spoon and build each stripe gently so the colors stay separate. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.
A glass of red, white and blue drink. Save
A glass of red, white and blue drink. | bakeitgood.com

Frozen raspberries are a favorite of mine because they blend up thick and give the most vibrant color. One year my niece helped me create these slushies and the look on her face when she saw the colors swirl together was priceless. Now it is our holiday tradition.

Storage Tips

You can keep prepared layers in separate jars in the freezer for up to two hours before serving. Cover well to prevent freezer odors from affecting the flavor. Assembled slushies should be served immediately for the best texture but you can store leftovers in the freezer and reblend with a little extra lemonade to bring them back to life.

Ingredient Substitutions

Strawberries can take the place of raspberries for a sweeter red layer or use a splash of grenadine for an easy shortcut. For a more intense lemonade flavor swap in a thawed lemonade concentrate. If you do not have blue curacao try using a blue sports drink for a nonalcoholic version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in classic hurricane or Poco Grande glasses for the best layered effect. Garnish with lemon wheels or fresh berries for extra flair. These work just as well for Memorial Day Labor Day or any patriotic occasion.

Cultural and Historical Context

Layered slushie cocktails have been a party staple in the US since the invention of home blenders. The red white and blue colors celebrate American holidays but you can easily adapt these layers for any theme. My family has made some version almost every year for the Fourth of July barbecue.

Two glasses of red, white and blue drinks. Save
Two glasses of red, white and blue drinks. | bakeitgood.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the layers from mixing together?

Chill each layer in the freezer after blending, and assemble your drink just before serving for crisp definition.

→ Can I substitute another fruit for raspberries?

Yes, strawberries or even grenadine work well for the red layer, offering similar color and sweet-tart flavor.

→ What type of glass works best?

Traditional hurricane or Poco Grande glasses highlight the drink's striking layers and hold the perfect volume for each serving.

→ How do I get a stronger lemonade flavor?

Swap lemonade for lemonade concentrate (thawed slightly), using a 1:1 ratio, to amplify the citrus tang.

→ What’s the best way to blend each layer?

Pulse until the ice is thick and slushy, stopping before it becomes liquid; rinse the blender between layers for clean colors.

→ Can I make this in advance?

You can prepare the layers ahead, keeping them in the freezer, then assemble right before serving for the best texture and look.

Patriotic Vodka Lemonade Slushie

Vibrant frozen layers of vodka, lemonade, and bold berry flavors create a truly refreshing summer cocktail.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
10 min
By: Seham


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Style: American

Output: 3 Servings (3 cocktails)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free

Ingredients

01 7 cups ice, divided
02 1 cup frozen raspberries
03 1 cup lemonade, divided
04 4 ounces vodka, divided
05 1 ½ ounces blue curacao

Steps

Step 01

Ensure freezer space is available for 3 glasses or mason jars to keep each layer cool, for best results.

Step 02

In a blender, combine 1 ½ cups ice, 1 cup frozen raspberries, ½ cup lemonade, and 2 ounces vodka. Pulse until thick, ensuring the mixture does not break down into a liquid. You may need to open the blender and push the mixture down a few times. Pour into a jar or glass and store in the freezer until ready to assemble.

Step 03

Wash the blender and rinse with cold water. Combine 2 ½ cups ice, ¼ cup lemonade, and 2 ounces vodka in the blender. Pulse until crushed. Pour into another container and place in the freezer.

Step 04

Wash the blender again and rinse with cold water. Combine 3 cups ice, ¼ cup lemonade, and 1 ½ ounces blue curacao in the blender. Pulse until the ice is crushed.

Step 05

Assemble drinks by spooning each layer equally into the bottom of 3 glasses, starting with the red layer. Use Poco Grande glasses, traditionally known as hurricane glasses.

Notes and Tips

  1. Raspberries contain seeds which can be strained out by pulverizing them in a food processor, straining, and using the pulp. Alternatively, substitute with strawberries or grenadine.
  2. For a stronger lemonade flavor, swap lemonade with lemonade concentrate 1:1, allowing it to thaw slightly before use.
  3. In a warm environment, allow layers to sit in the freezer until extremely cold before assembling.

Required Tools

  • Blender
  • Jigger
  • 3 hurricane glasses (14-16 ounce capacity)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and should not replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 192
  • Fats: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 1 g