This Red Wine Slushie has become my go-to for warm evenings when I want something chilled, boozy, and easy to make for a small group. I first discovered this combination at a backyard potluck where someone served a frozen punch and I immediately set out to recreate it with a wine bottle and a freezer. The texture is delightfully granular rather than icy hard, giving it the mouthfeel of a grown-up sorbet. The berries provide sweet, bright notes while the wine brings depth and rounded fruit flavors. The ginger ale lightens the mix and adds a lively fizz when it is first served.

I love how accessible the components are and how forgiving the process is if you want to scale it up. It is special because it transforms a single bottle of sweet red wine into a party-worthy, make-ahead beverage that looks and tastes like you spent far more time on it than you actually did. The balance between the fruit, wine, and soda is key to keeping each spoonful both refreshing and easy to sip. Garnishing with fresh berries makes it feel celebratory and keeps the presentation simple and beautiful.

Ingredients

• Frozen mixed berries: Use 4 cups of high quality frozen raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Choose berries labeled frozen at peak ripeness to maximize flavor and color.
• Sweet red wine: One 750 milliliter bottle of sweet red wine such as Moscato or a fruit-forward Lambrusco for a balanced sweetness and aroma.
• Ginger ale: One 12 ounce can of ginger ale to add carbonation and lift. Use a brand you enjoy because its flavor shines through.
• Fresh berries for garnish: A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries elevates the look and provides a fresh burst when served.
• Optional: A sprig of fresh mint for aroma and a decorative touch if you want a slightly herbal note.

Instructions

Prepare the blender: Place 4 cups of frozen mixed berries into a high speed blender. Use frozen fruit straight from the freezer so the mixture begins cold which helps prevent overwarming the wine when blending. A powerful blender gives a smoother puree and reduces large ice chunks. Add the wine: Pour the entire 750 milliliter bottle of sweet red wine into the blender with the berries. The wine thins the fruit while contributing body and aromatics. Pulse at medium speed until the fruit is finely pureed and no large pieces remain. Avoid running the blender too long to prevent warming the mixture. Mix with ginger ale: Open one 12 ounce can of ginger ale and add it to the blender. Pulse carefully just enough to combine the soda with the berry and wine puree. Over blending will flatten the soda and lose the effervescence that lifts the mixture. Strain out seeds: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a flexible silicone spatula to press and push the mixture through, scraping the underside of the sieve to remove most seeds. This step creates a smoother drink and avoids gritty texture. Freeze flat: Pour the strained mixture into a 9 by 13 inch freezer-safe dish and spread into an even layer. Cover loosely and freeze for at least six hours or overnight. A shallow, wide pan freezes faster and produces easily scrapable crystals that become the signature slush texture. Scrape and serve: When the mixture is firm, use an ice cream scoop or a fork to scrape the frozen surface into granules, creating frozen pearls of slush. Divide among four wine glasses and garnish with fresh berries and mint if using. Serve immediately so the texture remains slushy and refreshing.

Storage Tips

Store the frozen mixture in the freezer covered with a tight fitting lid or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and absorption of other odors. For best quality keep it no longer than three months. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for five to ten minutes to soften slightly and then scrape. If you plan to serve in stages, transfer smaller portions to freezer-safe containers so only what you need is thawed each time. Re-scrape with a fork before serving if crystals have bonded during storage.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute fresh berries if you prefer fresh fruit; use about 6 cups of fresh berries and pre-freeze them on a baking sheet for two hours so they are chilled through. Swap the sweet red wine for a sparkling rosé for a lighter flavor, or replace wine with nonalcoholic grape juice for a family friendly option. If you want more spice, ginger beer adds stronger ginger notes than ginger ale. When using drier wine add 1 to 2 tablespoons of simple syrup to balance acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in chilled wine glasses for an elegant touch or in stemless tumblers for a casual vibe. Garnish with skewered fresh berries or a sprig of mint. Pair with light finger foods such as goat cheese crostini, grilled shrimp skewers, or a citrus salad. For an afternoon patio party, set out a toppings station with extra berries, a drizzle of honey, and lemon zest so guests can customize their glass.

Cultural Background

Frozen wine desserts and granitas trace roots to Mediterranean traditions where crushed ice paired with fruit and wine was a means of staying cool in hot climates. This preparation mirrors those frozen fruit and wine combinations but simplifies technique for modern home cooks. Combining sparkling soda with wine adds a New World twist, creating a cross cultural beverage that borrows from classic granita methods and contemporary cocktail sensibilities.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer maximize fresh berry variety by choosing local raspberries and blackberries. In cooler months use frozen stone fruit like cherries or peaches and swap ginger ale for cinnamon spiced soda for a cozy twist. For holiday gatherings use a spiced mulled wine base cooled before blending with frozen fruit to create a winter party slush that feels celebratory while still easy to make.

Meal Prep Tips

Make the base up to three days ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator if you plan to freeze later. Freeze the mixture in portions to speed up service. When preparing for a party, scrape the frozen mix into an insulated bowl and keep it on ice to preserve texture over the course of an evening. Label containers with the date and contents to easily rotate through your freezer stash.

This Red Wine Slushie is a small miracle for hosts who want a simple, memorable frozen beverage. It is versatile, crowd friendly, and easy to personalize so I encourage you to make it yours and enjoy the process of sharing it.