Chef Sarah Jenkins - Beverage Specialist
👨‍🍳 Summer Drink Expert

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Mixology Certified ⏰ 10+ Years Experience 🍽️ Farm-to-Table Advocate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Growing up with a peach orchard in the backyard, summer meant one thing: an abundance of ripe fruit. This recipe was my grandmother's way of cooling us down after playing outside—a simple, frosty treat that tastes like pure sunshine."

Sarah specializes in creating vibrant, fruit-forward beverages that highlight seasonal produce. She believes the best drinks use minimal ingredients to let the natural flavors shine through.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Tall glasses of bright orange peach slush garnished with abundant fresh mint sprigs on a rustic wooden table with scattered peaches

Achieving the Perfect Slush Texture

The key to a great slush is managing the ratio of frozen fruit to liquid. Using frozen peaches instead of fresh ones eliminates the need for too much ice, which can water down the flavor. The goal is a thick, spoonable consistency that melts slowly.

Your blender choice matters. A high-speed blender will pulverize the peach skins and ice into a smooth sorbet-like texture. If using a standard blender, you may need to stop and stir occasionally or add slightly more liquid to get things moving.

💡 Professional Tip

If your peaches are very sweet, skip the honey. Always taste your fruit before blending to adjust the sweetener level accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you will need to double the amount of ice to get the slushy texture, which may dilute the flavor. Freezing your fresh slices for 2 hours first is recommended.

Absolutely. This makes a fantastic bellini base. Add a shot of vodka, white rum, or top it off with Prosecco for an adult version.

It's best enjoyed immediately. If it melts, it becomes a delicious smoothie, but the icy texture lasts about 15-20 minutes depending on the room temperature.

You can, but drain the syrup first to control the sweetness. Freeze the canned slices before blending to maintain the slushy consistency.

Mangoes, strawberries, and nectarines are excellent substitutes or additions. A peach-mango blend is particularly tropical and delicious.

Yes, as long as you use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey. The base ingredients are naturally plant-based.

Yes, you can blend a large batch and store it in the freezer. Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes to soften before scooping into glasses.

Sparkling water adds a slight effervescence that makes the drink feel lighter and more refreshing on the palate compared to tap water.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Watery

Problem: The slush is too thin or liquidy

Solution: Add more frozen fruit or ice cubes and blend again. Reduce the liquid amount in the next batch.

✅

Blender Stuck

Problem: Blender blades won't turn the mixture

Solution: Stop the blender and stir with a tamper or spoon. Add liquid 1 tablespoon at a time until it catches.

✅

Not Sweet Enough

Problem: Peaches are tart or flavor is weak

Prevention: Add more honey or a splash of simple syrup. A pinch of salt can also actually enhance the fruit sweetness.

✅

Too Chunky

Problem: Large pieces of ice or fruit remain

Recovery: Blend on high speed for longer. Ensure your ice is crushed before adding if your blender isn't high-powered.

✅

Melting Too Fast

Problem: Drink turns to juice immediately

Prevention: Chill your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving. Use fully frozen fruit, not semi-thawed.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more lemon juice or lime juice

Too Salty: N/A - but avoid salted nuts as a side garnish

Bland: Add fresh ginger or a few mint leaves directly into the blender

Bowl of frozen peach slices, jar of honey, fresh mint, and ice cubes arranged on a kitchen counter

Selecting the Best Peaches

If you are freezing your own peaches, look for Freestone varieties as they are easier to pit and slice. The fruit should be slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. The darker the color, generally the sweeter the flesh.

When buying pre-frozen peaches, ensure the bag feels loose. Clumps of ice or fruit indicate the bag has thawed and refrozen, which can result in freezer burn and a less vibrant flavor in your final drink.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Mint Garnish: Don't skip the mint! The aroma is half the experience. Slap the mint sprig between your hands once before garnishing to release the oils.
  • Sweetener: Liquid sweeteners like honey or agave blend better in cold drinks than granulated sugar, which can leave a gritty texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice prevents the peaches from browning (oxidizing) and adds a necessary acidic 'pop' to balance the sugar.
Pouring thick orange peach slush from a blender into a glass with sunlight catching the icy texture

Mastering the Blend

There is a sweet spot between a smoothie and a slush. A smoothie is creamy; a slush has texture. To keep that icy, granita-like feel, use the pulse function on your blender rather than letting it run continuously. This breaks down the ice without melting it via friction heat.

Layer your ingredients correctly: liquids first, then fresh fruit/sweetener, and frozen fruit/ice on top. This helps the blades catch the mixture and creates a vortex for even blending without cavitation (air pockets).

The Pulse Method

Pulse 5-6 times to break up the large chunks, then blend on high for 10-15 seconds. This ensures all ice is crushed but the drink remains thick and frosty.

Sparkling Frozen Peach & Mint Slush

Prep 10 min
Cook 0 min
Serves 2 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Slush Base

  • Fresh mint sprigs
    Large leafy sprigs for aroma
  • Fresh peach slices
    For visual appeal and snacking

Garnish & Toppings

  • 4 cups frozen peach slices
    The body and flavor of the drink
  • 1 cup crushed ice
    Adds frosty texture
  • 30ml honey or agave
    Adjust based on fruit sweetness
  • 15ml fresh lemon juice
    Adds brightness and acidity
  • 120ml sparkling water
    Helps blending and adds fizz

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Measure out the frozen peaches. If using fresh peaches, slice and freeze them for at least 2 hours beforehand for the best slushy texture.

  2. Blend the Base

    In a high-powered blender, combine the frozen peaches, crushed ice, honey (or agave), and fresh lemon juice.

  3. Adjust Consistency

    Pulse the blender while slowly adding the sparkling water. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency. Add a splash more water if the blades get stuck.

  4. Pour and Garnish

    Pour the slush immediately into two tall glasses. Top generously with fresh mint sprigs and a slice of fresh peach on the rim.

  5. Serve

    Serve immediately with a straw or spoon while frozen and frosty.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make Ahead

You can blend the fruit base ahead of time and freeze it in ice cube trays. When ready to serve, just blend the cubes with a little water or soda.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside grilled chicken or light summer salads. The sweetness of the peaches complements spicy BBQ flavors perfectly.

Variations

Add a handful of raspberries for a 'Peach Melba' slush, or blend in some fresh basil instead of mint for a sophisticated herbal twist.