Frozen Old Fashioned is the ultimate way to chill out on a hot day without sacrificing the bold, rich flavor of a classic cocktail. This icy bourbon treat has become my go-to whenever I want something classy, bold, and perfectly refreshing!
The first time I made it, it was a sticky summer evening when even pouring a regular drink felt too warm. I had leftover frozen cherries and oranges in the freezer, so I tossed everything into the blender on a whim. One icy sip later, and I knew I had stumbled onto something magical.
Why You’ll Love This Frozen Cocktail
Chilled to Perfection: Classic bourbon flavor with a refreshing frozen twist.
Ready in Minutes: Quick and easy, perfect for impromptu happy hours.
Bursting with Real Fruit: Sweet cherries and oranges add natural brightness.
Crowd Favorite: Always a hit at summer gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy syrups or hard-to-find mixers needed!
Ingredients Needed for This Frozen Drink
Bourbon: Choose your favorite. I usually go for a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon that blends beautifully.
Frozen Cherries: I love using real cherries for a touch of natural sweetness. Fresh cherries frozen ahead of time work wonderfully.
Frozen Orange Wedges: Removing the peels makes the flavor pure and vibrant.
Bitters: Just a few dashes deepen the flavor and add that familiar Old Fashioned complexity.
Simple Syrup: Balances the tartness and ties everything together.
Ice: Essential for that thick, slushy texture.
Garnishes: Orange slice and cherries make it extra pretty and festive.
(Full measurements and blending instructions are available in the recipe card below!)
How to Make the Perfect Frozen Cocktail
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Make sure your cherries and orange wedges are fully frozen. This is what gives the drink its thick, slushy texture.
Kitchen Tip: Freeze the fruits overnight for the best texture.
Step 2: Add to Blender
Place the frozen cherries, frozen orange wedges, bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, and ice into a high-speed blender.
Sensory Cue: The blender should sound strong and steady, churning everything into a luscious, thick mix.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until everything is smooth and slushy, with no large chunks remaining.
Mini-Story: The first time I made this cocktail, I over-blended a little and it became too runny. Now I blend just until smooth, no more!
Step 4: Pour and Garnish
Pour the frozen cocktail into glasses immediately. Garnish each one with an orange slice and a cherry for that classic cocktail look.
Kitchen Tip: Chill your glasses ahead of time for an even frostier experience.
Pro Tips for a Delicious Frozen Cocktail
Use Good Bourbon: The flavor really shines, so pick one you enjoy drinking neat.
Balance Your Sweetness: Taste after blending and adjust with more simple syrup if needed.
Freeze Your Fruit Well: Fully frozen fruit is the secret to the thick texture.
Serve Immediately: It is best right after blending to keep that icy consistency.
Recommended Equipment for Making Frozen Cocktails
High-Speed Blender for perfectly smooth drinks
Citrus Peeler to remove orange peels cleanly
Measuring Jigger for accurate bourbon and syrup pours
Cocktail Glasses to serve in style
Cocktail Picks for garnishing with cherries and orange slices
Serving Suggestions for a Frozen Old Fashioned
Summer Barbecues: The perfect cold sip alongside grilled favorites.
Pool Parties: Serve this icy drink in frosty glasses for ultimate refreshment.
Date Night: Pair your cocktail with a simple charcuterie board for a relaxed, classy vibe.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Make Ahead: You can pre-freeze the blended mix in a container for up to a few hours. Stir well before serving.
Freezing: If frozen too long, let thaw slightly and re-blend briefly.
Refreshing Leftovers: Add a splash of bourbon and a handful of ice to revive the texture.
Closing Thoughts
Frozen Old Fashioned brings the bold charm of a classic drink into cool, refreshing territory. Every sip is rich with bourbon, bright with fruit, and icy enough to chase away any summer heat. Whether you are hosting a party or just treating yourself after a long day, this drink will have you feeling refreshed and a little fancy.
Don’t forget to check the recommended tools above to make your cocktail-making even easier!
FAQs About Frozen Old Fashioned
Can I use other fruits in my Frozen Old Fashioned?
Yes! Frozen peaches or strawberries add fun twists.
Do I have to peel the oranges before freezing?
Peeling is highly recommended to avoid bitterness in the drink.
What kind of bourbon is best for this frozen cocktail?
A smoother, slightly sweet bourbon works best to balance the fruit flavors.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Frozen Old Fashioned?
Yes! Replace bourbon with unsweetened iced tea or a splash of cherry juice.
How long does it stay slushy?
It stays slushy for about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately after blending for the best texture.
Frozen Old Fashioned
This Frozen Old Fashioned is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, blending traditional flavors with a slushy texture. Even non-bourbon fans might fall in love with this summery drink!
4piecesfrozen orange wedgespeels removed (about 1/2 an orange)
3dashesbitters
1tablespoonsimple syrup
1 1/2cupsice
Garnish
orange slice
cherries
Instructions
To a blender, add bourbon, cherries, oranges, bitters, simple syrup, and ice.
Blend the mixture until smooth and slushy (30-45 seconds). If too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help blend.
Pour the blended mixture into a lowball glass.
Garnish with orange slices and cherries. Serve immediately!
Notes
You can make a Frozen Old Fashioned Mocktail by replacing bourbon with non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives or strong brewed black tea. Store extra frozen mixture in the freezer and stir before serving!
Keyword Cocktail, Frozen Old Fashioned, Summer Drinks
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