WHAT’S FOR SLURPING?
Orange Creamsicle Slushie
Array/5
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
5 min
SERVINGS
3-4 slushies
Cool off with a sweet and creamy Orange Creamsicle Slushie that tastes just like a blast from the past! Blended with fresh orange juice, rich, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla, this icy drink is perfect for the summer and blends up in just minutes!
Nothing brings back childhood memories quite like the classic combination of orange and vanilla. I can still remember sipping on Orange Julius drinks at the mall and chasing down the ice cream truck for a Flintstone Push Pop in the summers. These days, I get to create that same taste and feeling with this simple homemade orange creamsicle slush that is even better than I remember.
All you need to create this orange shake is fresh orange juice, heavy cream (I love using Hilland Dairy), some sugar, a bit of vanilla extract, and a bunch of ice. Just throw everything in a high speed blender until smooth and slushy.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smooth, and creamy, which is everything we love about the classic drink. And it’s easy to customize with extra fruit or even a splash of rum or vodka for a boozy version that is super refreshing and fun!
Why Make This Orange Creamsicle Slushy?
Quick and Easy: This orange slush comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you may already have at home.
Nostalgic Flavor: It perfectly captures the creamy, citrusy taste of childhood favorites like Orange Julius, Push Pops, and an orange drink from Sonic.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the texture by adding more ice for a frostier slushie or less for a creamier sip, and even mix in other fruits.
Family-Friendly: This slushie is great for kids but also easy to make boozy for adults with a splash of rum or vodka.
Perfect for Hot Days: It’s the ultimate way to cool off during summer holidays, pool parties, or after a long day in the sun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Orange Juice – The main ingredient that brings that bright, citrusy flavor that gives the slushie its classic creamsicle taste. Freshly squeezed or store-bought will both work, but I love using good-quality orange juice for the best flavor!
Heavy Cream – Adds rich, creamy taste and texture that makes this slushie smooth and indulgent, just like the ice cream version.
White Sugar – Sweetens the drink to balance the tanginess of the orange juice, but you can adjust it to taste or swap it for honey or agave if you prefer.
Pure Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla ties everything together, enhancing the creamsicle flavor.
Ice – Creates that frosty, slushie texture. Add more for a thicker, icier drink or less for a smoother, creamier one.
Orange Slices (optional) – Adds a pop of color and extra citrusy flavor if you’re serving this up for guests or want it to be a little more special.
Step By Step Instructions
Blend the Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, pour in the orange juice and heavy cream. Add the sugar and pure vanilla extract. Toss in the ice.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is smooth, frothy, and slushy. If you prefer a thicker, frostier texture, add more ice and blend again. For a creamier drink, use less ice.
Taste and Adjust: Give the slushie a quick taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can add a little more sugar for extra sweetness or more vanilla if desired.
Serve and Garnish: Pour the creamy orange slushie into glasses or cups of your choice. Garnish with fresh orange slices or a swirl of whipped cream. Enjoy immediately for the best texture before it melts!
Tips for Making The Best Slushie
Use Cold Ingredients: Start with chilled orange juice and heavy cream to keep the slushie icy without melting too quickly.
Crush the Ice First: If you’re using large ice cubes, pulse the ice a few times in the blender before adding the other ingredients for a smoother, more even texture.
Blend in Stages: If you’re working with a less powerful blender, blend the liquids first, then slowly add ice while blending to prevent overworking the blender.
Use a High-Speed Blender: A powerful blender creates a perfectly smooth and creamy texture, breaking down ice quickly without leaving chunks.
Add Ice Gradually: Start with less ice and add more if needed to reach the desired slushie texture without watering it down.
Serve in Chilled Glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep the slushie colder for longer.
Ways To Customize
Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice to create a tropical creamsicle slushie with a tangy twist.
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option that adds a rich, tropical flavor.
Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweetened version that is refined sugar-free.
Blend in frozen mango chunks for a thicker, fruitier texture and an extra burst of tropical flavor.
Add a splash of lemon or lime juice to balance the sweetness with a hint of citrusy tang.
Mix in a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-creamy, dessert-like slushie.
Pour in a little orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or triple sec, for a fun cocktail version with extra orange flavor.
Use almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, plant-based option.
Add a few fresh mint leaves before blending to give the slushie a cool, refreshing, minty kick.
Freeze the blended mixture in popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat perfect for hot days.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the blended mixture without ice in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, blend it with ice to turn it into a slushie when ready.
What type of orange juice works best for this recipe?
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but any high-quality store-bought orange juice without added sugar works well too.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the slushie will be lighter and less creamy. For a similar texture, use half-and-half or thick plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk.
How can I make this slushie less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or use unsweetened orange juice. You can also replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or agave.
What’s the best way to make this slushie thicker?
Add more ice or freeze the orange juice into cubes before blending to create a thicker, frostier texture. You can also add some frozen bananas to the recipe to make it a bit thicker.
Is it possible to make this slushie without a blender?
A high-speed blender is ideal, but you can use a food processor or crush the ice by hand and mix it with the other ingredients for a chunkier slushie.
How do I turn this into a cocktail?
Add 1-2 shots of rum, vodka, or orange liqueur, like triple sec, for each serving to the blender before mixing.
More Refreshing Summer Recipes
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Orange Creamsicle Slushie
Orange Creamsicle is a perfect mix of creamy orange and vanilla created from Hiland Dairy Orange Juice and heavy cream with a hint of vanilla. Perfect summer slushie.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups Hiland Dairy Orange Juice
¾ cup Hiland Dairy Heavy Cream
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Ice (roughly 2 cups)
Orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a blender, add the Hiland Orange Juice and Heavy Cream, plus the sugar, vanilla, and ice. Blend until smooth and frothy. Add more ice if you want it slushier and less if you want creamier.
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Pour and garnish if you like, then enjoy!
Notes
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