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This brandy slush recipe is known far and wide across Wisconsin! It’s an easy big-batch cocktail made with tea, orange juice, lemonade, and good quality brandy. What more could you want?
This frozen drink recipe tastes like home to me. And probably to most people from Wisconsin and the Midwest. A bucket of brandy slush was almost certainly in the basement chest freezer of one relative or another for most people I knew growing up.
Want to recreate those childhood memories by making this recipe for Wisconsin brandy slush? Here’s what you’ll need:
Brandy Slush Ingredients
- Black Tea
- Sugar
- Orange Juice Concentrate
- Lemonade Concentrate
- Brandy
- Lemon Lime Soda
- An old ice cream pail (not technically an ingredient, but an important piece of equipment!)
If you're looking for even more brandy goodness be sure to check out my Brandy Alexander and Ice Cream Brandy Alexander recipes!
What is Brandy Slush?
In Wisconsin, brandy slush is the best, big batch cocktail for a crowd. It is a staple during the holiday season! I also love it for summer to cool off in the sweltering Midwestern heat. (Of course I could also go for grasshopper ice cream!)
It’s a drink recipe made from black tea, juice concentrates, and brandy. So simple and so delicious! It’s bright and bubbly (thanks to lemon lime soda) and refreshing!
How to make Brandy Slush (the Wisconsin way!)
- Clean out an old ice cream bucket. Y’know the kind that's a big gallon container with a lid and a handle. Or find one in your grandma’s basement, she’s probably got one. (Or I guess buy one???)
- Combine water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Add the tea bags and let it steep to make a strong, sweet tea.
- Pour in the (thawed) juice concentrates and the brandy.
- Stir it all together, cover with the bucket’s lid, and freeze for at least 12 hours. Or overnight.
- Serve large scoops in a glass and top with lemon lime soda. Garnish with fruit, if desired.
I love this recipe for a few reasons. For one, it is such a classic Wisconsin cocktail, like a Brandy Old Fashioned. It reminds me of Christmas at my Grandma’s and there is no better feeling than that!
For two, it can be made ahead of time and in a large quantity which means it’s the perfect cocktail for crowds or gatherings of any and all kinds!
Lastly, it can be adjusted to suit your tolerance. Add two cups of brandy or heck, add four! (You could even sub out the brandy for bourbon or whiskey, if you felt like it. But if it’s in Wisconsin it has to be brandy!)
Whatever alcohol you choose, just remember, the more alcohol in the slush mix recipe, the less solid of a freeze you will achieve. Alcohol doesn’t freeze, remember!
Cheers to you! And cheers to me! And cheers to a slush recipe full of brandy!
Watch the recipe video!
Wisconsin Brandy Slush Recipe
Equipment
- Ice Cream Pail
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 black tea bags
- 1 12- oz. container orange juice concentrate thawed
- 1 12- oz. container lemonade concentrate thawed
- 2 – 4 cups brandy more or less depending on how strong you like it
- Lemon Lime Soda
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water and sugar to boil, whisking to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep according to package instructions, or for three to four minutes, before removing tea bags and discarding. Let tea cool slightly before pouring into ice cream pail.
- Stir in the orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, and brandy. Mix to combine.
- Cover pail with lid and freeze for 12 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to serve, fill a glass halfway with slush, top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with fruit, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Whiskey or bourbon can be used in place of the brandy, if desired.
Sandy says
We always made our slush with 4 green tea bags…not sure of the taste difference however we are across the wisconsin border in the U.P. of Michigan lol, grew up with it and still make it!
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Sandy,
I've heard from a lot of people that they use green tea. The flavor of the teas definitely makes the final product taste different, but still delicious either way. I just know in our family it was always black tea or bust! Love how everyone has different traditions.
Thanks,
Amanda
Rebecca says
Second time making it and is awesome. I do however substitute the black tea with apple cinnamon, gives it a little zest and I use Southern Comfort.
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Rebecca,
Love that you made the substitutions. Last year I made a batch with Constant Comment and the spice added so much so I totally get it. And my grandma always loved her old fashioneds with SoCo.
Cheers!
Amanda
Lauren G says
I followed the recipe and left to freeze overnight. This morning it is somewhat slushy but still pretty liquid. What am I doing wrong?
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Lauren,
You're not necessarily doing anything wrong. The slush will never fully freeze, since there's alcohol in it. Additionally - how much brandy did you add? The more brandy you add the less freezing will take place. You can always stir the slush periodically as it freezes to ensure it's getting properly incorporated, too.
Hope this can help! Brandy slush would certainly help cool off on this hot day! 🙂
Amanda
Lauren Gaines says
The 3 cups recommended in the recipe. I know it will not be totally solid but I recall my grandmother’s recipe was much more firm that this. My is more liquidy than an icee/slushy. It’s very soup with some bits of icee/slushy.
Amanda Gajdosik says
Oh how odd! This is my grandma's recipe and my whole family has made it for ages with success. I'd say adding more liquid - either lemonade or orange juice would be best. I think plain water would just water it down and make for a very weak and bland beverage. When I make it at Christmas I'll do 4 cups sometimes and that much brandy makes it less likely to freeze but 3 is on the low end for our batches of slush so that's so weird to me! I'm sorry you're experiencing this!
Sandy says
I stir mine occasionally to keep the booze from settling and only use 2 cups brandy
Amanda Gajdosik says
I've literally never thought to stir while it freezes, this is genius!
Nancy Houdek says
I follow the recipe, but I use regular tea bags. After the mixture boils, I just put the tea bags in the mixture, and let them in there for about 5 minutes., until the mixture turns kinda brownish color. Wonderful recipe!
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Nancy, I think by "regular tea bags" you mean black tea which is exactly what my grandma always used and what this recipe calls for. You're right on track. Glad you love the recipe, thanks for commenting! And happy holidays 🙂
Amanda
Nancy Houdek says
Just looked at the box. It doesn’t say any color, just tea. I imagine it must be regular tea bags; as way back when they didn’t have different varieties.
Cathy L Crary says
Why black tea? Can I use green tea?
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Cathy,
I wouldn't recommend green tea. Black tea is used because of how the flavor profile of black tea goes with the orange, lemonade, and brandy. While green tea would certainly go well with the lemonade and orange juice concentrate, I'm just not sure it would work with the brandy. This is a time honored recipe that's been made with the same ingredients for decades and the black tea just *works* - if caffeine content is an issue I would suggest using decaf black tea bags! Hope this helps!
Thanks,
Amanda
DawnM says
I have used green tea many many times and there really is no difference in flavor.
Our family prefers squirt to lemon lime soda 😁
Gina says
My grandma’s recipe specifies 4 green tea bags in 2 cups water 🙂
Kim says
Last Christmas I made my slush with Green Tea, pomegranate flavored if I remember correctly, and it turned out great!
Amanda Gajdosik says
This is great info and insight, Kim! I bet the pomegranate complimented the citrus flavors so well. I hope Cathy sees this!
Steve Anderson says
As the new "climate change" has things heating up, now is the time to enjoy a refreshing Brandy Slush! As many, such as myself, are diabetic, what can be an acceptable substitue for the sugar?? 36g of carbs for a measly 6.5 oz, just isn't going to cut it...LOL
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Steve,
I'm not a dietician, nutritionist, or doctor so I can't really advise regarding the best option for diabetics. I've only ever made the version in this recipe using the sugar, juices, and soda called for. My guess is there are forums or resources for you that could advise better than myself what low-sugar or sugar free juice or alcohol options you could substitute.
Thanks!
Amanda
Dianna says
I have made this recipe for years and years without the sugar. It tastes sweet enough from the orange juice and lemonade and I top it with prosecco. It is a big hit at every party.
Amanda Gajdosik says
Thanks for this tip, Diana! I hope Steve and others who are low sugar/low carb can find it helpful 🙂
Kelly says
I asked this question then received an email that there was a response, but I cannot find this question here and definitely do not see the response.
Kelly says
What about making this and serving as a punch over ice?
Amanda Gajdosik says
Hi Kelly,
I'm not sure about that, as I've never tried it, but I bet it could work! Mix and chill the slush, instead of freezing and then maybe serve over ice and top the cup halfway with lemon-lime soda.
Enjoy!
Kelly says
Thank you so much - now both comments are showing, but neither did before. Must be some kind of lag. I appreciate the response. I may try this as a punch and if I do will let you know how it goes.
Julie says
I’m making this right now and remembered that one of my jobs when I was to go to the basement freezer and stir up the slush once in a while as it as freezing to keep everything well-distributed. It was less likely to have a soft center and hard outside layer. This is almost exactly the same recipe mom used—thanks for posting this perfect holiday treat!
Amanda Gajdosik says
My job when I was little was going to the basement and refilling the cups of the adults! Oh the happiest memories! Enjoy, Julie! 🙂
Michelle says
It’s really good with peach brandy too!
Amanda Gajdosik says
Oh peach brandy would be delish! What a great idea, Michelle!
Meredith says
Thank you for such a great recipe! I had never had this before by my husband's family had it a ton when he was growing up for family parties...and I can see why! What a delight. Thanks again!
Amanda says
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed a Midwestern classic, Meredith! Thanks for making it 🙂
David says
Delicious brandy slush. Maybe I come from a family of, shall we say, enthusiastic slush supporters, but I don’t recall ever having this with 7Up. We just drank it straight. Like the 7Up though! Helps you pace things out.
Amanda says
Ha! Oh David clearly your family knows how to have a good time! I am so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Kelly Harrand says
So delicious! I use a whole fifth and it still slushes, just not as much. Everyone likes it a bit different- I like mine with clear wash and a dash of cherry juice, sister uses it as an old fashioned base and adds bitters and wash, my husband eats it with a spoon 🙂
Amanda says
I like the way your husband thinks/drinks! I used to do that when I was little - sneak little spoonfuls from my grandmas basement! So happy you enjoy the recipe 🙂
FarmMom4 says
I am having a hard time finding frozem lemonade and frozen orange juice. Do you think I could use 4 cups of oj and 4 cups of lemonade from bottles and cut out the 8 cups of water and 2 cups sugar?
Amanda Gajdosik says
I think that could work, though I've never tried it myself. I find the juice and lemonade concentrates in the frozen section of the grocery store, if that helps!
I'd love to know how substituting the oj and lemonade premade goes!
Best of luck!
Amanda
chefkreso says
Tasty drink, have to give it a try!
miakouppa says
Orange is my favourite colour! Might just have to make this 🙂
Amanda says
Highly recommend!
Motorcycle Road Routes says
Amanda - THANK YOU for reminding me about this wonderful holiday drink. Also, a tradition at my relatives house in Kingston, WI. I too was summoned to "make another one" because the grown ups were busy playing cards and talking. Of course sneaking a sip was mandatory practice. Happy holiday to you and your family.
Amanda says
Thank you so much! It is just so quintessentially Midwestern - isn't it?! I love Kingston - I've visited Amish country out there a number of times!
jaicommunity says
Love it - my grandmother (god rest her soul) would make Brandy slush every holiday. Thanks for sharing this - I think I'll make some to pay tribute. She died just about a year ago.
Amanda says
Terribly sorry for your loss but I can't think of a better way you could have honored her. Hope you had the happiest holiday!
jaicommunity says
We did WITH some Brandy Slush 🍻🥂
Allyson says
My grandmother made it as well, and this one is about as close to her actually recipe as a I could find. However she used green tea instead of black tea, and 9 cups of water.
Amanda Gajdosik says
I've never heard of using green tea! How interesting!