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    Home » Recipes » Brandy

    July 13, 2020 · Updated February 1, 2024

    Brandy Slush Recipe (Wisconsin Classic Cocktail!)

    4.78 from 27 votes
    49 Comments

    · by Amanda Gajdosik

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    This post may contain affiliate links. This blog generates income via ads.

    A pin to share the recipe for brandy slush.

    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?

    A tall pub glass is filled with brandy slush. The glass sits on a wooden cutting board surrounded by citrus fruits. There is a bottle of brandy in the backhand left corner. Another glass of brandy slush is in the backhand right corner. The drinks are garnished with orange and lemon slices.

    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!)
    A tall pub glass is filled with brandy slush. The glass sits on a wooden coaster surrounded by citrus fruits. There is a bottle of brandy in the backhand left corner. Another glass of brandy slush is in the backhand right corner. The drinks are garnished with orange and lemon slices.

    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!

    An overhead shot of an ice cream pail cocktail in a glass garnished with orange and lemon slices.

    How to make Brandy Slush (the Wisconsin way!)

    1. 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???)
    2. Combine water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Add the tea bags and let it steep to make a strong, sweet tea.
    3. Pour in the (thawed) juice concentrates and the brandy.
    4. Stir it all together, cover with the bucket’s lid, and freeze for at least 12 hours. Or overnight.
    5. Serve large scoops in a glass and top with lemon lime soda. Garnish with fruit, if desired.
    Mix the brandy slush in a large bucket.
    Scoop out frozen slush.
    Serve with lemon lime soda.

    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!

    A tall pub glass is filled with brandy slush. The glass sits on a wooden coaster with a slice of lemon and an orange twist beside it. There is a bottle of brandy in the backhand left corner. Another cocktail is in the backhand right corner. The drinks are garnished with orange and lemon slices.

    Cheers to you! And cheers to me! And cheers to a slush recipe full of brandy!

    Watch the recipe video!

    Print Recipe
    4.78 from 27 votes

    Wisconsin Brandy Slush Recipe

    This brandy slush recipe is a Wisconsin classic! Made with tea, orange juice, lemonade, and brandy it's a delicious big batch frozen cocktail!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Chilling Time12 hours hrs
    Total Time12 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Brandy, Drink, Frozen, Holidays
    Servings: 20 drinks
    Calories: 198kcal
    Author: Amanda Gajdosik
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6.5ounces | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

      4.78 from 27 votes (21 ratings without comment)

      Leave a rating and review! Cancel reply

      Did you love the recipe? Let me know! And let others know too by leaving a comment and star rating. Reviews are so useful in helping other people find my site and make my recipes. Your support means the world to me!

      Amanda

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sandy says

      March 23, 2025 at 12:03 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        March 24, 2025 at 3:19 pm

        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

        Reply
    2. Rebecca says

      December 22, 2024 at 4:19 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        December 23, 2024 at 1:56 pm

        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

        Reply
    3. Lauren G says

      July 11, 2024 at 2:46 pm

      I followed the recipe and left to freeze overnight. This morning it is somewhat slushy but still pretty liquid. What am I doing wrong?

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        July 11, 2024 at 6:18 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Lauren Gaines says

          July 11, 2024 at 6:42 pm

          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

          July 11, 2024 at 7:06 pm

          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

          March 23, 2025 at 12:07 pm

          I stir mine occasionally to keep the booze from settling and only use 2 cups brandy

        • Amanda Gajdosik says

          March 24, 2025 at 3:19 pm

          I've literally never thought to stir while it freezes, this is genius!

    4. Nancy Houdek says

      December 22, 2023 at 11:32 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        December 24, 2023 at 3:57 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Nancy Houdek says

          December 24, 2023 at 6:43 pm

          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.

    5. Cathy L Crary says

      August 31, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      Why black tea? Can I use green tea?

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        September 01, 2023 at 12:43 am

        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

        Reply
        • DawnM says

          July 18, 2024 at 4:31 pm

          5 stars
          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

          December 27, 2024 at 10:49 pm

          5 stars
          My grandma’s recipe specifies 4 green tea bags in 2 cups water 🙂

      • Kim says

        December 21, 2023 at 12:54 am

        Last Christmas I made my slush with Green Tea, pomegranate flavored if I remember correctly, and it turned out great!

        Reply
        • Amanda Gajdosik says

          December 24, 2023 at 3:58 pm

          This is great info and insight, Kim! I bet the pomegranate complimented the citrus flavors so well. I hope Cathy sees this!

    6. Steve Anderson says

      August 14, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      4 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        August 14, 2023 at 5:27 pm

        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

        Reply
      • Dianna says

        December 16, 2023 at 9:15 pm

        5 stars
        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.

        Reply
        • Amanda Gajdosik says

          December 19, 2023 at 3:02 pm

          Thanks for this tip, Diana! I hope Steve and others who are low sugar/low carb can find it helpful 🙂

    7. Kelly says

      January 16, 2023 at 7:51 pm

      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.

      Reply
    8. Kelly says

      January 15, 2023 at 11:55 pm

      What about making this and serving as a punch over ice?

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        January 16, 2023 at 7:45 pm

        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!

        Reply
        • Kelly says

          January 16, 2023 at 8:24 pm

          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.

    9. Julie says

      December 18, 2022 at 3:10 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        December 18, 2022 at 3:11 pm

        My job when I was little was going to the basement and refilling the cups of the adults! Oh the happiest memories! Enjoy, Julie! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Michelle says

      July 08, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      It’s really good with peach brandy too!

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        July 12, 2022 at 2:20 pm

        Oh peach brandy would be delish! What a great idea, Michelle!

        Reply
    11. Meredith says

      December 31, 2020 at 2:30 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        December 31, 2020 at 3:51 pm

        I am so happy to hear you enjoyed a Midwestern classic, Meredith! Thanks for making it 🙂

        Reply
    12. David says

      December 30, 2020 at 3:46 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        December 30, 2020 at 4:13 pm

        Ha! Oh David clearly your family knows how to have a good time! I am so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Kelly Harrand says

      November 18, 2020 at 10:03 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        November 19, 2020 at 12:04 am

        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 🙂

        Reply
        • FarmMom4 says

          July 12, 2024 at 8:56 pm

          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

          July 18, 2024 at 3:59 pm

          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

    14. chefkreso says

      January 02, 2018 at 12:02 pm

      Tasty drink, have to give it a try!

      Reply
    15. miakouppa says

      December 21, 2017 at 12:58 am

      Orange is my favourite colour! Might just have to make this 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        January 01, 2018 at 11:38 pm

        Highly recommend!

        Reply
    16. Motorcycle Road Routes says

      December 21, 2017 at 12:55 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        January 01, 2018 at 11:38 pm

        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!

        Reply
    17. jaicommunity says

      December 20, 2017 at 7:15 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        January 01, 2018 at 11:39 pm

        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!

        Reply
        • jaicommunity says

          January 01, 2018 at 11:41 pm

          We did WITH some Brandy Slush 🍻🥂

      • Allyson says

        November 16, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Amanda Gajdosik says

          November 17, 2022 at 1:05 am

          I've never heard of using green tea! How interesting!

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