Bourbon Slush with Drunken Cherries

This Southern classic combines the bold flavors of bourbon with sweet tea, lemonade, and orange juice to create a refreshing slushy cocktail. Paired with cherries soaked in bourbon, this drink is perfect for warm gatherings and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and strength.

Ingredients

For the Drunken Cherries

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 (1x3-inch) strips orange peel

• 2 1/2 cups bourbon

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup (thawed) frozen pitted dark sweet cherries or pitted fresh cherries
  
  

For the Bourbon Slush

• 6 cups water

• 6 black tea bags

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

• 1 (6-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate

• 2 cups bourbon

• Halved orange slices for garnish

Directions

1. Combine brown sugar and orange peel in a pint-size canning jar. Muddle until the peel releases oils. Add 1/2 cup bourbon and vanilla extract. Cover and shake vigorously until sugar dissolves. Add cherries, cover, and shake gently to combine. Chill at least 8 hours and up to 1 year.

2. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep according to package directions. Remove and discard tea bags. Add white sugar and stir to dissolve. Let cool.

3. Pour tea mixture and remaining 3 cups water into an extra-large pitcher or freezer-safe container. Add lemonade and orange juice concentrates and stir until combined. Stir in remaining 2 cups bourbon. Freeze until almost firm, 8 to 12 hours.

4. When ready to serve, let frozen tea mixture stand at room temperature until partially thawed and slushy, 15 to 30 minutes. Stir well, then spoon into glasses. Garnish with drunken cherries and orange slices. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories 337

• Total Fat 0g

• Sodium 11mg

• Total Carbohydrates 57g

• Dietary Fiber 1g

• Total Sugars 50g

• Protein 1g

• Vitamin C 78mg

• Calcium 37mg

• Iron 2mg

• Potassium 361mg