Growing up in the South, fall is basically a mirage. While other people post photos of leaves changing and apple picking, you scroll longingly and convince yourself that it is autumn, dammit, because you're sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte and you've lit a cinnamon-scented candle as you sweat through your cable-knit sweater.
The season never fit the temperature, and as much as I wanted to get in on all of those seasonal traditions, it didn't really work in a state where flip flops were the norm, even in late December.
Not anymore, though. These Apple Cider Slushies are the unexpected-yet-perfect fall drink, no matter where you live. They first got on our radar after Delish editors visited apple orchards and returned raving about the frosty drinks served—not the cider donuts. (Okay, they also raved about the donuts, but that was after a good three and a half minutes on why these slushies are better than any Frappuccino, Slurpee or shaved ice you've ever had.) Given the fact that my Florida-raised soul only knows two seasons—scorching hot and skin-drenchingly humid—I had to try them.
After testing a few different methods, we've found that making them granita-style leads to the most flavorful slushies. It may seem like work at first, but it's really very minimal effort: Pour cider into a loaf pan, add lemon juice and a little cinnamon (for spice and a tangy kick), freeze it for 45 minutes, and scrape up the icy slush with a fork.
Freeze it for another 45 minutes, then the choice is yours: You can either scrape it and toss it back in the freezer—if the consistency is too close to liquid for your tastes—or spoon it into cups and serve.
The scraping may seem like a hassle, but it's absolutely necessary. Otherwise you wind up with a giant ice cube you've got to break apart with a pick (and toss in a blender, to make it sippable).
With these slushies, a taste of fall can be yours—even if it's 93 degrees outside.
Get the recipe here.
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