Slushy maker cup

Drinking a cold beverage can be a great start for a hot summer day. Doubly so for ice creams and frozen treats. Slushies, for example, combine flavored liquids or syrups with ice to create a semi-frozen beverage that people of all ages can enjoy. For those who want to make their own recipes at home, a slushy maker cup can make the process much more straightforward and fun.

How do slushy maker cups work?

Slushy cups contain a specially formulated liquid in their walls. This substance is a gelatinous material that can be quickly frozen and, in turn, create ice crystals when another liquid is poured into the cup. Then, users simply have to break down the ice by squeezing the cup, scraping its walls, or mixing the contents with a spoon or straw. After all is said and done, the liquid will have acquired the semi-frozen consistency and texture slushies are known for.

In terms of materials, silicone is one of the most prevalent, such as seen in the Frozen Magic cups. This material is highly resistant to temperature fluctuations. For this reason, it generally takes a few hours for the cup to be ready, so it's always good to leave it in the freezer when not using it.

While most slushy makers work the same way, their extra functionalities can serve to distinguish between them. For example, a silicone slushy cup, although a little wobbly when unfrozen, can be reused hundreds of times and not suffer damage from exposure to lower temperatures. This material also ensures a faster freezing process compared to more insulated alternatives. However, a silicone slushy cup can be quite uncomfortable to hold right out of the freezer. For this reason, many models come with an exterior cup or case in which the slushy maker can be inserted to avoid freezing the fingers.

Do slushy cups work with all liquids?

Yes, but there are a few caveats. The consistency and time it takes for the slushy to form will vary depending on the properties and freezing point of the liquid. For example, while pre-chilled juices and sodas can freeze up into crystals in no time, milk might need to sit for a few more minutes in the freezer. In the same vein, alcoholic beverages don't freeze that well, as alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, meaning it requires way cooler temperatures to properly turn into ice. For this reason, when preparing alcoholic slushies, it's better to pour them at the end of the process over a liquid that freezes more easily in the magic slushy cup, such as water or juices.