3 ingredients! That's it. This homemade cherry slushi is bursting with juicy cherry flavor and blended to frosty perfection in the Ninja Slushi maker! Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or just need a fun, refreshing drink, this easy slushi recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings. No artificial flavors, just real, fruity goodness!
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You will also love my Ninja Slushi Coffee Frappé (Vanilla Caramel). Ninja Slushi Strawberry Lemonade Slush, and Ninja Slushi Vanilla Protein Shake.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen Cherries – These are the base of the slushi, giving it natural sweetness, bold cherry flavor, and a thick, icy texture without needing extra ice that could water it down. Fresh cherries will work, but they may add additional machine processing time as cold ingredients work best.
- Cherry Sparkling Water – Not only does this enhance the cherry flavor, but the bubbles add a light, refreshing fizz, making the slushi feel extra fun and effervescent. You can also swap it for regular water or juice for a different twist.
- Sweetener or Sugar – Depending on your taste and the sweetness of your cherries, a little sweetener helps balance the tartness and intensify the flavor. I use monkfruit sweetener because it's zero calorie. Regular refined sugar, honey, or agave, will work too.
How to Make Cherry Slushies using the Ninja Slushi Maker
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- You will have to blend the cherries first, prior to adding them to the machine. Add the frozen cherries, sparkling water, and sugar or sweetener to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the blended drink to the Ninja Slushi Maker. Press the Slush button. I also have to run this at the highest temperature setting on the right in order to get it to get cold enough to create the slushi.
- Allow the machine to process. Let the machine run for 15-45 minutes, depending on the sugar content and temperature of the liquid. Mine took at least 25 minutes.
- Once the cycle is complete, place a cup under the self-serve spout and pull the handle to dispense the slushi.
Fun Add-Ins or Variations
- Lime Juice
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Vanilla Extract
- Coconut Water
- Club Soda
- Almond extract: Gives a cherry-almond flavor reminiscent of cherry pie
- Frozen banana: If you go this route, you have to blend the banana in when you blend the other ingredients
- Coconut milk
- Fresh mint leaves
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt: Add it afterward. Turns it into a cherry float-style treat.
- A splash of rum, vodka, or cherry liqueur
Troubleshooting Tips if You Have Problems with the Machine
- Check the Liquid Ratio – If the mixture is too thick, the machine may struggle to process it. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional liquid (sparkling water, juice, or even plain water) and restart the cycle.
- Make Sure the Mixture is Cold Enough – The machine works best when the liquid is super cold. If your base wasn’t chilled before adding it to the machine, try refrigerating or briefly freezing it before processing.
- Let It Process Fully – The Ninja Slushi Machine may take a few minutes to reach the right consistency. Be patient and let it complete the cycle. If needed, restart the process.
- Check for Ice Blockage – If the mixture is freezing unevenly, it may be too cold or concentrated in one area. Let it sit for a minute, give it a gentle stir, and try again.
- Ensure the Machine is Properly Assembled – Double-check that all parts (including the lid and paddle) are locked into place. If something is misaligned, the machine may not operate correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you’ll need to add ice to get the slushi texture. Keep in mind that ice may dilute the flavor, so consider freezing fresh cherries first for the best results! I grab a frozen bag of cherries from Costco.
You can substitute it with regular water, coconut water, or cherry juice for a richer flavor. If you still want some fizz, try using club soda or lemon-lime soda.
I like to use ½ cup. Start with ¼ cup and taste repeatedly. Build and adjust from there.
Slushies are best enjoyed immediately, as they can melt quickly. If needed, you can freeze the mixture and re-blend when ready to serve.
Absolutely! Just use a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more liquid a little at a time. If the mixture isn't thick enough, add ice and blend.
Yes, add your alcohol/drink of choice and press the Spiked Slush setting.
How to Store
You can store leftovers in the machine, but you need to keep the machine running to maintain the frozen texture for up to 12 hours. If you turn it off, the slushy will melt. Pour the slushi into a freezer-safe container and freeze. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then stir or blend again for a smooth consistency.
Pair With These Food Recipes
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
Smoked Pulled Chicken
Oven Baked Ribs
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Cherry Slushi (Ninja Slushi Machine)
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cherries
- 2 cups cherry sparkling water Add more if needed. See notes below.
- ¼-1/2 cup sweetener or sugar Adjust to suit your taste. I used ½ cup. Use more for sweet slushies.
Instructions
- You will have to blend the cherries first, prior to adding them to the machine. Add the frozen cherries, sparkling water, and sugar or sweetener to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the blended drink to the Ninja Slushi Maker. Press the Slush button. I also have to run this at the highest temperature setting on the right in order to get it to get cold enough to create the slushi.
- Allow the machine to process. Let the machine run for 15-45 minutes, depending on the sugar content and temperature of the liquid. Mine took at least 25 minutes.
- Once the cycle is complete, place a cup under the self-serve spout and pull the handle to dispense the slushi.
Notes
-
- Check the Liquid Ratio – If the mixture is too thick, the machine may struggle to process it. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional liquid (sparkling water, juice, or even plain water) and restart the cycle.
-
- Make Sure the Mixture is Cold Enough – The machine works best when the liquid is super cold. If your base wasn’t chilled before adding it to the machine, try refrigerating or briefly freezing it before processing.
-
- Let It Process Fully – The Ninja Slushi Machine may take a few minutes to reach the right consistency. Be patient and let it complete the cycle. If needed, restart the process.
-
- Check for Ice Blockage – If the mixture is freezing unevenly, it may be too cold or concentrated in one area. Let it sit for a minute, give it a gentle stir, and try again.
-
- Ensure the Machine is Properly Assembled – Double-check that all parts (including the lid and paddle) are locked into place. If something is misaligned, the machine may not operate correctly.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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