Spring Slush

We all know the temptation that comes with passing a Sonic Drive Thru between the hours of 2 and 4 pm on a sunny and 75 degree spring day. The thought of a fruity, sweet, refreshing slushy treat is sometimes too great to pass up, and sometimes you shouldn't. However, we can't always pull in. For one, we'd all be broke. Second, those delicious drinks pack a punch of added sugar (even more than a regular soda). If you still have the craving for a refreshing afternoon treat, but don’t want to meet or exceed your daily sugar total in one slurp, try this more nutrient-dense, less-sugary alternative instead.

Base Ingredients

• FRUIT - You can use any kind of fruit that you normally would order as a slush flavor, but a couple that I have made and love are strawberry and pineapple (or a combination of both). Both strawberry and pineapple are considered “spring fruits”, and are likely to be found on sale this time of year!  
• LIQUID - For the liquid portion of the recipe, my personal favorite is to blend Vitamin Water Zero (your flavor choice) with regular water.  This offers just enough flavor with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. If you are an athlete or have been outside, active, or sweating for more than an hour, mix in a little bit of your favorite sports drink to replace your electrolytes.  If you are craving a stronger flavor, you can also use 100% fruit juice (diluted 1:1 with water) for the liquid in the recipe as well.

Spring Slush Recipe
4-5 medium strawberries
AND/OR
5 chunks of pineapple (medium-large diced)
5-6 ice cubes
Juice from ¼ fresh lemon or lime
1 ½ cups liquid (water, flavored water, sports drink or combination)

Simply put all your ingredients in a blender, “bullet”, or food processor-type device, and blend away! You will even get a little frothy/foam on top! Sip through a straw, or use a spoon; the consistency is up to you! This recipe creates a refreshing drink as a fun alternative to your average fruit-infused water choices.  I love having the option to squeeze in an extra serving of fruit rather than my day’s worth of sugar. Experiment with your flavors you love, and find your favorite version of your Spring Slush!

Author: Kelly Burgess, MUSC Dietetic Intern