Gin limoncello slush

The herbaceous alliance of gin and the roundness of limoncello make this classic cocktail an excellent candidate for a frozen version in the machine. I wanted to transpose this tangy duo for long summer evenings. On the first try, the mixture didn’t freeze at all: I had underestimated the combined alcohol of gin + limoncello, which exceeded the appliance’s tolerance. By adjusting the proportions with enough water and syrup, you get a very thirst-quenching result. The bright scent of lemon bursts in the mouth while the botanical bitterness balances the drink.

Gin limoncello slush

Recipe by Camille RoosCourse: Frozen cocktailCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

people

Prep

5

minutes

Freeze time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

The herbaceous alliance of gin and the sweetness of limoncello revisited in a frozen version with the Ninja Slushi.

Ingredients

• 100 ml gin

• 100 ml limoncello

• 150 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 100 ml cane syrup (or simple syrup)

• 600 ml mineral water

Instructions

• Squeeze the lemons and carefully filter the juice to remove all pulp.
• In a container or a large pitcher, mix the gin, limoncello, filtered lemon juice, cane syrup, and water. Alcohol prevents freezing: stick to these 200 ml combined for this volume of water.
• Pour the preparation into the bowl of your Ninja Slushi. The volume reaches about 1050 ml, which is perfect for setting and sits well between the min and max markers.
• Select the Frozen Cocktail program and let the machine work until you get a texture that flows easily through a straw.

Basil version

Basil version : Infuse 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves in the heated cane syrup, then let it cool completely before adding it to the liquid mixture.

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The right alcohol dosage for optimal setting

The balance of a cocktail in the Ninja Slushi relies entirely on controlling the spirits. As I learned during my first tests of this recipe, alcohol acts as a powerful antifreeze. If you go too heavy on the bottles, the machine will spin in a void without ever managing to crystallize the liquid, and you might see error lights flashing. For a total volume of about one liter, the rule is not to exceed 175 to 200 ml of combined strong spirits. Here, the combination of 100 ml of gin and 100 ml of yellow liqueur is the upper limit. If you want a more pronounced botanical profile without compromising the freeze, prefer infusing your gin with herbs rather than increasing the dose. By respecting this precise ratio, you will achieve that famous smooth consistency. If you like fruity and sweeter drinks, take a look at my recipe for Pineapple Slush with the Ninja Slushi, which is very easy to make.

The importance of syrup and filtration

The other pillar for success in this preparation lies in managing sugar and solid residues. Lemon juice brings a nice acidity, but it naturally contains pulp. It is imperative to filter your citrus juices well before pouring them into the bowl. Small plant fibers can stick to the auger and disrupt regular mixing. Regarding flavor balance, cane syrup isn’t just there for taste: it provides the dry matter essential for binding the water and creating a flexible crystalline network. Without it, your preparation would turn into a compact block impossible to serve. Even if limoncello is sweet, the 100 ml of added syrup here compensates for the bitterness and guarantees a perfect result for sipping. For fruit lovers looking for another vibrant idea, you can also try the Blue Raspberry Slush with the Ninja Slushi, which uses a similar balancing principle.

What style of gin (rather dry or very floral) do you use for this recipe?

Frequently asked questions

Why does my preparation stay completely liquid?

You probably poured a bit too much gin or limoncello. Alcohol lowers the freezing point. Add 100 to 150 ml of water and a dash of syrup to restart the setting process.

Can I replace the cane syrup with honey?

Yes, but dilute the honey well in a little warm water beforehand (and let it cool completely) so it mixes evenly with the alcohols and the cold water.

What do I do for the FS301 (smaller bowl)?

The proportions in this recipe total about one liter, which fits perfectly into the FS301 bowl without exceeding the maximum fill line. The Frozen Cocktail program is the same for all models.