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The Red Rooster is an easy-drinking frozen vodka cocktail (vodka slush). Makes a batch that keeps in the freezer all summer or helps kick off your next gathering.
Why we love this recipe
Although the Red Rooster is a frozen cocktail, it came into my life as a Christmas tipple many years ago when my aunt served it to a large crowd in tiny antique glasses. It worked oddly well in that context, and I still like to kick off a winter holiday that way from time to time.
That said, this fruity pink vodka slush makes a whole lot of sense as a summer drink, whether as the signature cocktail for a party or kept on reserve in the freezer all season long.
This recipe is:
- Very easy-drinking, like a better version of your memories of college punch
- Nicely balanced — a little sweet, a little tangy
- Super make-ahead friendly
- Flexible — swap in different ingredients, or even make it nonalcoholic
I started making this recipe many years ago and first published it here back in 2016, adapted from Emeril Lagasse. I’ve since updated the post for clarity, but the recipe remains the same.
What you’ll need
Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.
- You’ll start with a top-shelf vodka. I’m using Grey Goose, which has a lovely, toasty vibe and creamy finish. Belvedere is another great choice. I’m not really on the Tito’s bandwagon, but if you are, that would be a fine option, too.
- Cranberry juice cocktail gives the Red Rooster its reddish-pink hue and adds delicious flavor. This is the run-of-the-mill stuff from the grocery store with plenty of added sugar. If you’ve got unsweetened cranberry juice, add an equal amount of simple syrup.
- Orange juice concentrate feels like an old-school ingredient these days. Do seek it out for this vodka slush, since we don’t dilute it with water.
- There’s no substitute for freshly squeezed lime juice, which adds brightness and balance to this cocktail.
How to make it
Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to make a batch of the Red Rooster cocktail. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.
- Pour the cranberry juice cocktail, vodka, defrosted orange juice concentrate, and freshly squeezed lime juice into a shallow, freezer-safe container. I’m showing a half-batch here in an 8×8-inch pan. A full batch fits well in a 9×13-inch pan. It’s best if it has a lid — if not, you can use foil or plastic wrap.
- Stir well, pop the lid on, and freeze overnight.
- Scrape the mixture with a fork to turn it into a slush. This will be very easy, since vodka doesn’t freeze solid.
- Scoop into glasses to serve. That’s it!
Expert tips and FAQs
You can easily make this recipe nonalcoholic by replacing the vodka with an equal measure of water, pineapple juice, or lemonade. Just note that in the original recipe, the vodka helps prevent the slush from freezing solid. Without this element, you’ll need to scrape the mixture every hour or so throughout the freezing process to ensure a slushy consistency.
Yes! You can make this vodka slush way in advance if you like. As long as you store it in an airtight container, it will keep in the freezer for months at a time with no discernible loss of quality. Consider make a batch at the beginning of the summer and treating yourself from time to time.
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Red Rooster Frozen Vodka Cocktail (Vodka Slush)
Ingredients
- 6 cups 1(420 ml) cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 cups (475 ml) vodka
- 6 ounces (180 ml) frozen orange juice concentrate, defrosted
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and stir.
- Cover well and freeze overnight.
- Use a fork to scrape into a slush. This will be easy since vodka doesn't completely freeze.
- Scoop into glasses and serve. It's great frozen but also as it melts.
Notes
- You'll start with a top-shelf vodka. I'm using Grey Goose, which has a lovely, toasty vibe and creamy finish. Belvedere is another great choice. I'm not really on the Tito's bandwagon, but if you are, that would be a fine option, too.
- Cranberry juice cocktail gives the Red Rooster its reddish-pink hue and adds delicious flavor. This is the run-of-the-mill stuff from the grocery store with plenty of added sugar. If you've got unsweetened cranberry juice, add an equal amount of simple syrup.
- Orange juice concentrate feels like an old-school ingredient these days. Do seek it out for this vodka slush, since we don't dilute it with water.
- There's no substitute for freshly squeezed lime juice, which adds brightness and balance to this cocktail.
- You can make this vodka slush way in advance if you like. As long as you store it in an airtight container, it will keep in the freezer for months at a time with no discernible loss of quality. Consider make a batch at the beginning of the summer and treating yourself from time to time.
- You can easily make this recipe nonalcoholic by replacing the vodka with an equal measure of water, pineapple juice, or lemonade. Just note that in the original recipe, the vodka helps prevent the slush from freezing solid. Without this element, you'll need to scrape the mixture every hour or so throughout the freezing process to ensure a slushy consistency.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hungry for more?
Subscribe to Umami Girl’s email updates, and follow along on Instagram.
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