Small things that make a noticeable difference, collected in one place.
Keep the cup in the freezer, not the cupboard
The most common reason someone cannot make a slushy on demand is that the cup is not charged. Four to six hours is the minimum, but there is no upper limit. Leave it in the freezer permanently and pull it out when you want it.
Own more than one if you make these often
A cup needs to refreeze between uses. If two people want slushies at the same time, or you want a second one an hour later, one cup will not do it. Rotating two means one is always ready.
Chill the drink, not just the cup
Worth repeating because it is the single biggest variable. A drink straight from the fridge gives dramatically better results than one from the pantry.
Pour down the side
Especially with anything carbonated. Pouring straight into the middle kicks up foam, and foam does not freeze into slush.
Squeeze steadily, not frantically
Firm, even presses work better than fast shaking. You are trying to move liquid across the cold surface, not agitate it.
Mix drinks before they go in, not after
If you are combining two things, lemonade and iced tea for example, mix them in a glass first. Layering them in the cup gives you two different temperatures and an uneven result.
Drink it within about fifteen minutes
A finished slushy holds its texture for roughly fifteen to twenty minutes. If you want it to last longer, put the cup back in the freezer between sips.
Rinse it right away
Sugary drinks are much easier to rinse out before they dry. A quick rinse under warm water immediately after is usually all it needs.
