If you want a drink that is both cool and full of flavor, let me tell you about my favorite: the Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush Recipe. This bourbon slush recipe is crazy-delicious and refreshing—you just have to try it!
I have made many bourbon slush recipes before, and every time the taste was a little different. But this Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush is the one I want to enjoy again and again. It has a sweet, citrusy, and slightly boozy taste that comes from a blend of bourbon, apple cider, and pear nectar.
The flavor is smooth and easy to drink, and I promise it will quickly become your favorite too. It’s perfect for summer sipping and sharing with your friends.

What is Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush?
The Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush Recipe is a frozen cocktail that combines the smooth taste of bourbon with sweet apple cider and pear nectar. This drink uses your Ninja Slushi machine to create the perfect icy texture. The recipe takes few minutes to make and gives you a restaurant-quality slush at home. The mix of apple cider, pear nectar, lemon juice, and bourbon creates a balanced flavor that’s not too strong but still has that bourbon kick.
Why You Will Love Ninja Slushie Bourbon?
The drink is cold, sweet, and has a gentle bourbon kick that is not too strong. The mix of apple cider and pear nectar gives it a fruity and fresh flavor, while the lemon juice adds a little tang. It’s the kind of drink you want to make again and again, especially when you want something special but simple. Plus, the Ninja Slushi machine or blender does all the hard work for you, so you can enjoy a perfect slush every time.
Ninja Slushie Bourbon Recipe Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider – Apple cider provides natural sweetness and a rich apple flavor. Use fresh apple cider for the best taste, but store-bought works fine too. The apple cider should be cold before mixing.
- 1 cup pear nectar – Pear nectar adds a smooth, sweet flavor that complements the apple cider perfectly. It’s thicker than regular pear juice. Look for pear nectar in the juice section of your grocery store.
- 1/2 cup lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness from the apple cider and pear nectar. The acid in lemon juice also helps preserve the drink and keeps it fresh tasting.
- 1 cup bourbon – Choose a good quality bourbon for the best flavor. The bourbon adds warmth and depth to the drink. Don’t use the most expensive bourbon since it will be mixed with other ingredients, but avoid very cheap options too.
Substitute Options for This Recipe
- Apple Cider Substitute: Apple juice can be used instead of apple cider, but the flavor will be lighter. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to make it taste more like real cider.
- Pear Nectar Substitute: If pear nectar is unavailable, use pear juice with 2 tablespoons of honey mixed in. Peach nectar also works well for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Lemon Juice Substitute: Fresh lime juice serves as a good substitute. Alternatively, use 1/4 cup of orange juice for a sweeter, less tart flavor.
- Bourbon Substitute: Whiskey, rum, or vodka can be used for different flavor profiles. For a non-alcoholic version, combine apple juice with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Kitchen Appliance
I used the Ninja Slushi Machine for this recipe. It has a special “Spiked Slush” button that’s perfect for drinks like this. If you don’t have one, a high-speed Ninja blender works too. Just blend the mix with crushed ice until it’s slushy. A small pitcher or mixing bowl and a spoon or whisk are also needed to combine the ingredients before freezing. Finally, have cocktail glasses ready for serving the slush.
How To Make Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush
Step 1 | Mix the Ingredients
In a small pitcher or mixing bowl, pour in 4 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of pear nectar, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup of bourbon. Stir everything together with a spoon or small whisk until it’s fully combined.

Step 2 | Fill the Ninja Slushi Machine
Open your Ninja Slushi machine and carefully pour the liquid mix into the container. Don’t go past the max fill line—check the markings on the side to be safe. Close the lid tightly to ensure the machine works properly.
Step 3 | Start the Slush Process
Press the “Spiked Slush” button on the Ninja Slushi machine. This setting is perfect for boozy drinks like this one.

Step 4 | Wait for the Magic
Let the machine run for about 30 minutes. You’ll see the mix turn into a perfect, slushy texture. Check it occasionally to make sure it’s freezing evenly.
Step 5 | Serve It Up
Once the slush is ready, scoop or pour it into cocktail glasses. The slush should be thick and frosty.
Step 6 | Garnish and Enjoy
Add a few thin apple slices on top for a pretty touch. Sip and enjoy your Ninja Slushie Bourbon!

Tips to Make Slushie Bourbon Perfect
- Chill all ingredients in the fridge before mixing to speed up the freezing process.
- Use a measuring cup for accuracy—too much bourbon can overpower the fruit flavors.
- If the slush is too thick, add a splash of apple cider and stir.
- If it’s too thin, put it back in the machine for 5-10 more minutes
- For a stronger flavor, use dark or barrel-aged bourbon.
- Add ice if you’re using a blender instead of the Ninja Slushi machine.
Fun Twists and Flavor Ideas
- Spiced Bourbon Slush: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the mix for a warm spice flavor. This works great for fall and winter months.
- Cranberry Bourbon Slush: Replace 1 cup of apple cider with cranberry juice for a tart, festive flavor. Add a few fresh cranberries as garnish.
- Honey Bourbon Slush: Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey for extra sweetness and a smooth texture. This is perfect if you prefer sweeter drinks.
- Ginger Bourbon Slush: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger to the mix for a spicy kick. Strain before putting in the machine if you don’t want ginger pieces.
- Maple Bourbon Slush: Use 3 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of some of the apple cider for a rich, maple flavor that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
- Orange Bourbon Slush: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and orange zest for a citrus twist. Garnish with orange slices instead of apple.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Serve your Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush Recipe in chilled cocktail glasses or mason jars for a rustic look. The drink looks beautiful in clear glasses so you can see the nice color. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for extra flavor and a fancy touch.
For a special presentation, rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar before adding the slush. Just dip the rim in water, then in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. Fresh mint leaves also make a great garnish and add a fresh smell.
This bourbon slush pairs perfectly with grilled foods, especially pork and chicken. It’s also great with cheese and crackers, nuts, or fruit plates. The sweet and tart flavors make it a good match for spicy foods too.
For special occasions, serve in small glasses as a palate cleanser between courses. You can also make it the signature drink for outdoor barbecues or fall gatherings.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover slush, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. The alcohol keeps it from freezing solid, so it’ll stay slushy. Before serving again, give it a quick stir or blend to refresh the texture. Don’t store the mix in the Ninja Slushi machine—it’s best to clean it out after each use.
Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush Recipe FAQs
1. What kind of bourbon should I use?
Choose a mid-range bourbon with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor—like Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam. Expensive bourbons aren’t necessary, but avoid very cheap ones, as they can taste harsh. One cup is enough for a balanced kick that pairs well with the fruit flavors.
2. How do I know when the slush is ready?
In the Ninja Slushi machine, the slush is ready in about 30 minutes when it’s thick and frosty. Check the texture—it should be scoopable but not liquidy. If it’s too soft, let it run for another 5–10 minutes.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice works fine and is super convenient. Use 1/2 cup, just like fresh juice. Make sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added sugar or flavors to keep the slush’s taste bright and balanced.
4. Can I use fresh pear instead of nectar?
You can blend a ripe pear with a little water to make your own pear nectar. Just strain out the pulp if you want a smoother mix.
5. Is this drink too sweet?
It has a natural sweetness from the apple cider and pear nectar. If you prefer less sweet, reduce the cider or add more lemon juice.
6. Can I add ice to this drink?
Yes, especially if you use a regular blender. But if you’re using the Ninja Slushi machine, no ice is needed—it freezes the drink on its own.

Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush Recipe
Make this Ninja Slushie Bourbon Slush Recipe in just 5 minutes! A sweet, boozy frozen drink with cider, pear nectar, lemon, and bourbon.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider – chilled
- 1 cup pear nectar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice – fresh
- 1 cup bourbon – good quality, not top shelf
- Optional garnish: thin apple slices
Instructions
Step 1 | Mix the Ingredients
In a small pitcher or mixing bowl, pour in 4 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of pear nectar, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup of bourbon. Stir everything together with a spoon or small whisk until it’s fully combined.
Step 2 | Fill the Ninja Slushi Machine
Open your Ninja Slushi machine and carefully pour the liquid mix into the container. Don’t go past the max fill line—check the markings on the side to be safe. Close the lid tightly to ensure the machine works properly.
Step 3 | Start the Slush Process
Press the “Spiked Slush” button on the Ninja Slushi machine. This setting is perfect for boozy drinks like this one.
Step 4 | Wait for the Magic
Let the machine run for about 30 minutes. You’ll see the mix turn into a perfect, slushy texture. Check it occasionally to make sure it’s freezing evenly.
Step 5 | Serve It Up
Once the slush is ready, scoop or pour it into cocktail glasses. The slush should be thick and frosty.
Step 6 | Garnish and Enjoy
Add a few thin apple slices on top for a pretty touch. Sip and enjoy your Ninja Slushie Bourbon!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
6 (8-ounce servings)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 195Total Fat: .1gSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: .2gSugar: 20gSugar Alcohols: ~13% ABV (approx.)gProtein: .3g