If you’re craving a refreshing treat that feels like summer in a glass, then this Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine the cool, natural sweetness of frozen strawberries blended perfectly with a tangy splash of kombucha, all topped with a light, fluffy vegan Italian meringue that adds a dreamy cloud of texture and elegance. It’s simple yet indulgent, vegan-friendly, and bursting with layers of fresh, fruity flavor that can brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from providing fruity freshness and subtle tang to that irresistible creamy texture on top.
- Frozen strawberries: The heart of the slushie, they give it vibrant color and that natural fruity sweetness.
- Kombucha (or coconut water/apple juice): Adds a slightly tangy, effervescent twist or a subtly sweet base if you choose juice.
- Vegan Italian meringue: Optional but highly recommended for a sophisticated, fluffy finish that’s completely dairy-free.
How to Make Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Italian Meringue
Start by making your vegan Italian meringue topping. This takes a little finesse but trust me, it’s worth it. The meringue adds a delicate, airy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the slushie.
Step 2: Thaw the Strawberries
Grab your frozen strawberries and let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes. You want them to soften just enough to blend smoothly but still keep that icy texture that makes the slushie so delightful.
Step 3: Blend with Kombucha
Pop the strawberries into a high-speed blender and pour in about half of the kombucha (or your chosen liquid). Blend for 2-3 minutes until silky smooth, adding the rest of the kombucha little by little until you reach your preferred consistency. The kombucha brings a slight fizz and tang that wakes up your taste buds.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
This Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe is best enjoyed right after blending. Ladle it into glasses and spoon the fluffy meringue on top to create a stunning layered drink that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
How to Serve Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your drink to the next level. Fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar look fantastic and add an extra hint of aroma and freshness that complements the cool slushie perfectly.
Side Dishes
This slushie pairs wonderfully with light, fresh snacks. Think crunchy vegan biscotti, a handful of toasted nuts, or a crisp green salad with citrus dressing. These sides balance the sweetness and make your serving feel like a complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, try layering the slushie and meringue in clear glasses or mason jars to highlight the colors and textures. You can also pipe the meringue on top using a star nozzle for a café-style presentation that will impress everyone. Serve with a reusable straw or even a long spoon for scooping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover slushie, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly, so give it a quick stir or re-blend before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the blended slushie to enjoy later. Pour it into freezer-safe containers and thaw just enough to scoop or blend again for a freshly textured drink. Keep it up to one month for the best flavor.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if your vegan meringue needs a quick revival, a few seconds under a kitchen torch can refresh its texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Fresh strawberries can work, but the slushie won’t have the same icy texture that frozen strawberries provide. To replicate that refreshing chill, you might want to add some ice cubes during blending.
Is kombucha necessary or can I substitute another liquid?
Kombucha adds a subtle tang and fizz that pairs beautifully with strawberries, but you can substitute with coconut water, apple juice, or even plain water if you prefer a milder flavor.
How do I make vegan Italian meringue?
Vegan Italian meringue is typically made using aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) whipped with sugar syrup. It’s a fantastic egg-free alternative that’s light, fluffy, and stable for topping drinks and desserts.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily. Just blend larger batches keeping the liquid ratios the same and prepare more vegan Italian meringue accordingly.
What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?
You can use a regular blender, but expect a slightly chunkier texture. Let the fruit thaw a bit longer and blend in smaller batches to achieve the smoothest result.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe is a delightful balance of fresh, fruity flavors and fluffy, dreamy texture that’s perfect for any time you want a treat that feels special yet effortless. Whether you’re cooling off on a warm day or impressing friends with a vegan-friendly twist on a classic slushie, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and keep you coming back for more.
Print
Strawberry Slushie with Vegan Italian Meringe Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Slushie made with frozen strawberries and kombucha or your choice of liquid, topped with a light vegan Italian meringue for an optional sweet finish. Perfectly chilled and naturally sweetened, this slushie is easy to prepare and delightful for warm days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 340 g frozen strawberries
- 250 ml kombucha (or coconut water/apple juice)
Optional Topping
- â…“ batch vegan Italian meringue (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Prepare the Italian meringue topping: Follow your preferred vegan Italian meringue recipe and set aside. This step is optional but adds a sweet, fluffy topping to the slushie.
- Thaw the frozen strawberries slightly: Remove strawberries from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes so they soften a bit, making them easier to blend smoothly.
- Blend the slushie base: Place the slightly thawed strawberries into a high-speed blender. Pour in half of the kombucha or chosen liquid and blend for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth. Gradually add the remaining kombucha to achieve your desired consistency while blending.
- Serve immediately: Pour the slushie into serving glasses. Optionally, top each serving with a generous spoonful of the prepared vegan Italian meringue, or enjoy plain for a simple, fruity refreshment.
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries to achieve the ideal slushie texture.
- You can substitute kombucha with coconut water or apple juice depending on your flavor preference.
- The vegan Italian meringue topping is optional but adds a great visual and taste contrast.
- Serve immediately for the best slushie experience as it may melt if left out too long.
