Sipping Smoothies and Slushies: My Ninja Slushie Maker Experience

It’s peak summer, the kind where the sidewalk could fry an egg, and you’re totally parched. The ninja slushie maker sits on my counter looking like the answer to life’s little problems. Before getting into the nitty gritty, if you’ve ever tried making a chilly treat like coffee ice cream in a Ninja ice cream maker or stumbled on the perfect 5 steps Ninja Creami strawberry milkshake (worth every brainfreeze, by the way), this machine felt like a natural next step for me. But let’s be real, I was skeptical: does this gadget really make frozen drinks that’ll impress my picky teen and knock my socks off? Spoiler: It kind of does. But you’ll want all the details before adding to cart, trust me.

Features of the Ninja SLUSHie Maker

Okay, so the ninja slushie maker is not your average kitchen gadget. It’s… chunkier. Takes up more space than my old blender, honestly, but it makes up for that. The key thing is its slushie button (genius), intense blending power, and big ol’ pitcher. You can whip up frozen drinks for a crowd or just yourself—the sweet spot is like 3-4 regular people, or two extremely thirsty ones.

There’s a bunch of preset options, which means you’re not stuck guessing. Hit the frozen slush, frozen drink, or mix-in choices, and it figures out the rest. The pitcher itself? Big enough to feel like you’re running your own snack bar. The lid seals tight so not a drop escapes. You can add funky extras like fruit chunks, candy bits, or even a sneaky little shot of something fun for adults (I’m not judging, promise).

I also noticed it has easy-to-read markings (thank goodness), rubber feet so it won’t shuffle itself off the countertop, and a sturdy handle. So if you’re clumsy, you’re safe. It’s way more durable than the “blenders” I used to get from big box stores—ahem, sorry, $20 blenders, you never stood a chance.

this FOR LATER

How to Use the Ninja SLUSHi

Honestly, even my tech-adverse aunt could figure this out. Start with ice. Then pour in whatever drink base your heart desires—I usually stick to soda, juice, or sometimes lemonade for tangy vibes. Snap on the lid (line up the arrows, it gets fussy), then pick your blend setting.

If you want a true slushie, hit the dedicated button. The machine takes over, blending everything to that icy, semi-solid glory that makes a slushie so good. There’s a window on top so you can peek inside—watching the ice get pulverized is weirdly satisfying. My only hiccup? The first time, I put in way too many frozen berries. Machine did fine, but wow, talk about a purple tornado.

After about a minute, boom, slushie magic. Pop the lid, pour, and try not to get brainfreeze inhaling it. Heck, even the cleanup is simple (more on that in a sec). So really, making a frozen drink in this is almost easier than running to the corner store.

Benefits of Frozen Drinks Using Ninja SLUSHi

Let’s be brutally honest—homemade frozen drinks are ten times better than most of the weird syrupy stuff at the gas station. First up, you pick your ingredients. Want less sugar? Easy. More fruit? Toss it in. I feel weirdly responsible mixing in actual strawberries instead of candy goo.

Here’s the kicker: you’re not limited. Soda slushies, fruity smoothies, even coffee concoctions. When my kids want “fancy” drinks for movie night, I don’t need to rush out to 7-Eleven. It’s all right there, plus I control the mess. Oh, and it’s way cheaper—if you have a family, you know slushie runs add up fast.

And when you need inspiration, recipes like 7 irresistible Ninja Creami sorbet recipes or a delicious simple Ninja Creami milkshake hit the spot. Really, you look like some kind of five-star restaurant wizard, but from your own kitchen.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Here’s where my laziness shines. If it’s not easy to clean, it dies a lonely death in the cabinet. Good news: the ninja slushie maker comes apart fast. Lid, blade, pitcher—each bit is chunky enough to rinse easily. I toss the pitcher and lid in the top dishwasher rack; the blade I do by hand (don’t risk it, it’s sharp).

Sometimes the sticky fruit gunk needs a little soak. Don’t forget the base—just wipe with a damp cloth, no need to get fancy. The rubber seals keep it from leaking but check them for stray pop rocks (just me?). If you want this thing to last? No abrasive sponges, and dry it off before you pack it away. So pretty much anyone can handle it, from lazy teens to forgetful adults. Skip the drama!

Comparison with Other Frozen Drink Makers

So, back when I was shopping around, I tried out two rivals: one was a cheap “slushie” cup you freeze overnight, the other a blender that pretends it’s cool. Let’s just say the ninja slushie maker whipped both. Here’s the rundown in a handy table:

At the end of the day, the Ninja nailed it for larger batches and had way smoother results. Easy win.

Is the Ninja Slushie Machine Worth It?

Look, I’ll shoot straight. If you only ever want one slushie a year, it’s total overkill. But if you’ve got kids, are a frequent party-thrower, or just plain love frozen drinks, this is chef’s kiss. I save money making my own treats—don’t even get me started on what I’d spend at the fair in July. Plus, you feel a little fancy offering homemade strawberry lemonade slushies at the neighborhood BBQ.

I have no regrets—it hasn’t let me down, and my family actually brags about our “slushie machine” to their friends. Worth it? For us, yes. For you, if you love fun and saving a buck, also yes.

How Long Does It Take to Make a Slushie in the Ninja Slushie Machine?

Ready for some real numbers? Most frozen drinks in the ninja slushie maker take about 60-90 seconds. That’s… like, less than the time it takes to microwave popcorn. The hardest part is deciding what kind you want, not the actual machine. If your ice is super solid or you crammed in a bunch of frozen mango, it might take closer to two minutes. But I’ve never waited more than three.

Cleanup time honestly isn’t much longer. My usual routine? Start blending, find a straw, blink, and it’s ready.

How Many Drinks Does a Ninja Slushie Machine Make?

Great question! On a good day, the ninja slushie maker will churn out about three to four big 16-ounce servings. If you’re just making tiny “shooter” glasses for a party (which I tried once, got some odd looks), you could stretch it to five or six small ones.

Of course, if you live with someone who treats a slushie like a meal (guilty), plan for less. The jug size is generous, but if you want to serve a crowd, run a couple of batches.

How Does the Ninja Slushie Machine Work?

This is one part blender, one part mad science. Ice goes in the pitcher, followed by your drink base. Secure the lid, pick your preset and… go. The blades smash everything down, crushing ice to the size of a snowflake—then mixes it with your juice or soda.

There’s some kind of smart thing going on with the settings, too, because your drink never comes out watery or super chunky. Honestly, this is the most “foolproof” I’ve ever seen. (When my teenager used it, disaster did not strike.) When it’s ready, you just pour and sip.

And for creative ideas, check out these killer homemade options: best Ninja Creami protein ice cream, acai bowl with Ninja Creami, or delicious Ninja Creami recipe ideas.

Serving Suggestions (Let’s Make It Fun)

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamsicle twist.
• Toss in frozen berries, or even mango for something “sunny.”
• For grown-ups: a splash of rum (or something fancier).
• Top with gummy bears—seriously, kids will think you’re a culinary genius.

Ready to Slush? My Real Thoughts

So—wrapping this up. The ninja slushie maker genuinely turned out to be more than a novelty. It’s practical, it saves me trips to overly expensive convenience stores, and honestly, it just delivers. From hosting kids’ parties to experimenting with wild Ninja Creami creations or checking out this 96-oz. professional frozen drink maker, you really can’t go wrong if you love cold, customizable treats. So grab some ice, pour something tasty, and let’s make summer a little cooler—your kitchen deserves it.

Common Questions

Summer Slushies with the Ninja SLUSHi

---

• Author: Rebecca
• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious homemade slushies using the Ninja SLUSHi maker, perfect for hot summer days.

---

Ingredients

• Ice
• Soda (e.g., Sprite, Fanta, Coke)
• Juice (e.g., lemonade)
• Frozen fruits (e.g., strawberries, mango)
• Optional: Shot of rum for adults
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream for a creamsicle twist
• Optional: Gummy bears for topping

---

Instructions

1. Start with ice in the pitcher of the Ninja SLUSHi maker.
2. Pour in your preferred drink base, like soda or juice.
3. Snap on the lid, ensuring arrows are lined up.
4. Select the frozen slush setting.
5. Blend until you achieve a slushy consistency, about 60 seconds.
6. Pour and serve, adding toppings as desired.

Notes

For best results, use half fruit and half liquid if using frozen fruit. The Ninja SLUSHi maker is easy to clean, as all removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: slushies, summer drinks, homemade beverages, Ninja SLUSHi, frozen drinks