Step 1

You will need an airtight covered plastic container to make the slush in, and to store it in the freezer. Airtight is important because this slush can stay in the freezer for quite a long time if need be, and you don't want it absorbing freezer odours. Large tupperware bowls with snap on lids work well. Here in Newfoundland, if we are making large batches, we use food grade plastic buckets that salt beef is sold in. Don't assume a salt beef bucket in a Newfoundland freezer has salt beef! In any case, this recipe makes about 4 litres/quarts of slush so a 4.5 or 5 litre/quart container will be required.

Step 2

Add the chopped strawberries, sugar and water to a saucepan and simmer together for about 10 minutes. Allow this mixture to cool to near room temperature.

Step 3

Strain the fruit, to separate the strawberry pieces and syrup. (You will be using both, don't throw anything away.)

Step 4

Add the strained strawberries to a blender or food processor and puree for a couple of minutes until smooth.

Step 5

Add the strawberry puree to the plastic container, along with the strawberry syrup and all of the remaining ingredients. Give it a good stir to combine, put the lid on and put the container in the freezer for about 6 hours.

Step 6

After six hours, ice sheets should be beginning to form in the slush. You want to break these down into smaller crystals. An immersion blender is ideal for this, but if you don't have one, a few minutes of vigorous stirring with a whisk should do the trick.

Step 7

Return to the freezer and after a few more hours, give it another stir. The slush then stays covered in the freezer until ready to serve.

Step 8

When serving, stir the slush well every time and spoon 4 ounces of the icy mixture into an 8 ounce glass.

Step 9

Add 2 or more ounces of club soda. Stir and serve

Step 10

Another suggestion is to serve the slush in martini glasses mixed with a splash of Prosecco and a garnish of a lime slice and frozen berries on top.

Step 11

A 4 ounce serving of this slush with a 2 ounce splash of soda water per serving works out to a cocktail that is about 5% alcohol/volume.