Beat the fall rush: DIY cider slush

Crisp air, piles of autumn leaves resting in front of houses, pumpkins displayed on almost every street corner; these festive aspects of fall make the season a Mercy girl’s favorite. However, there’s one item not mentioned in the previous list which many believe tops them all — apple cider. Many make frequent visits to local cider mills to grab sugar-coated donuts and delicious apple cider throughout the season, and the popularity encourages creative, delectable modifications to the traditional glass of cold apple cider. One of these clever recipes is the famous cider slush, or slushie. Although many cider mills sell this tasty treat, where’s the fun in simply buying one? It’s time to break out the blender and create your own fruity fall beverage.

Ingredients (makes one serving):
2 cups of ice
1 cup of apple cider
1 medium Honeycrisp apple (peeled and chopped)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice

First, gather all the ingredients. The spice mixture of cinnamon and allspice can substituted for apple pie spice. After the mix-ins are measured, throw them into a high-powered blender. (It’s that easy!)

The second step is to mix the ingredients together until fully blended, or until all the ice chunks are blended out. This step also depends on your personal texture preference — whether you want to enjoy a smooth or thick slushie will determine your blending time. During this time in the process, it’s a good idea to taste test your creation to make sure the sweetness and consistency are up to par.

The final step is pour out your frozen fall beverage into a glass or an artsy mason jar cup, and enjoy! Add a dash of cinnamon or an apple wedge on top for an aesthetic upgrade.

So what are you waiting for? Revamp your plain apple cider into this refreshing autumn drink.