10 Things You Need To Know Before Drinking Another Slurpee
If nothing else, 7-Eleven will forever be synonymous with the Slurpee. The super-sweet frozen drink has garnered a cult following, especially during its virtually free promotions. But there's plenty you didn't know about the iconic slush that's worth a closer look.
1. It was created back in 1965.
A happy accident led to the first Slurpee. After the soda fountain at one Dairy Queen broke, the owner stashed soda in a freezer. People loved it, and he decided to build a machine specifically for mixing and freezing the combination of water, flavoring, and sugar. It's essentially a hybrid of both a soda fountain and an ice cream freezer in one. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was added to the recipe to make the drink smoother and give it that extra fizzy, fluffy effect that people are still obsessed with today.
2. There was once only two flavors.
Coke and cherry were the sole options when the Slurpee - named for the "slurp" sound it makes when you sip it through a straw - was first offered in stores.
3. Specialty cups are real collector's items.
Since the '70s, 7-Eleven has issued limited-edition cups emblazoned with sports stars, popular cartoon characters, comic book heroes, video games, blockbuster movies, and even rock bands.
4. Slurpee mixology is a thing.
According to market research, 41 percent of Slurpee drinkers never mix their flavors. But 37 percent say they always do, while the remaining 21 percent will mix every once in a while. But what exactly are they mixing? One of the most popular combos is Coke and a fruit flavor on top, like Wild Cherry or Piña Colada.
5. The "Suicide Slurpee" takes serious guts.
You've got to be pretty damn daring to attempt this, which involves mixing every single flavor from the row of dispensers - which could range from cola to bubble gum to sour apple.
6. Some flavors can get pretty freaking weird.
Presented without comment are "Grapermelon," Banana Cream Pie, Red Licorice, "Purple S-Cream," "Slurpurita Pomegranate," and "Shrek-alicious" (a tie-in with Shrek).
7. Candy is always an option.
As if the Slurpee wasn't already sweet enough, it's been given flavor injections from some of your favorite treats - like Sour Patch and Skittles.
8. Slurpees have been turned into donuts.
No, really. You can drink your Slurpee and eat it, too. The chain of convenience stores released a cake donut laced with pink sprinkles and topped with Wild Cherry icing.
9. It inspired the frozen margarita.
Dallas restaurant owner and inventor of the frozen marg machine, Mariano Martinez, cited the Slurpee as his original inspo. Taco Tuesday has never been the same.
10. You can score free slushes a few times each year.
From Name Your Price Day to Bring Your Own Cup Day, 7-Eleven offers plenty of opportunities for you to score free - or enormous, or super cheap - Slurpees throughout the year.
Follow Delish on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
