The Sunny Dusk
By Marty Cole · May 9, 2026
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The Sunny Dusk started as a dumb idea, Sunny D and whiskey, and somehow became the drink my friends request by name now. Red Sunny D citrus punch frozen down in the Ninja Slushi tastes like the recess drink you weren't allowed too much of, except now there's whiskey in it and you're a functioning adult. It's tangy, slushy, and a little nostalgic in a Capri Sun kind of way. Keep the whiskey pour modest so the slush sets up properly. Too much liquor and you've got a puddle. This one is firmly 21 and over.
Your machine size
Slushi 64 oz (Standard) · quantities scaled ×1
⚠️ Over the hard-spirit limit
~8.0 oz of 40% spirit exceeds the ~5.0 oz max for this batch size. Dilute or scale down the liquor.
Ingredients
- Sunny D Citrus Punch (Red)24 oz
- Whiskey8 oz
Makes ~32 oz · est. 10.0% ABV
Directions
- 1Whisk the red Sunny D and whiskey in a pitcher until combined.
- 2Pour the mixture directly into the Slushi container.
- 3Select the SPIKED SLUSH preset and allow the machine to run for 35 minutes.
- 4Dispense immediately once the machine indicates the target temperature has been reached.
Tips
- Pour your Sunny D and whiskey mixture into the slushi bowl at room temperature, and the machine will handle the freezing as it churns, which takes 20-60 minutes depending on your machine's strength.
- Check the consistency after 30 minutes by looking through the bowl window or taking a small taste with the provided spoon; it should go from liquid to slushy, then fully thick as time goes on.
- If your slushi seems too thin after 45 minutes, give it another 10-15 minutes of churn time rather than adding more liquid, since the texture improves as it sits.
Variations
- Swap the Sunny D for Sunny D Orange or Sunny D Tropical Punch if you want a different citrus profile, keeping the whiskey amount the same.
- Try mixing in a splash of simple syrup (about 2 tablespoons per batch) before pouring into the machine if you prefer a sweeter, smoother slush.
FAQ
- Can I use vodka or rum instead of whiskey?
- Yes, vodka and rum work fine as substitutes and will freeze at roughly the same rate as whiskey in the slushi machine.
- Why is my slushi still too thin after 50 minutes?
- Room temperature affects churn time, so a warm kitchen may take longer; also, make sure the bowl was chilled before you started and that the machine's freezing coils are clean.
- Can I make this without alcohol or with less whiskey?
- You can reduce the whiskey or skip it entirely, but alcohol-free or low-alcohol versions may freeze slightly faster since they have a lower freezing point.
- How long can I keep The Sunny Dusk in the machine after it's done?
- The slushi will stay thick for about 30-45 minutes if the machine stays on, but it will gradually thin out as it sits, so serve within 20 minutes for best texture.
Nutrition
Per serving · makes about 4 servings · estimated
Ratings & Reviews
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Meet Marty Cole
I'm a home cook who got a little obsessed with the Ninja Slushi and Creami. I test every recipe in my own kitchen on a real machine, dial in the texture, and only post the ones my family actually finishes.
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