Frozen Drink Machine

A frozen drink machine is a great way to create tasty frozen concoctions quickly and easily. Yes, you can make a margarita in a blender but anyone who has ever attempted this feat knows just how imperfect of a tool a blender is for making a good ‘rita. Usually a blender will create a drink that has hard little hailstones of ice in it that break your teeth when you chew or else the opposite problem, over-chopped ice that results in a watery drink.

Using a frozen drink machine eliminates these problems by creating a drink with the perfect consistency of ice. Frozen drink machines also blend the drink’s ingredients in the right proportion so you get a great result even after you’ve had one too many. These machines actually shave the ice rather than chopping it like a blender. This is the key to getting your favorite frozen drinks just right.

How Does a Frozen Drink Machine Work?

A frozen drink machine is an appliance that shaves ice and blends it with liquid drink ingredients. Higher end frozen drink machines can automatically measure the precise amounts needed for each drink so that the operator only needs to push a button to create the drink. Most of the prepwork can be done in advance like filling the machine up with ice. This really takes the guesswork out of making frozen drinks for a party and lets you relax and enjoy your company more.

Here’s how it works:

• Fill frozen drink maker with ice.
• Add liquid ingredients.
• Place glass under nozzle.
• Push button.

It really is a simple way to create tasty frozen concoctions with minimal effort.

What Can You Make In a Frozen Drink Machine?

Margaritas. A frosty margarita served in a salt-rimmed glass is a must-have when you’re serving nachos or quesadillas.

Daiquiris. A strawberry daiquiri is a great drink on a hot summer’s day. You can even whip up a few without the alcohol to serve to the kids.

Piña Coladas. A smooth piña colada adds the perfect tropical touch to a pool party. Add a pineapple skewered with an umbrella toothpick to complete the effect.

Milkshakes. This is a great way to extend the use of a frozen drinks machine beyond cocktail parties. Milkshakes are fun for the whole family. Everyone can pick their favorite flavor of ice cream and it’s a great way to sneak some calcium into the kids.

Mudslides. For an after-dinner drink on a hot day, a mudslide is a cool and refreshing drink that is like a frappuccino with alcohol.

Smoothies. A frozen drink machine can double as a smoothie machine. Add some yogurt and fruit and let the machine blend everything together with ice for a smoothie that is truly smooth.

Where to Buy Frozen Drink Machines

Frozen drink makers are available in many high-end retail stores but the best place to buy them is online. That way you can compare features easily in the comfort of your own home. Some of the best prices on frozen drink machines can be found on Amazon and shipping is often free. Click here to see the full range of frozen drink machines on Amazon. 

You can also buy used frozen drink machines if you are looking for a bigger unit to put in a restaurant, convenience store, or bar. A used frozen drink machine is a great way to save some money on the unit and you can usually earn back your investment pretty quickly once summer rolls around and everyone is looking for a refreshing treat. Another option is frozen drink machine rentals. Renting these machines is perfect if you only need one for a short event like a festival.

Prices range from around $80 for the Nostalgia Electrics Margarator Margarita Machine to closer to $1800 for the Bunn Ultra-2 Liquid Autofill Slushy Granita Frozen Drink Machine. Most people opt for something in the midrange, with the $150 Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker being a top seller that receives rave reviews. There is even a battery-powered frozen concoction maker from Margaritaville that is perfect for serving up daiquiris at the beach or margaritas while tailgating.

Other Benefits of a Frozen Drink Machine

Most frozen drink makers have settings so that you can adjust the consistency of the shaved ice to your liking. If you prefer your drinks just a little chunkier or someone in your party wants their drink on the runny side, you can just turn the dial to make the ice even smoother or chunkier as desired. Most of them also address the issue of melting ice by having a drain that pulls water away from the melted ice so that it never makes it into your drink.

These machines are also much quieter than a blender. This means you can still carry on a conversation and hear the music while you are making frozen beverages for your guests.

Another great thing about these machines is that cleanup is a snap. It’s usually just a matter of wiping down the front of the unit and placing the pitcher in the dishwasher. This means you can head straight to bed after the party and not worry about scrubbing dishes.