Gadgets & Gizmos: Zoku Slush and Shake Maker

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

As kids my brother and I loved making slushies, or “frosteds,” as I called them, at home using a plastic, insulated mug known as a “Slush Mugg.” It was like magic. The mug, which we kept in the freezer, would freeze soda, juice or other beverages to a semi-frozen or slushy consistency.

Zoku’s Slush and Shake Maker is a modern, and much improved, version.

Just as with the old-school model, simply place the inner core in the freezer for at least 8 hours, then slip it into its outer sleeve, pour in chilled liquid (soda, sweetened coffee, chocolate milk, juice) and stir with Zoku’s plastic spoon. The liquid freezes on contact with the cup’s walls, and after about seven minutes (if you can wait that long), you’ve got the slushy beverage of your choice. Just don’t try using artificially sweetened beverages; they don’t work well.

If you want to spike your slushy with some liquor, add it after the mixture is frozen. If you plan on making more than two (8-ounce) slushies, you’ll want more than one Zoku. The three-piece set (inner core, sleeve, spoon) is BPA- and phthalate-free.

Hand wash only.

Available in purple, red, orange and green.

$20

Food, Pages 29 on 07/10/2013