Why Everyone’s Selling Slushies Right Now

Anyone else notice the rise of slushied everything lately?

Across Toronto, frozen drinks are showing up everywhere — and it’s not just your classic frozen margarita. Think espresso martini slushies on patios, matcha slushies at cafés, slushied Diet Coke, and slushied beers on tap. Everyone’s experimenting with texture, temperature, and presentation — and it’s paying off.

This isn’t the gas station slush you remember from childhood. Today, frozen drinks are being reinvented as a fresh, playful way for businesses to differentiate themselves.

How Frozen Drinks Became Toronto’s Summer Marketing Secret

It’s easy to spot how frozen drinks have evolved beyond just refreshment — they’re now seemingly becoming a marketing tool for many Toronto spots. Having a standout “fun” frozen drink on your menu is almost expected during summer. It’s something that photographs well, feels playful, and adds energy to your brand.

Many businesses are using frozen drinks to boost brand recognition: custom cups stamped with logos, signature slushie flavours tied to their identity, and rotating specials promoted heavily on social media. A lineup of customers clutching bright, eye-catching drinks on a bustling patio creates instant buzz. Some have even been picked up by local food influencers and TikTok creators just for innovating with frozen drinks.

During Toronto’s fiercely competitive summer months — with patios packed and foot traffic at a premium — frozen drinks offer an accessible way to stand out. They require minimal effort to prepare but have maximum marketing impact, making them a powerful tool for business growth.

Drinks That Work Hard (So You Don’t Have To)

Frozen drinks aren’t just a novelty — they’re becoming a must-have menu item for many. They offer a low-effort, high-reward way for restaurants, bars, and cafés to attract and retain customers. One frozen drink special can quickly become your most Instagrammed and talked-about item all summer long.

This is especially true for businesses with strong drink or brand identities. Have a signature cocktail? Freeze it and watch it fly off the menu. Running a café? Frozen matcha or coffee slushies can be as popular as cold brew — sometimes more so, especially when the weather heats up.

Why Frozen Drinks Work for Food Businesses

There are several reasons frozen drinks hit the sweet spot:

• Speed and Efficiency: Batch once, serve many — perfect for busy summer days.

• Consistency: No guessing on pours or preparation.

• Visual Appeal: Frozen drinks, especially in branded cups, practically market themselves.

• Versatility: Boozy or non-alcoholic, dairy or dairy-free, layered with syrups or fruit — the possibilities are endless.

• Profitability: Low production cost with a healthy markup, particularly on cocktails.

Choosing the Right Equipment

If you’re considering adding frozen drinks to your offerings, the good news is you don’t need a big investment. Commercial-grade machines designed for frozen drinks are compact and user-friendly — perfect for small spaces or setups that don’t run a full bar.

You’ll find machines with one, two, or even three bowls, allowing for multiple flavours or alcoholic and non-alcoholic options side-by-side. These units are designed to be front-of-house friendly — clean, professional, and easy for staff to operate.

The biggest advantage is consistency: fast freezing times, smooth texture throughout service, and simple cleaning routines between batches. For a relatively small upfront cost, you unlock a high-margin, low-effort product that can transform your summer menu.

Thinking About Getting Started?

If you’ve been on the fence about frozen drinks, summer is the perfect time to take the leap. Whether you’re adding your first machine or upgrading an existing setup, there are plenty of options to fit your space and service style.

You can explore a range of commercial slush machines online here. And if you want guidance, help choosing the right model, or advice on setup, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help.

Slush season is heating up in Toronto, and with the right equipment, it’s easier than ever to get in on the action.

Frozen drinks might be having a moment, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. From popcorn machines and hot dog rollers to cotton candy makers, cold beverage dispensers, and merchandisers — we’ve got everything you need to keep your concession stand, café, or patio service running smoothly. Browse our full selection of concession equipment here and find the tools that fit your setup.