The "Slush Mug" was a plastic, double-walled mug with a sealed inner core containing a non-toxic freezing refrigerant, designed to turn naturally sweetened beverages into a frozen slush in minutes, without requiring ice or a blender.
Vintage Product Description
The original Slush Mug, often associated with the retailer Woodies in the 1970s and manufactured by Glacierware (or Swank Glacier Ware in some cases), featured the following elements:
Design and Materials: It typically consisted of a plastic outer mug and a removable inner core, sometimes called the "Glaciercore". The design was described as a solid color, such as red or blue, with a retro style. Some versions came with a specially designed straw that had a spoon attachment on the end for eating the slush.
Functionality: The key feature was the inner core containing a "super-freezing" refrigerant, sealed between the mug's layers. This core was meant to be frozen in a freezer for several hours (typically 6 to 12 hours) before use.
Ease of Use: To make a slushie, a chilled, naturally sweetened beverage (soda or fruit juice were popular choices) was poured into the frozen inner core. The user would then stir or squeeze the mug for a few minutes until the liquid crystallized into a slush consistency.
Key Selling Points: Advertisements and product descriptions emphasized several benefits:
No Dilution: It made slushies without using ice, so the original flavor of the drink wasn't watered down.
Convenience: It allowed individuals to make a frozen treat at home quickly and easily, without needing a bulky machine or blender.
Original Flavor: It worked with most naturally sweetened drinks, providing an endless array of flavor options.
Reusable: The mug was washable and reusable, promoting less waste compared to disposable store-bought options.