After a tasting event, we had some leftover ginger ale and sarsaparilla syrups from our homemade soda kits and lots of ice so we decided to get creative and turn those leftovers into fun summer cocktails. Serve in an insulated glass to keep your slushie cool on a hot day and a word of warning, don't use metal straws for these blended drinks unless you want to re-enact the flagpole scene from "A Christmas Story."

Ginger Bourbon Slushie

1.5 cups ice cubes

1 ounce ginger ale syrup

2 oz bourbon

Blend until smooth and serve.

- Peachy Ginger Bourbon Slushie: Use 1 cup frozen peach slices and 1/2 cup ice.

Rumarilla Slushie

1.5 cups ice

1 ounce sarsaparilla syrup

2 ounces full-flavored aged rum (Mt Gay is nice)

Blend until smooth and serve.