Written by: Mr Slushy
Published: September 9, 2026
Last updated: September 17, 2026
Whether you spell it slushie, slushee or slushy, one thing is certain: these icy, refreshing drinks have become a favourite at parties, events and celebrations all around the world.
But have you ever wondered where the humble slushie came from?
The story begins in the late 1950s with a Dairy Queen owner named Omar Knedlik in Coffeyville, Kansas.
When his soda fountain broke down, he started placing bottles of soft drink in a freezer to keep them cold. The bottles became partially frozen, creating a slushy consistency that customers absolutely loved.
Seeing the popularity of these frozen drinks, Knedlik realised he’d found something special. He began working on a machine that could consistently produce the same icy, refreshing beverage.
Every great invention needs a memorable name.
Knedlik enlisted help from local artist and friend Ruth E. Taylor, who came up with the name ICEE and the idea of icicles hanging from the logo lettering.
The design became an instant success and remains part of the ICEE brand identity today.
In 1965, convenience store giant 7-Eleven licensed the ICEE technology for use in its stores.
However, the agreement required the product to be sold under a different name.
The following year, 7-Eleven introduced its own version of the frozen drink and called it the Slurpee. The name came from the distinctive slurping sound people made when drinking it through a straw.
The rest, as they say, is history.
At Mr Slushy, we’ve seen firsthand how these frozen favourites can transform an ordinary gathering into a memorable event.
From birthdays and weddings to corporate functions and backyard celebrations, nothing gets the party started quite like a freshly made slushie.
So next time you’re enjoying that icy goodness, take a moment to thank Omar Knedlik and his broken soda machine. Without that happy accident, the world might never have experienced the magic of the slushie.
Cheers to brain freeze and good times!
