Slurpee: The Cult Drink from 7-Eleven was Invented by Accident

The Invention of Slurpee
The idea for the Slurpee drink came to entrepreneur Omar Knedlik in the late 1950s when his soda machine broke down. He then put the drinks in a freezer to keep them cold and noticed that they took on a slushy consistency that was very popular with customers. Knedlik then developed special machines to produce the frozen soft drinks.
In 1965, 7-Eleven signed a licensing agreement with The Icee Company to sell the drinks under the brand name "Slurpee" exclusively in 7-Eleven stores. The name was invented by Bob Stanford, an advertising professional, and is intended to imitate the slurping sound made when drinking the ice.

Interesting Facts about Slurpee
Slurpee drinks consist mainly of carbonated water, colorings, and flavors. The ingredients are cooled in special machines at about -4°C (24.8°F) so that fine ice crystals form. A stirring arm prevents the mixture from freezing completely.
Worldwide, over 11 million Slurpee drinks are consumed daily, with around 30 million annually in Canada alone. The Canadian city of Winnipeg is considered the "Slurpee Capital of the World" as it sells the most Slurpees per capita.
Since 1966, there have been over 300 different Slurpee flavors. The most popular include Cola, Cherry, Blue Raspberry, and Mountain Dew. But there are also unusual varieties like Pina Colada or Bubble Gum. Not all flavors are kosher, as some contain ingredients derived from milk.

7-Eleven and Slurpee Promotion
Every year on July 11 (7-Eleven Day), free small Slurpees are available in the USA and Canada. On "BYO-Cup Day", customers are allowed to bring their own containers and fill them at a low flat rate.
The refreshing Slurpee has evolved from an accidental product to an iconic scene drink over more than 50 years and is now indispensable from the shelves of 7-Eleven stores. With ever new flavor variations and witty promotional campaigns, the brand succeeds in delighting young and old alike.