Celebrate National Free Slurpee Day! 🍧 Discover the Fascinating History of the Iconic Frozen Drink

July 11 is National Free Slurpee Day!<br />The Slurpee was invented by Omar Knedlik in 1959 — by accident.<br />The Kansas City Dairy Queen owner's machines often malfunctioned, so he put his sodas in the freezer instead.<br />When he served them to customers, they were partially frozen, but his customers weren't mad at all.<br />They loved the half-ice, half-fizzy mixture so much that Knedlik started selling them, branded ICEE.<br />As the drink got more popular, its production was standardized, and in 1965 it caught the eyes of 7-Eleven.<br />They licensed Knedlik's drink and rebranded it "Slurpee," based on the sound its drinkers made while enjoying the treat.<br />Its popularity exploded and the ensuing years saw dozens of themed cups and new flavors.<br />7-Eleven celebrated its first National Free Slurpee Day in 2002.