Intended Use: Duh.
Bright Idea: Make cola slushies.

Making ice cream from scratch takes a hefty chunk of time and often a grocery list's worth of froufrou ingredients (vanilla beans, fancy chocolate). You can whip up an equally icy summer treat using nothing more than a can of cola.

Cola Slushies

Set up the machine according to the manufacturer's directions. Pour in one 12-ounce can of cola and start the machine. When a thick slush has formed (after 10 to 15 minutes), scoop it into 2 glasses and serve.

Other Uses

Make margaritas by pouring all the ingredients except the alcohol into the ice cream maker. When the liquid has frozen, add the tequila and triple sec.

To make a frozen lime rickey, pour 6 ounces of seltzer, 1 ounce of simple syrup (made by dissolving 2 parts sugar in 1 part boiling water), and 1 ounce of lime juice into the machine. Let freeze for 15 to 20 minutes.

For frozen hot chocolate, prepare instant hot chocolate according to the package directions, then pour it into the machine and freeze for about 20 minutes.