Empire State Review Contributor 
On July 11, 2025, 7‑Eleven—along with its Speedway and Stripes affiliates—celebrated its 98th birthday with the annual Free Slurpee Day, delighting customers across the U.S. by offering a complimentary small Slurpee to anyone who walked in, no purchase required and while supplies lasted. What began in 2002 as a modest giveaway has blossomed into a beloved summer ritual.
This year brought fresh flair with the introduction of “Tongue‑toos”—a whimsical, first‑ever temporary tattoo applied to the tongue that reveals the iconic Slurpee “S” logo in vibrant hues once you take a sip. Available exclusively to 7‑Eleven’s 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members at select locations, the tongue tattoos popped up in cities like Chicago, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Orlando and Las Vegas.
Loyalty program members scored even more cooling joy. By scanning their app on July 11, they received a coupon for a second free small Slurpee, redeemable through July 31. This extended treat kept the celebration alive well beyond the day itself.
The fan-favorite Mountain Dew Infinite Swirl—a vibrant pineapple‑berry blend—returned in Slurpee, Big Gulp, and bottled formats. Other popular flavors included Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, Vitae Tea Peace Caddy Shack, and more. 7‑Eleven’s online shop, 7Collection, also unveiled limited-edition birthday merchandise, from T-shirts to Slurpee costumes, adding a festive burst to the celebration. Customers who engaged via the app had daily chances to win up to $5,000 through in‑app games and sweepstakes that will run through the end of the year.
For those celebrating at home, the 7NOW delivery app offered a special code, 711DAY, which provided $7.11 off on orders over $20, available on July 11 only. This gave fans a way to join the celebration even if they couldn’t visit a store in person.
The Slurpee’s story began in the late 1950s when Kansas soda-machine owner Omar Knedlik noticed the delight customers took in slushy sodas accidentally created by a broken fountain. After licensing the concept from Icee in 1965, 7‑Eleven branded it “Slurpee” in 1966—named for the slurping sound it makes—thanks to ad executive Bob Stanford. Free Slurpee Day debuted in 2002 during 7‑Eleven’s 75th anniversary, offering a free 12‑oz drink. Enthusiastic crowds quickly made it an annual summer fixture.
The Slurpee’s success lies in a mix of summer nostalgia, community spirit, and effective marketing. The frozen treat taps into memories of childhood summers and carefree vibes. The long lines, social media selfies, and citywide enthusiasm transform a simple store visit into a communal moment. The event, with its tongue tattoos, app perks, and branded merchandise, creates a multi-layered experience that engages customers beyond the free drink.
Marissa Jarratt, 7‑Eleven’s EVP and Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer, described the Tongue‑toos as “an homage to this colorful rite of passage every Slurpee drink connoisseur knows well.” According to reports, participants enjoyed surprise gifts like limited-edition cups and the tongue tattoos alongside their icy beverages. From coast to coast, customers lined up early, often snapping selfies and sharing their colorful tongues online, eager to beat the heat and take part in the festive atmosphere.
As 7‑Eleven turns 99 in 2026—on a Saturday no less—anticipation is already building for what’s next. With each passing year, Free Slurpee Day continues to evolve, promising new flavors, creative promotions, and surprises that keep customers coming back. The 2025 edition proved once again that a simple frozen drink can deliver widespread joy, creativity, and community spirit, all under the summer sun.
