(Photo by Benjamin R. Freed)

Why is this Slurpee different from all other Slurpees?

For starters, I drank it, noted Slurpee-hater that I am. Also, it’s in a smaller-than-usual cup, coming in at 7.11 ounces. But most importantly, it’s free.

Today, at 7-Eleven stores everywhere, is Free Slurpee Day. Why? Because it’s July 11, of course, and that means 7-Eleven is celebrating the one day a year when its name coincides with a spot on the calendar by giving a way free portions of its signature product. The above Slurpee, obtained at the chain’s Adams Morgan store on Columbia Road NW, was a fizzy, sugary concoction meant to taste like cherry, or Fanta, or maybe just the color red.

Whatever, it was free, and you, too can get a Slurpee, totally gratis, until 7 p.m. tonight. Here’s where to get your Slurpee fix, and maybe a taquito, too. But those you’ll have to pay for.

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