Learn how to make a fresh Watermelon Slushie! This frozen watermelon recipe is super quick and easy to prepare, plus so delicious and refreshing on a hot day. It's the perfect summer drink for kids and adults alike!
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Ginnie's Take
I'm so excited to share this yummy Watermelon Slushie with you today! This colorful fruit slush is a fun (and tasty) way to beat the summer heat, and you only need three ingredients to make it. This recipe is super simple to make, and it's also a great way to use up leftover watermelon. And you definitely won't be able to resist the sweet, juicy flavor!
Why You'll Love This Drink
- Delicious + Refreshing - What's better than watermelon on a hot summer day? Watermelon Slush, that's what! This delightful drink tastes just like biting into the sweetest melon.
- Ready in Minutes - This recipe requires very little effort and just three ingredients. Simply freeze the watermelon, then blend it up with a couple other ingredients, and you'll be sipping a refreshing drink before you know it!
- Perfect Summer Treat - Watermelon just screams summer, and this drink is one of the best ways to enjoy it. The recipe is non-alcoholic, so it's perfect for kids and adults alike. It makes a great mocktail, but you can easily turn it into a cocktail, too!
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Ingredients
You need just three ingredients (plus, water) to make this easy frozen watermelon drink:
- Watermelon - For four drinks, you'll need about one-quarter of a large watermelon, although you can easily size the recipe up or down. When choosing a melon, look for one that's heavy for its size, and give it a thump. A juicy watermelon should have a deep hollow sound.
- Sugar - Granulated sugar helps bring out the melon's sweet taste.
- Lemon - A little fresh lemon (or lime juice) brightens all the other flavors.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan (as long as you use vegan-friendly sugar), dairy free, nut free, and gluten free, which means that almost anyone at your table can enjoy it!
You'll Also Need
You'll need a couple large baking sheets to freeze the watermelon, and I recommend lining your pans with nonstick foil (or a silpat mat) so the frozen melon doesn't stick. You'll also need a blender to make the slush.
How to Make Watermelon Slushies
This Watermelon Slush Drink couldn't be easier to prepare! A recipe card with measurements follows, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Prep watermelon. Start by cutting your watermelon into cubes, then freeze it. It takes a few hours for the melon to freeze, so do this part ahead of time.
- Combine watermelon, sugar, and lemon. Once the watermelon is frozen, transfer it to your blender, along with the sugar, lemon juice, and a little water. Tip: Let the melon thaw at room temp for about 10 minutes first. This will make allow the frozen fruit cubes to soften a bit, making it easier to blend the ingredients together.
- Purée. Blend the mixture until it's totally smooth and has a thick, slushy texture.
Okay, time to start sipping! Don't these Watermelon Slushies look so delicious?
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize depending on what's in your fridge / pantry! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Fruit - Add other frozen fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, along with the watermelon.
- Sweetener - Swap out the granulated sugar for honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (add to taste). You can also skip the sugar for a sugar-free treat.
- Herbs - Blend in a handful of fresh basil or mint.
- Cocktail - Add a shot of vodka, rum, or tequila to turn the slush into a cocktail.
Serving Suggestions
For an easy garnish, serve these frosty drinks with a little watermelon wedge or sliced lemon (or lime). Pair these drinks with a summery appetizer, like this colorful Avocado Crostini, cooling Green Goddess Dip, or this simple Pan con Tomate, and you have a party!
Storage
This healthy watermelon drink is best when freshly made, however you can freeze the watermelon ahead of time. Once the melon cubes are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container, the store them in your freezer until ready to use. They'll stay fresh for a month or two.
Related Recipes
Looking for more watermelon drink ideas? Try one of these recipes next:
- Cool off with a glass of homemade Watermelon Lemonade!
- This refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe uses similar ingredients, and it's even easier to make.
- Make a batch of homemade Watermelon Simple Syrup, then use it in all sorts of summer drinks (like this delish Watermelon Soda)!
- Turn the rest of your melon into fresh Watermelon Juice.
- Treat your summer guests to the easiest Watermelon Punch ever!
- Craving a cocktail? Kick back with a Watermelon Margarita or Watermelon Mojito!
P.S. Check out all my Watermelon Recipes for more sweet and savory ideas!
Watermelon Slushie
Ingredients
- 7 cups watermelon cubes (about ¼ of a large watermelon)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (I used 2)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- ¼ to ½ cup cold water
Equipment
- Nonstick Foil
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with nonstick foil (or a silpat baking mat). You may need two pans, depending on size.
- Place cubed watermelon on lined baking sheet in a single layer, separating cubes so they do not touch.
- Freeze watermelon until it's frozen through, about 2 to 3 hours. (This can be done in advance.)
- Once watermelon is frozen, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then add to blender, along with sugar, lemon juice, and ¼ cup cold water.
- Blend watermelon mixture until it's smooth, thick, and slushy, adding more water only if needed.
- Transfer slush to glasses, then serve with a straw and a spoon (if needed). Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
