Beat the heat with this easy 4-ingredient watermelon slushie.
It’s cool, sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors. And it’s a breeze make! So it’s the ideal summer sipper on hot days.
I made it once last summer, and it soon became my go-to afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, it was my most requested drink at our summer get-togethers.
I don’t know why it took so long to share it with you! But here it is now, in all its vibrant, fruity glory.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Slushie
What do you get when you blitz frozen watermelon with zingy lime juice, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of fresh mint leaves?
A frosty, not-too-sweet treat that tastes like sunshine in a glass.
Need more reasons to try it? I’ve got four:
Summer Refreshment: This slushie is the ultimate thirst-quenching treat on hot days. Its icy texture and sweet, juicy flavor provide instant relief and hydration.
Easy Entertaining: This recipe is so easy, you can whip up a big batch in no time. And it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Reduces Waste: The next time you have slightly overripe melon (or even mealy melon), don’t throw it out! This watermelon slushie is the tastiest way to prevent food waste.
Budget-Friendly: Watermelon is an inexpensive fruit, especially when it’s in peak season. And the extras don’t cost a lot, either.
Ingredients
I’m a sucker for anything icy cold and fruity when the temperature climbs.
But I’ve never been a fan of drinks that are cloyingly sweet or watered down by too much ice.
That’s where this comes in! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Watermelon Cubes: Get juicy, ripe watermelon, cut it into cubes and freeze. This is the key to the slushie texture.
- Lime Juice: Bright, tart lime juice adds a hint of citrus and balances the sweet melon. Freshly squeezed is a must!
- Honey or Agave Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Cooling mint is the ultimate refreshing addition.
- Water: I don’t really count water as an ingredient. You just need a splash to help the frozen melon blend properly.
How to Make Watermelon Slushie
How easily does this 4-ingredient recipe come together? As easy as 1-2-3!
1. FREEZE. Cube the watermelon and arrange it on a parchment-lined baking sheet (in a single layer). Freeze until solid – 4 hours or overnight.
2. BLEND. Let the melon thaw for 5-10 minutes. Then blend with the lime juice, honey, mint leaves, and 1/4 cup water on low. Gradually increase to high speed and add more water as needed until smooth.
3. ENJOY! Serve this immediately with a sprig of mint and a wedge of watermelon.
Tips For the Best Watermelon Slushie
I know, I know – if it’s that easy, why are there tips?
This recipe is foolproof, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you begin:
- Fully freeze the watermelon. 4-6 hours is okay, but overnight is best. Otherwise, you won’t get the right slushie texture.
- Use a high-powered blender. Cheaper machines won’t be able to handle the frozen fruit without overheating.
- Cut the fruit small. If you cut it into large chunks, it takes longer to freeze, and it’s harder to blend. So, cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy blending.
- Adjust the sweetness. Depending on the ripeness of the watermelon, you may need more or less liquid sweetener. Taste the fruit, then add it as needed.
- Add water first. Pour the water into the blender first to make blending easy. Also, you’ll probably need to use the tamper to press the fruit down.
- Try variations. Add other fruits like strawberries or blueberries, swap lime for lemon, or use herbs like basil. Or, try spiking it with vodka, rum or tequila for an adult version or using coconut water for a pleasant nutty taste.
More Delicious Ways to Beat the Heat
Pineapple Sorbet
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Coconut Sorbet
1-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
Watermelon Slushie
6
servings5
minutes4
hours124
kcalBeat the heat with this easy 4-ingredient watermelon slushie. It’s cool, sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors—and it’s a breeze to make!
Ingredients
8-9 cups seedless watermelon, cubed (1 small watermelon)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (1 lime)
2-3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup, or to taste
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, optional
1/2 cup water, as needed
Instructions
- Cube and arrange the watermelon in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Freeze for 4-6 hours (or overnight).
- Remove the frozen watermelon cubes from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to defrost slightly.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to a high-powered blender, followed by the watermelon, lime juice, 2 tablespoons honey, and mint leaves, if using.
- Blend on low speed, using the tamper to push the watermelon down towards the blades. Gradually increase to high speed and blend until smooth and slushie, about 1-2 minutes. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed.
- Taste and add additional honey, if needed. Then blend again until incorporated.
- Pour the watermelon slushie into 6 glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a small watermelon wedge, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- 1 large watermelon yields about 32 cups of watermelon. A mini watermelon yields 8-9 cups.
- Cut the watermelon into small pieces for easy blending.
