If you’re craving a sun-soaked, refreshing treat that absolutely bursts with summer flavor, look no further than this Watermelon Slushie! Made with juicy frozen watermelon, a kiss of lime, and a hint of mint, this drink is as hydrating as it is revitalizing, and it’s the ultimate way to beat the heat with a dash of fun and bold color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Refreshing: Nothing quenches summer thirst quite like this frosty Watermelon Slushie—you’ll be sipping on pure, chilled goodness in every glass.
- Naturally Sweetened: Ripe watermelon and a drizzle of maple syrup team up for a naturally sweet, healthy drink with no refined sugar.
- Vibrantly Colorful & Fun: The bold pink hue and flecks of green herbs make it just as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to enjoy.
- Quick & Easy: Five ingredients (most of them are likely in your fridge already!), a little blender action, and you’re in slushie heaven within 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This bright, breezy Watermelon Slushie relies on just a small handful of simple ingredients to deliver summer-in-a-glass magic. Each element plays a starring role, from the hydrating watermelon to fresh mint and zippy lime, creating a fabulously balanced, icy drink.
- Frozen Seedless Watermelon Cubes: These are the heart of the recipe, giving a thick, frosty texture and naturally sweet flavor—just be sure to freeze them overnight for maximum chill factor.
- Maple Syrup: Use this to sweeten things up to taste; it melds seamlessly with the fruit, but feel free to swap for another sweetener if you’d like.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze from a fresh lime adds irresistible brightness and a gentle, tangy kick that really wakes up the watermelon.
- Fresh Mint or Basil: Optional but totally worth it—a handful of fragrant herbs takes the slushie from “yum” to “wow” (plus, those green flecks make it extra pretty!).
- Filtered Water: Helps everything blend together into a perfectly slurpable slush; swap in sparkling water for a fun, fizzy twist!
Variations
The best part about making Watermelon Slushie at home? You can truly make it your own! Whether you want to experiment with flavors or swap in different sweeteners, it’s easy to tailor this recipe to fit your cravings or dietary needs.
- Berry Boost: Toss in a handful of frozen strawberries or raspberries for extra color and a slightly tart twist.
- Fizzy Sparkler: Replace some or all of the filtered water with flavored sparkling water for a bubbly texture that makes this slushie downright celebratory.
- Herbal Refresh: Try fresh basil leaves instead of (or alongside) the mint for a subtle, savory note that complements sweet watermelon beautifully.
- Grown-Up Version: Add a splash of white rum or vodka and turn your Watermelon Slushie into a delightful summer cocktail for adults.
- Sugar-Free: Use your favorite sugar-free or natural sweetener instead of maple syrup to suit your dietary preferences.
How to Make Watermelon Slushie
Step 1: Prep the Watermelon
Start by taking your frozen watermelon cubes out of the freezer and letting them rest at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes. This little pause will help soften the fruit just enough to blend smoothly, without losing any of that frosty goodness.
Step 2: Blend to Slushie Perfection
Add the slightly thawed watermelon cubes, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (start here and adjust to your taste), freshly squeezed lime juice, mint or basil leaves (if using), and filtered water into a high-speed blender. Pulse a few times to break up the watermelon, then blend on high until you have a thick, icy slush that’s irresistibly creamy—and stop to taste and tweak the sweetness or consistency as you like.
Step 3: Adjust & Serve
Give your Watermelon Slushie a quick taste. If it’s not sweet enough, blend in a bit more maple syrup. Too thick for your liking? Add an extra splash of water until it’s just right. Once perfect, pour into glasses, garnish as desired, and drink up that summer magic on the spot!
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Slushie
- The Coldest Cubes Win: Freeze your watermelon for at least 24 hours for that thick, frosty consistency that sets this slushie apart from a smoothie.
- Sweetness Detective: Taste your watermelon before blending—if it’s super sweet, start with less maple syrup; if it’s a little bland, add a touch more sweetness as you blend.
- Water Matters: For an extra burst of flavor, try swapping filtered water for a berry, lime, or watermelon-flavored sparkling water—it adds a playful fizz to every sip.
- Blender vs. Food Processor: If your blender struggles, don’t stress! A food processor will work just as well, so no one misses out on icy slushie bliss.
How to Serve Watermelon Slushie
Garnishes
Top your Watermelon Slushie with fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbal pop of color, or add a wheel of lime on the rim for a citrusy wink. A tiny wedge of watermelon perched on the glass edge adds extra wow factor—and doubles as a sweet edible treat!
Side Dishes
This slushie pairs perfectly with light, summery bites like citrusy grilled shrimp, crunchy vegetable salads, or picnic sandwiches. It’s a dreamy beverage for brunches, BBQs, and any gathering that calls for something cool, cheerful, and shareable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Watermelon Slushies in hollowed-out watermelon halves for show-stopping party punch, pour into mason jars for a rustic touch, or pop in colorful reusable straws and cocktail umbrellas for a full-on tropical vibe. Layering with frozen berries in the glass also brings a gorgeous speckled effect that makes each glass unique!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Watermelon Slushie, pour it into a freezer-safe container and cover well. It will keep for up to two days in the freezer, but you’ll want to re-blend or stir to restore that silky, icy texture before serving again.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Freeze blended slushie into popsicle molds or ice cube trays. When ready to enjoy, blend the cubes with a little extra water for instant slushies, or simply munch straight from the freezer for an icy-sweet popsicle treat.
Reheating
While you won’t want to “reheat” a Watermelon Slushie, you can let the frozen or refrigerated mixture sit at room temperature for a few minutes or pulse gently in your blender to bring back that dreamy, sip-able consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use regular watermelon (not frozen) for this recipe?
For the classic slushie texture, frozen watermelon cubes are best; if you use unfrozen melon, your Watermelon Slushie will turn out more like a juice or smoothie—still tasty, but not icy-thick. For best results, plan ahead and freeze the cubes overnight.
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Do I need to remove the seeds from the watermelon?
Absolutely—seedless watermelon is best for this recipe. Large black seeds will affect both texture and taste, so go seedless for smooth sipping with zero fuss.
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Can I make a big batch of Watermelon Slushie ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can blend up a large batch and freeze until party time. Give it a good stir in the blender or food processor (adding a little extra water if needed) just before serving to revive the frosty, fluffy consistency.
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What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Feel free to substitute honey, agave syrup, or even your favorite sugar-free sweetener. Adjust to taste, as the sweetness of your watermelon may call for more or less added sweetener.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Slushie is pure, cheerful refreshment—simple to make, bursting with juicy flavor, and guaranteed to brighten even the hottest day. I hope you’ll give it a whirl, garnish to your heart’s content, and share all the smiles that follow each frosty sip!
Print
Watermelon Slushie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool off with this refreshing Watermelon Slushie recipe that’s perfect for hot summer days. Made with frozen watermelon, fresh lime juice, and a hint of mint, this slushie is both hydrating and delicious.
Ingredients
Frozen Watermelon Cubes:
- 10 cups Seedless Watermelon Cubes, frozen for at least 24 hours
Slushie Base:
- 2-4 tbsp Maple Syrup*
- Juice of 1 large Lime
- 1 1/2 cup Filtered Water
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint or Basil leaves, loosely packed (Optional)
Instructions
- Defrost Watermelon: Let the Frozen Watermelon chunks sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
- Blend Ingredients: Add Watermelon, Maple Syrup, Lime Juice, Mint, and Water to a high-speed blender. Pulse and blend until smooth.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust Maple Syrup as needed. Add more water if desired consistency isn’t reached.
- Serve: Divide into glasses and enjoy!
Notes
- If you do not have a blender with a tamper, use a Food Processor instead.
- Adjust Maple Syrup based on watermelon sweetness, starting with 2 tbsp and increasing gradually.
- Substitute Maple Syrup for any other sweetener of choice.
- For a fizzy alternative, use flavored Sparkling Water instead of Filtered Water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
