The most refreshing summer drink is here: Watermelon Slushie!
This frozen watermelon drink requires only 3 natural ingredients and it’s super easy to make. All you need is a good blender.
Next time you’re thirsty, make a fresh watermelon slushie at home. It’s perfect for hot summer days!
There is nothing more refreshing than a good Watermelon Slushie drink! With temperatures soaring lately, this fruity and cooling summer drink is just perfect.
I love that this watermelon slushie is made with only 3 natural ingredients: watermelon, fresh lime juice, and water. Yup, that’s it! Simple, fresh, and clean.
It’s also highly customizable! Add some wine, coconut water, strawberries, or other fruits to it. You’ll love how easy it is.
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate fresh watermelon into your days. Try these cute Watermelon Popsicles for a refreshing snack! Or if you’re grilling out this weekend, be sure to make this beautiful Watermelon Feta Salad as a side!
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Ingredient Notes
To make this refreshing watermelon slushie, these are the ingredients you’ll need. As always, specific ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card down below.
- Frozen cubed watermelon: Freeze watermelon up to 2 months in advance. I usually freeze mine overnight.
- Fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed.
- Water as needed: To thin out the slushie until desired consistency.
Optional: Mint and fresh lime slices for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This lovely summer drink is super easy to make. It takes less than 5 minutes!
Step 1 | Slightly defrost watermelon cubes
Let the frozen watermelon cubes sit on the counter for a few minutes so it’s not so frozen. See “How to Freeze Watermelon” below for tips on how to easily freeze watermelon.
Step 2 | Blend and serve
In a large blender, blend the frozen watermelon cubes with lime juice (to taste). As it blends, add cold water as needed to thin it out.
How to Freeze Watermelon
The best way to freeze watermelon is cutting it into cubes and laying them on a single layer to freeze. If you don’t freeze in a single layer, it will clump up and it will be difficult to use.
Here’s how I freeze watermelon:
- Cut watermelon into cubes.
- Place cubed watermelon in a large resealable freezer-friendly bag, in a single layer.
- Freeze, laying the bag flat, for at least 6 hours or overnight before using.
- Alternatively, lay cubed watermelon on sheet pans and cover with plastic wrap and freeze. After they are frozen, transfer to a freezer-friendly bag.
Add-ons and Variations
This watermelon slush recipe is a great basic recipe that you can customize in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite:
- Make it sweeter by adding a simple homemade syrup. Simply, combine equal parts of granulated sugar and water in a pot. Simmer for a few seconds until dissolved. Let it cool and add it to your watermelon slushie to taste.
- Instead of water, use coconut water.
- Rather than lime juice, use lemon juice.
- Add strawberries
- Add vodka, rosé wine, or similar
Other Summer Drinks You’ll Love
If you’re looking for refreshing, fruity drinks to enjoy this summer, be sure to check these out:
Recipe FAQs
Watermelons are pretty sweet, so I don’t find it necessary. However, if you want added sweetness, make a simple syrup: Simmer equal parts of granulated sugar and water in a small pot for a few seconds, until dissolved, stirring. Let it cool and add it to your watermelon slushie to taste.
I’d recommend freezing the watermelon. Watermelon is 92% water, so adding ice on top of watermelon might make it too diluted and tasteless.
Find one that feels heavy for its size. Also, look for one that has a yellow spot, which means it’s been sitting on the ground, ripening until sweet. The rest of the watermelon should look green. Finally, tap it a few times – if it sounds “hollow” (like, it “echoes”), it’s ripe and juicy.
I’d recommend making it right before serving.
This recipe was published in 2020 and updated in June 2022 to include new photos and information, plus a few recipe modifications.
Tips for Success
- Freezing the watermelon: Lay the cubed watermelon flat on a single layer in the resealable bag. You can also flash-freeze the watermelon on a sheet pan and then transfer to the bag. This way, you won’t have a huge chunk.
- Before making the slushies, let the watermelon sit on the counter for a few minutes so it’s not so frozen.
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Watermelon Slushie (3 Ingredients)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen cubed watermelon (seedless) - see note below
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste - plus sliced limes for garnish
- Water as needed - to thin it out
Instructions
- Remove the cubed watermelon from the freezer, and let it sit on the counter for a few minutes so it's not so frozen. If the watermelon is too clumped together, break it up with a rolling pin.
- In a blender, blend the frozen watermelon cubes with lime juice to taste. As it blends, add cold water as needed to thin it out. Use a spoon to loosen it up as needed.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with lime slices or mint leaves (optional).
Notes
- Freeze watermelon for at least 5-6 hours, or preferably overnight. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Freezing the watermelon: Lay the cubed watermelon flat on a single layer in the resealable bag. You can also flash-freeze the watermelon on a sheet pan and then transfer to the bag. This way, you won’t have a huge chunk of watermelon.
- Need to add a sweetener? Watermelon is already naturally sweet, but if you need extra sweetness, try making a simple syrup at home. Simmer equal parts of granulated sugar and water in a small pot for a few seconds, until dissolved, stirring.
- Lime juice: Fresh lemon juice
- Water: Coconut water.
- Add-ons: Strawberries, wine.
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