Transform a refreshing fruit into a pink drink chilled to perfection and topped with fresh mint. You’ll want to blend up Watermelon Slushies all summer long.
Personally, I’m always on the lookout for refreshing summer beverages to try, long before the temperature rises. It’s never too early to plan ahead, right? Whenever the Fourth of July rolls around—which is both a national holiday and my father’s birthday—we like to share new drinks that keep us cool in the sun. One year, it was a watermelon sangria, but this year I’ll bring the virgin (but just as delightfully sweet) watermelon slushie.
Not only is it non-alcoholic, it’s also easy to make. If you’ve got a blender, then you’re already halfway there. Add watermelon, ice cubes, lime juice, your favorite sweetener, fresh mint, and ta-da! One glass of this icy refresher has the potential to turn around a summertime slump. I firmly believe it will be a star at our Independence Day picnic this year, and you can make it yours, too.
Is This Watermelon Slushie Healthy?
Since it’s made with fresh watermelon, which has a high water content that supports hydration, this drink can be part of a healthy diet. That being said, if you want to cut back on the sugar, use an alternative low-glycemic sweetener like stevia or monk fruit and add just enough to reach your preferred sweetness level. To ensure the recipe is vegan, avoid using honey; stick to plant-based sugars like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Watermelon Slushie VS. Watermelon Smoothie: What’s The Difference?
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between a watermelon slushie and a smoothie. But even though both drinks are pretty, pink, and sweet, their textures are distinctly different due to the varied ingredients. The slushie is made from watermelon cubes, ice, lime juice, sweetener, and mint leaves. But the watermelon smoothie also has frozen strawberries, yogurt, and almond milk—making it thick and creamy. In this way, it feels smooth like soft serve ice cream, while a slushie is slightly grainier because it’s full of ice flecks.
FAQs & Tips
While watermelon slushies can easily be refrigerated or frozen, it’s important to note that their texture is most ideal when they’re freshly made. If you refrigerate them, they’ll become too watery. Freezing them, on the other hand, will make them rock-hard. So I suggest only making the amount you need. That said, if you do need to store leftover slushie, the best method is to pour it into a shallow freezer-safe dish and freeze until solid. Then break up the frozen slushie into chunks and transfer into a freezer bag. It will keep for 2 to 3 months. To serve, combine the slushie chunks with a little fresh watermelon or water in the blender and blend to reach the desired texture.
To save some time and energy, you can precut your watermelon and freeze the cubes alongside your ice (keeping them in separate containers, of course). Freeze them for at least 24 hours or up to 10 months before blending everything together and assembling your slushie. Remember to taste it before serving to ensure it has your preferred sweetness level.
While I favor this recipe for its “mocktail” vibes, I acknowledge those who still want to spike it up a bit. If this is you, I suggest adding a shot of vodka to each glass you pour. Otherwise, you can make it more like a sangria by adding your favorite wine. Red, white, or rosé can all work, depending on your preference. Have fun experimenting to find your favorite flavor combo.
Serving Suggestions
Sit back, relax, and garnish your glass with a thin slice of watermelon and fresh mint. This presentation looks as cool as it tastes! This sweet watermelon slushie can complement spicy dishes like Hot Wings or Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. But I plan to serve it with picnic table classics like BBQ Chicken Breast, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, and Grilled Sweet Potatoes.
Watermelon Slushie
Ingredients
- 6 cups seedless watermelon cubed
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Juice of 1 lime optional
- 4 tablespoons honey or sugar plus more to taste (optional)
- 2 fresh mint leaves
Instructions
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For a thicker slushie, freeze the watermelon cubes for at least 2 hours.
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In a blender, add watermelon cubes, ice cubes, lime juice, honey or sugar (if using), and mint leaves.
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Blend until the mixture is smooth and slushy.
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Taste and add more honey or sugar if desired. Blend briefly to combine.
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Pour the slushie into glasses and serve right away.
Nutrition
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