When summer heat hits full blast, all I want is something cold, refreshing, and naturally sweet. That’s where watermelon comes in—it’s juicy, hydrating, and just made for summer recipes. One of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy it? A watermelon slushie.
This icy drink is simple to make, full of real fruit, and a lot healthier than store-bought frozen drinks. Whether you’re sipping it by the pool, serving it at a backyard BBQ, or handing it to the kids after an afternoon in the sun, a watermelon slushie is a guaranteed hit.
I’ve made this more times than I can count, and I never get tired of it. Here’s exactly how I do it.
Why You’ll Love This Slushie
It’s made with just a few ingredients
It’s naturally sweet (no refined sugar needed)
It’s incredibly cooling and hydrating
You can easily customize it (mint, lime, berries—more on that below)
And best of all? It takes less than 10 minutes start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups watermelon (cubed and seedless or deseeded)
- 1½ cups ice (crushed or cubes)
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of watermelon)
- A few fresh mint leaves (optional, but so refreshing)
You don’t need anything fancy here. A blender, a spoon, and a glass is all it takes.
How to Choose the Best Watermelon
This part really makes a difference. A ripe watermelon means less need for added sweeteners and a much better flavor overall. Here are a few tips I use when picking one:
- Look for a creamy yellow spot (that’s where it sat on the ground—yellow means ripe)
- Tap it: a hollow sound usually means it’s juicy
- Choose one that feels heavy for its size—that’s a good sign it’s full of water and sweetness
If I have time, I cut the watermelon into chunks and freeze them in advance. Frozen watermelon chunks make the slushie thicker, colder, and eliminate the need for as much ice. It’s a simple upgrade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon
Chop your watermelon into bite-sized chunks. If it’s not seedless, take a few minutes to remove the seeds—they’ll mess with the texture. Measure about 4 cups and pop them into the blender.
Step 2: Add the Ice and Flavor
Add the ice cubes, lime juice, and sweetener if you’re using any. Toss in the mint leaves too, if you like that cool herbal kick.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high speed for 30–60 seconds, or until everything is smooth and slushy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of cold water or a few more ice cubes. If it’s too watery, toss in a few frozen watermelon cubes or extra ice.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before you pour, give it a quick taste. Add a little more lime juice for extra tang, or a touch more honey if it’s not sweet enough.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Pour into glasses, garnish with a mint sprig or a wedge of lime, and serve with a straw or spoon. This slushie is best served right away while it’s icy and thick.
Sometimes I’ll pop the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving—it keeps the slushie cold longer, especially when it’s scorching outside.
Optional Variations
This recipe is super flexible. Once you try the base version, you might want to experiment with fun flavors. Here are a few I recommend:
- Watermelon Strawberry Slushie: Add ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- Spicy Watermelon Slushie: Add a tiny pinch of chili powder or cayenne and a little salt (think spicy margarita vibes)
- Watermelon Coconut Slushie: Replace some of the ice with coconut water or freeze cubes of coconut water ahead of time
- Boozy Version: For adults, add a splash of white rum, tequila, or vodka—think frozen watermelon daiquiri
I sometimes freeze leftover watermelon juice into ice cube trays and use those in place of regular ice cubes—it makes the slushie even more flavorful and not watered down at all.
Make-Ahead Tip
If you want to make these in advance for a party, you can blend everything and store it in the freezer for an hour or two. Just give it a quick blend again right before serving to fluff it up. Don’t freeze it overnight, though—it turns rock solid.
You can also freeze blended watermelon in an ice cube tray and blend it whenever you want a slushie in seconds.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Beyond just being delicious, watermelon is packed with goodness. It’s about 90% water, which makes it super hydrating. It’s also full of vitamin C, A, and antioxidants like lycopene, which is good for your skin and heart. So basically, this slushie is not only a treat—it’s a little act of self-care on a hot day.
This watermelon slushie is everything I want in a summer drink—quick, refreshing, naturally sweet, and endlessly customizable. It’s a great way to use up extra watermelon, especially those giant ones I always seem to buy too optimistically.
Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your summer routine too. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little celebration in every glass.
So next time you’re sweating under the sun and need a break, grab that blender and make yourself a watermelon slushie. You’ll thank yourself with the first sip.