Watermelon Slushie
This watermelon slushie is the ultimate summer refreshment! Every sip is bursting with fresh watermelon flavor with just a little bit of tart lemon. And, it couldn’t be easier to make! It’s the perfect icy treat to help you stay cool and hydrated on a hot day. I like my slushies on the thicker side so I can eat them with a spoon, but it’s easy to thin this watermelon slushie recipe out so you can slurp it through a straw.
Watermelon is one of the best parts of summer. For more ways to enjoy it, try my Watermelon Skewers or Watermelon Salad for a delicious combination of salty and sweet. Or try another drink with Watermelon Juice! But first, you have to try this homemade watermelon slushie.
Why This Recipe Works
- Real fruit slushie. While I love the slushies or slurpees you get at 7-11 and elsewhere, I know that they’re absolutely loaded with stuff I don’t want myself or my kids eating all the time. Made with real fruit and the tiniest amount of added sugar, this easy watermelon slushie recipe makes for a great substitute.
- Best watermelon slushie recipe. I love a recipe that is simple yet delicious, and this fruit slushie ticks all the boxes. It has just a few simple ingredients, and the only special equipment you need is a blender. It’s the best way to stay cool on a hot summer day.
Ingredient Notes
- Seedless watermelon: You can certainly use seeded watermelon, but you’ll have to go through the arduous process of removing all the seeds. Starting with seedless watermelon makes it easier.
- Granulated sugar: A small amount of white sugar is mixed with water and cooked to make a simple syrup for optional sweetening of our slushie.
- Water: In addition to being used in a simple syrup, you may use additional water to thin out your slushie if it’s too thick.
- Lemon juice: I love the addition of lemon juice in this slushie. It adds a bit of tartness I find so refreshing! I think lime juice would also be delicious. I always recommend using fresh lemons because I think the juice tastes better, but you could certainly substitute bottled lemon juice.
How to Make a Watermelon Slushie
- Freeze watermelon. Cut up a watermelon into cubes. You need 7 cups of cubes for this recipe. Place watermelon cubes in a single layer on a lined baking sheet (wax paper or parchment paper works) and freeze for about 4 hours or overnight.
- Make a simple syrup. Before you’re ready to make your slushie, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 5 tablespoons of water to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, stir in the juice of 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons. Set aside and let the syrup cool completely. You can also make this syrup in advance and let it cool in the fridge before using.
- Blend all slushie ingredients together. Add the frozen watermelon chunks and your simple syrup to a high-powered blender and puree until smooth. My watermelon was too frozen at first, and I had to let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before I could blend it.
- Serve. Test the thickness of your slushie. If you’d like it thinner, add a touch more water. Once it’s at your desired thickness, pour watermelon slushies into glasses and serve.
Recipe Tips
Since this recipe is so simple, there’s plenty of room for innovation! Use limes instead of lemons for a watermelon lime slushie, or add fresh herbs like mint or basil. Swap some of the watermelon cubes for other frozen fruit, such as strawberries, for a watermelon strawberry slushie.
If your watermelon is too frozen to blend, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. You can also add more water to make the watermelon slushies thinner and easier to slurp through a straw (I like to eat mine with a spoon).
This watermelon slushie recipe is dairy free and vegan as is, but it could be really yummy with the addition of coconut milk or regular milk to make it more of a creamy smoothie.
If you have some cut up ripe watermelon in your fridge that is starting to lose its crisp texture, these slushies are a great way to use it up! Watermelon that still tastes good but has an off texture is perfect for freezing and blending.
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing
Make Ahead: Slushies don’t keep well long term, but there’s a couple of ways you can try to make this in advance. First of all, you can freeze watermelon cubes for several months in an airtight container. You can also keep simple syrup in the fridge 1-2 weeks.
Storing: Store leftover watermelon slushies in the fridge, where they will thaw into juice. Or you can try freezing leftovers in an ice cube tray and re-blend them at a later date.
Freezing: I have not tested freezing these slushies, but I think you could freeze watermelon slushies in ice cube trays, then let them soften a bit and re-blend them when you want another refreshing slushy with some water.
Recipe FAQs
Smoothies are typically thicker and creamier, while slushies are more icy and typically only contain fruit or fruit juice.
Watermelon is super hydrating and has lots of vitamins that support immune function and skin health. This slushie recipe also has very little added sugar.
Frozen watermelon can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More Refreshing Drink Recipes
Watermelon Slushie
Ingredients
- 7 cups seedless watermelon - cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons water
- 1 large lemon - juiced, or 2 small lemons
Equipment
Instructions
- Place cubed watermelon in a single layer on a wax paper, or parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze until the watermelon is firm, about 4 hours or overnight. (See notes)
- In a small saucepan add the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice and let cool completely.
- In a high powered blender add the frozen watermelon pieces and the simple syrup mixture. Puree until smooth. Portion into cups and enjoy with a spoon, or straw.
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