two image collage showing bright red watermelon slushie in tall glasses garnished with small watermelon wedge and mint. center color block with text overlay.

This quick and easy Watermelon Slushie is a surefire way to beat the heat this summer! Bursting with the sweetness of ripe watermelons and zesty lime juice, this three ingredient watermelon slushie recipe is a frosty treat that is perfect for pool parties, afternoon treats and BBQs.

Looking for more refreshing drinks to enjoy this summer? Make sure to try our Raspberry Iced Tea, Watermelon Lemonade and Alabama Slammer!

Watermelon Slushie Recipe

When I start spotting watermelons in the grocery store, I know summer is finally here. There is nothing better on a hot summer day than the refreshing coolness of a perfectly sun-ripened watermelon. We go through a few watermelons a week during the hot summer months and one of our favorite ways to enjoy this perfect summer fruit is this watermelon slushie recipe.

The juicy sweetness of watermelons shines in this simple, uncomplicated recipe that is designed to be the perfect chilly treat to sip on when the sun is shining. Just when you thought nothing could be more refreshing than fresh watermelon, this summer fruit gets a quick transformation into an icy treat that is perfect for BBQs, pool parties and any day you need to beat the heat.

So Refreshing and Easy To Make

Watermelon Slushies are sure to be your go-to this summer with just 3 ingredients and just a few minutes of prep time. I add in some fresh lime juice to really give the slushie some extra flavor and sweeten it with honey, maple syrup or sugar. The frozen watermelon really does all the work and creates that frosty goodness that makes sipping slushies so much fun.

Beat the heat in the tastiest way imaginable with this Watermelon Slushie. Just bursting with the fresh sweetness of watermelon, it’s the best way to dive into summer!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Watermelon Slushie truly embodies the spirit of summer and is so easy to make – it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

  • Refreshing & Hydrating: Packed with fresh watermelon, this slushie not only cools you down but also keeps you hydrated on hot summer days.
  • Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will go crazy for this simple and delicious heat buster. If you’re planning a summer party or looking for a fun way to keep the little ones hydrated and cool, this slushie is a fantastic option. It’s sweet, colorful and fun to drink—a total win for both kids and parents.
  • Quick to Make: Once the watermelon is frozen, this treat is blended together in just minutes. It’s ready to enjoy right away so it’s a great recipe for parties. Simply freeze the watermelon in advance and whirl up a couple batches when the heat starts setting in.
  • Customizable: This recipe allows you to adjust the sweetness to your liking and you can use any sweetener you like. Sugar, agave, honey, maple syrup – they all work!

    • What You’ll Need

    This watermelon slushie recipe calls for just 3 ingredients plus water. It’s super simple to make! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

    • watermelon: The star of the show, ripe watermelon provides the bulk of the flavor and also contributes natural sweetness to the slushy. Taste your watermelon so you know how much sweetener to add.
    • lime juice: Watermelon and lime go together so beautifully and it really adds to the refreshing nature of this frozen treat. Lemon juice can work in a pinch.
    • sweetener: You get to choose the sweetener! Just a little sugar, honey, agave or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to this treat.
    • cold water: A little water is necessary to get just the right consistency in this slushie. Feel free to swap in limeade or lemonade for even more delicious flavor.

    Watermelons can vary greatly in sweetness levels so make sure to adjust the amount of sweetener you use depending on the sweetness of your watermelon.

    Let’s Make It (see recipe card below for full, printable recipe)

  • Freeze Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into cubes, small enough that they will easily fit in your blender, and place on a sheet tray in a single layer. Place in freezer and freeze for a few hours until solid. Remove the watermelon about 10 minutes before you’re ready to blend.
  • Blend Together: Combine the frozen watermelon cubes, lime juice, water and sweetener in the blender and give it a whirl until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add a few more watermelon cubes. Too thick? Add a bit more water (or limeade).

    • Adults Only Version (Watermelon Slushie with Alcohol)

    Replace some (or all!) of the water with your desired alcohol (rum, tequila or vodka work great). It will change the consistency just slightly so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid needed.

    Storage Information

    This Watermelon Slushie is best enjoyed immediately after making, however leftovers can be frozen in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 1 week. Let it thaw slightly before stirring or blending to refresh it’s slushy consistency.

    Variations to Try

    • Herbacious Slushy: Adding in some fresh mint or basil leaves add a refreshing herbal note to this slushie recipe.
    • Fruity Twist: Add in other fruits like strawberries or pineapple for a fruity twist.
    • Adults Only: Replace water with your favorite alcohol: rum, tequila or vodka are all great options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I add alcohol?

    Sure can. Simply substitute some or all of the water for rum, vodka or tequila. Note that adding alcohol to the slushie will change the texture and consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid you add to achieve the desired texture.

    What types of sweetener can I use?

    Pretty much any sweetener will work in this recipe. Using liquid sweetener like maple syrup, honey or agave results in a really smooth consistency. Granulated sugar takes a little bit to dissolve but brown sugar dissolves pretty easily. There really is no wrong choice, it’s more of a personal preference. Also, if you are looking to reduce the sugar content, the sweetener can be omitted. Just make sure you have a nice, ripe watermelon.

    Is a blender necessary?

    I think a blender is really the best way to make the slushie. A high powered blender makes quick work of the frozen watermelon. A food processor may also work if you want o make the slushie in batches.

    Can I make this recipe in advance?

    The best way to make this slushie in advance is to freeze the watermelon. Once the cubes are frozen, transfer to a freezer safe ziploc bag. The slushies takes just a minute to blend together and is best served immediately.

    What are some ways to garnish this slushie?

    I love adding a small wedge of watermelon and maybe a sprig of mint or basil to the top. You can also cut lime slices and garnish with those.

    Trish’s Tips and Tricks

    • Choose a ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. Taste the watermelon in advance so you know how sweet it is. This will help you determine how much sweetener to add.
    • Freeze the watermelon cubes in advance to ensure a frosty slushie
    • Don’t be basic. Swap in lemonade or limeade for the water, replace water with alcohol if serving adults only, try adding basil or mint for a fun flavor twist.
    • Make sure to select a seedless watermelon so you don’t have any seeds in the slushy. If you see any seeds, just pick them out.

    Equipment Needed

    Having the right tools on hand can make the preparation process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Large Blender: A high-powered blender is your best friend in this recipe. It will ensure that the watermelon, lime juice, and sweetener are well-incorporated to create a smooth and creamy slushie.
    • Baking Sheet: I use a half sheet to freeze the watermelon cubes. You could also use quarter sheets if freezer space is limited. In that case, freeze a batch, transfer to a freezer safe ziploc bag and then repeat as needed.

    More Watermelon Recipes

    Watermelon is the quintessential fruit of the summer season and we love it for more than just slushies. Check out this Watermelon Pizza and Watermelon Lemonade for more refreshing ways to enjoy this amazing fruit.

    Summer Drinks To Cool Off With

    It’s hot out there! Cool off with these favorites:

  • Mai Tai
  • Cherry Limeade (Sonic Copycat)
  • Cape Cod Drink
  • Strawberry Lemonade
  • Orange Julius

    • How To Make A Watermelon Slushie

    Watermelon Slushie

    This quick and easy Watermelon Slushie is a surefire way to beat the heat this summer! Bursting with the sweetness of ripe watermelons and zesty lime juice, this three ingredient watermelon slushie recipe is a frosty treat that is perfect for pool parties, afternoon treats and BBQs.

    Course Beverage, Beverages Cuisine American Keyword watermelon slushie, watermelon slushie recipe, watermelon slushy Prep Time 10 minutes Freezing Time 2 hours Servings 4 Calories 152kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    • 7 cups seedless watermelon cubed and frozen
    • ½ cup lime juice
    • ¼ cup honey maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or granulated sugar
    • 5 to 10 tablespoons cold water optional

    Garnish

    • watermelon wedge
    • fresh mint or basil
    • lime slices

    Instructions

    Freeze Watermelon

    • To freeze the watermelon, transfer the watermelon cubes to a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 2 hours, or until solid, and then use immediately or transfer to freezer safe plastic bags until ready to use.

    Make Slushie

    • Place the frozen watermelon, lime juice, sweetener and 3 tablespoons of water in a large, high powered blender.

    • Blend for 3 to 5 minutes, until desired consistency is reached. It may be necessary to add additional water. Do so 2 tablespoons at a time. Make sure all of the ingredients are being blended together.

    Serve and Garnish

    Notes

    Adults Only Version Replace some (or all) of the water with your desired alcohol (rum, tequila or vodka work great). It will change the consistency just slightly so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid needed. Storage Information This Watermelon Slushie is best enjoyed immediately after making, however leftovers can be frozen in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 1 week. Let it thaw slightly before stirring or blending to refresh it’s slushy consistency.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 1529IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

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