Watermelon Slushie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Watermelon Slushie so irresistible is its simple, refreshing flavor that’s naturally sweet without being overly sugary. It's made with just three ingredients: watermelon, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice. The slushie is smooth, frosty, and so easy to whip up, making it a fantastic go-to beverage for summer days. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to many sugary drinks, giving you a fruity burst of hydration without the guilt.

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

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Freeze Watermelon: Start by freezing the watermelon cubes. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours or until solid. Once frozen, you can either use them right away or store them in a freezer-safe plastic bag until you're ready to make the slushie.

2. Make Slushie: In a large, high-powered blender, combine the frozen watermelon cubes, lime juice, sweetener of choice, and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Blend for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture reaches your desired slushie consistency. If necessary, add additional water, two tablespoons at a time, until it's blended evenly.

3. Serve and Garnish: Pour the watermelon slushie into cold glasses and garnish with a small wedge of watermelon, a sprig of mint or basil, and a slice of lime for an added touch of flavor and color.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Freezing time: 2 hours

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add Fruit: For a more colorful twist, try adding other frozen fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, or blueberries. These fruits pair perfectly with watermelon and enhance the flavor.

• Make It a Smoothie: To make the slushie more like a smoothie, you can add a scoop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for extra creaminess.

• Add Herbs: Fresh basil or mint can be blended into the slushie for added flavor or used as a garnish for a refreshing herbal note.

• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the slushie for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

This watermelon slushie is best served fresh right after blending to maintain its slushy texture. However, if you have leftovers, you can store the slushie in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that it may freeze solid, so simply let it thaw for a few minutes before serving again. You can also re-blend the mixture with a little water if it becomes too icy.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh watermelon instead of frozen watermelon?

Yes, you can use fresh watermelon, but it won't give you the slushy texture unless you add ice. Freezing the watermelon beforehand is what gives this drink its icy, slushy consistency.

2. Can I make this slushie without a blender?

Unfortunately, a blender is essential for achieving the smooth, icy texture. If you don't have a blender, you could try using a food processor, but it may not produce the same results.

3. How do I make this slushie sweeter?

You can adjust the sweetness of the slushie by adding more honey, maple syrup, or sugar to taste. Start with a small amount and increase it gradually until you reach your preferred level of sweetness.

4. How long does it take for the watermelon to freeze?

It typically takes about 2 hours for watermelon cubes to freeze completely. However, this may vary depending on the size of the cubes and the freezer.

5. Can I use other types of sweeteners?

Yes, you can use any sweetener you prefer. Options like brown sugar, maple syrup, or even agave nectar will work great as substitutes for honey.

6. Can I use lime juice from a bottle instead of fresh limes?

Yes, bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute, but fresh lime juice will give you a more vibrant, authentic flavor.

7. How do I make this slushie dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free! Just stick with the basic ingredients, and you'll have a refreshing, dairy-free treat.

8. Can I make this slushie ahead of time?

While this slushie is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the watermelon cubes in advance and store them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can quickly blend the slushie when you're ready to serve.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this watermelon slushie is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Watermelon Slushie is the ultimate summer refreshment. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make, incredibly hydrating, and perfect for any outdoor event. Whether you keep it simple or get creative with different fruit combinations and garnishes, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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Watermelon Slushie

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A refreshing watermelon slushie made with frozen watermelon, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice. Perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

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

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Instructions

1. Freeze Watermelon: Start by freezing the watermelon cubes. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours or until solid.
2. Make Slushie: In a large, high-powered blender, combine the frozen watermelon cubes, lime juice, sweetener of choice, and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Blend for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture reaches your desired slushie consistency. Add more water if necessary.
3. Serve and Garnish: Pour the watermelon slushie into cold glasses and garnish with a small wedge of watermelon, a sprig of mint or basil, and a slice of lime.

Notes

• For a more colorful twist, try adding other frozen fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or blueberries.
• To make it creamier, add a scoop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt.
• For added flavor, fresh basil or mint can be blended in or used as a garnish.
• If you like spice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg