My Watermelon Slushie will turn a summer fruit into a cold drink perfect for hot afternoons. My kids always beg for popsicles and slushies. But who can blame them!

I have such clear memories of slicing into the first watermelon of the season each summer at my aunt’s farmhouse in South Carolina when we’d visit for the Fourth of July.

My uncle would haul the watermelon out to the yard, crack it open on an old wooden picnic table, and we’d all stand around eating slices straight off the rind, juice dripping down our arms in the heat.

Also, I loved sitting on the porch steps afterward, spitting watermelon seeds into the grass with my cousins.

I’ll admit it’s a whole lot less messy to turn that same watermelon into a slushie using my blender or my Ninja Slushi machine.

Maybe someday I’ll take my own girls’ watermelon patch so they can experience the magic that comes with it.

But for now, the watermelon at the grocery store will do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It has watermelon, so the flavor is naturally sweet without the need for added sugar.
• No peeling skill. Just cube it up and blend.
• It’s one of the most hydrating slushies you can make, because watermelon has 90% water.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup or granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: fresh mint sprigs and a lime wedge for garnish

Instructions- For the Blender

Add the chilled watermelon cubes to the blender along with the lime juice and salt.

Blend for about 10 seconds until the watermelon breaks down into a loose juice.

Next, add the ice cubes and agave if using, then blend on high, pausing once to scrape down the sides.

Keep blending in short bursts until the texture turns thick and slushy rather than liquid.

Pour into glasses immediately and garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Making It in a Ninja Slushie Machine

Because watermelon has such high water content, you’ll need to do some extra steps in the Ninja Slushi.

Puree the watermelon cubes with the lime juice and salt in a separate blender first, then strain out any large pulp.

Pour the strained puree into the reservoir, select your desired thickness setting, and let the machine cycle through its freeze-and-churn process.

Stir partway through if the mixture is separating, since watermelon juice can settle.

Storage

I love it fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 5 days.

You may have to re-blend before serving.

Substitutions

• Try Frozen watermelon cubes if you do not have them fresh.
• Add a few fresh strawberries or a splash of coconut water.
• Top the finished slushie with a splash of sparkling water right before serving.

Recipe FAQ’s

Why is my watermelon slushie too watery?

This happens when the melon is very ripe and juicy. Throw in more ice cubes to thicken it back up.

Can I use watermelon with seeds for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll want to pick out the black seeds first because they won’t break down, resulting in a gritty texture.

How do I pick a sweet watermelon for slushies?

Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on the bottom, which indicates it ripened on the vine.

Is watermelon juice the same as a watermelon slushie?

Not quite. Watermelon juice is blended and strained, while a slushie has ice or a freezing process incorporated to give it that thick, spoonable texture.

This Watermelon Slushie is refreshing and easier to sip and share. Whether you blend it fresh or use your Ninja Slushi, it’s hydrating and comes together in a few minutes.

More Slushie Recipes

• Homemade Coca-Cola Slushie Recipe (Better Than the Gas Station!)
• Ninja Cherry Slushie Recipe
• Homemade Blue Raspberry Slushie Recipe