Stock up on watermelon now—these watermelon-lime slushies will be a summer favorite! They’re icy, refreshing, and perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or lazy afternoons on the patio.
I spotted watermelons all over the grocery store the other day and got so excited. Watermelon is one of my favorite summer treats—sweet, juicy, and best when it’s in season. In our house we eat it all the time: plain (or with a sprinkle of Tajín), grilled, in salads, and my absolute favorite—watermelon-lime slushies.
Our family loves smoothies and slushies, and these are super easy to make. The two main ingredients are watermelon and lime juice, and a few extra minutes of prep gives you a cold, refreshing drink you’ll want every day. The kids love them, and they turn into great cocktails with a splash of vodka or tequila—add a little triple sec for an extra citrus kick for pool parties.
These slushies are also a smart way to use up watermelon that’s a bit mealy—you won’t notice once it’s blended. The lime adds the perfect bright note. If you want it sweeter, stir in a spoonful of sugar, but I prefer them light with just watermelon and lime. A few mint or basil leaves are a nice touch, too.
Tips before you start: choose seedless watermelon unless you like picking seeds out. I like to cut the watermelon into small chunks and freeze them a few hours in a large bag (reusable silicone bags work great). You don’t have to freeze it—you can add ice—but frozen watermelon makes a thicker, less watered-down slush. When the chunks are frozen, take them out for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly, then blend with lime juice (and liquor if you like) for a thick, delicious slushie.
Watermelon Lime Slushies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3 drinks
Ingredients
– 4 cups watermelon, cubed and frozen
– Juice of 2 limes
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
– 4 oz rum, vodka, or tequila (optional; add a splash of orange liqueur if you like)
Instructions
1. Remove frozen watermelon from the freezer about 10 minutes before making the slushies.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with lime and mint.
If you want more refreshing summer drinks, check out my roundup of 12+ best smoothie recipes for summer.