Best Watermelon and Strawberry Slushie

If you ask me, nothing beats a frosty slushie on a hot summer day.

This sweet and refreshing watermelon and strawberry combo brings together two of summer’s favorite fruits in the most thirst-quenching way. The natural sweetness of ripe watermelon blends perfectly with tangy strawberries, creating a drink that’s both light and satisfying.

It’s blended with just enough ice to make it slushy-smooth, without watering down the fruit flavors. A tiny squeeze of lime juice adds that perfect hint of brightness that makes everything pop.

It’s a family-friendly treat that’s easy to whip up, perfect for those sweaty afternoons when you need something cool and fruity.

What Kind of Watermelon Should I Use?

For a slushie, you’ll want to start with a sweet, ripe watermelon that has bright red flesh. Seedless watermelon is the most convenient choice since you won’t have to pick out the black seeds before freezing, though seeded varieties work just fine if you don’t mind this extra step. The key is choosing a watermelon that’s heavy for its size and has a yellow spot where it sat on the ground – these are good signs of ripeness. To prep for this recipe, cut your watermelon into 1-inch cubes and freeze them ahead of time on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’re in a hurry, you can buy pre-cut watermelon from the grocery store, though cutting your own usually gives you more bang for your buck.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing slushie recipe is pretty flexible and you can try these easy swaps:

• Watermelon: If you’re out of watermelon, try using frozen cantaloupe or honeydew melon instead. The texture will be similar, though the flavor will be a bit different.
• Strawberries: Feel free to swap strawberries with raspberries, cherries, or even peaches. Just make sure they’re sweet and ripe if using fresh fruit.
• Lime juice: Lemon juice works just as well here. You could also try orange juice for a sweeter twist, but you might want to use a bit less since it’s not as tart.
• Mint and basil: These herbs are optional garnishes – you can skip them or try other herbs like lemon balm or even a sprig of rosemary for an interesting twist.
• Ice cubes: If your fruit is frozen solid, you might not need extra ice. But if you’re using fresh fruit, try freezing it first instead of adding ice to avoid diluting the drink.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Blending

The biggest challenge when making fruit slushies is getting the perfect consistency – adding too much ice can water down the flavors, while not using enough frozen fruit can result in a thin, juice-like drink instead of a proper slushie. If you’re using fresh fruit instead of frozen, freeze it for at least 4 hours beforehand to achieve that perfect slushy texture. Another common mistake is blending everything for too long, which can melt the frozen ingredients and turn your slushie into liquid – instead, pulse in short bursts until you reach your desired consistency. For the most refreshing results, pre-chill your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving, and serve immediately before the slushie starts to melt.

What to Serve With Watermelon Strawberry Slushies?

These refreshing slushies make a perfect summer drink that pairs really well with light snacks and appetizers. Try serving them alongside some salted popcorn or lightly seasoned tortilla chips – the sweet and salty combo is always a winner! For a poolside or backyard party, these slushies taste great with fresh fruit skewers or a simple cheese and cracker plate. If you’re serving these as part of brunch, they go perfectly with breakfast pastries like muffins or scones, especially ones with citrus or berry flavors that complement the fruity drink.

Storage Instructions

Keep Cold: This refreshing slushie is best enjoyed right after making it when the texture is perfect and icy. If you need to store it for a short while, keep it in the freezer for up to 1 hour, giving it a quick stir before serving to break up any ice crystals.

Prep Ahead: Want to plan ahead? Cut and freeze your watermelon cubes in advance – they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container. You can also prep your lime juice and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it super quick to blend up this drink when you’re ready.

Save Leftovers: If you have extra slushie, pour it into popsicle molds and freeze for a fun frozen treat! These homemade pops will keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember that the texture will be more like a popsicle than a slushie once frozen solid.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	120 minutes
Total Time	130-135 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 150-200
• Protein: 2-4 g
• Fat: 0-2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38-42 g

Ingredients

• fresh basil leaves
• ice cubes (optional, for extra chill)
• fresh mint leaves
• 1 1/3 cups strawberries (hulled and quartered)
• 2 cups frozen watermelon
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 large lime)

Step 1: Prepare and Freeze the Watermelon

Start by removing the rind from the watermelon and cutting the fruit into cubes.

Arrange the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray to avoid them sticking together.

Place the tray in the freezer and let the watermelon freeze for at least 2 hours or until you’re ready to make the slush.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

When you’re ready to make the slush, rinse the strawberries thoroughly and hull them by removing the green tops.

You may also use pre-frozen strawberries for convenience.

Step 3: Blend the Slush

In a blender, combine the frozen watermelon cubes, prepared strawberries, and a splash of fresh lime juice for added flavor.

Blend the mixture until it reaches a slushy consistency.

For best results, blend on high to ensure a smooth texture.

Step 4: Serve the Watermelon Strawberry Slush

Once blended to a slush, pour the mixture into serving glasses.

Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing and icy treat before it begins melting.

Perfect for cooling down on a warm day!