Refreshing, healthy dessert options are a must have during warmer weather. All the better if they’re simple to whip up. This 4 ingredient watermelon slushie recipe comes together quickly in a blender, and can be made as is for the whole family to enjoy- or infused with alcohol for a simple adult cocktail.

Every summer, I have to snap a pic of each boy relishing in a slice of watermelon as it’s glorious juices run down their little cheeks and chins.

There’s nothing better on a hot summer day to quench their thirst, and the look of pure joy on their faces just melts my heart.

It’s their warm weather ambrosia.

Knowing their infatuation with the stuff, it was inevitable that I’d try to branch out and see what I could come up with to do something a little ‘different’ with their favorite summer staple.

Watermelon slushies it was!

Seriously, with how much my kids love this particular Summer fruit- I try to keep it on hand.

Most of the time, it all gets eaten and everything’s great.

However, there are times like when I get a bruised melon (unknown to me) that I’m left scrambling trying to find ways to use it up before it goes bad.

While I could continue to just force more fresh watermelon on them, I feel like that might make them mutiny.

That’s when I have to get creative.

How To Freeze Ripe Watermelon

Watermelon is super easy to freeze. It’s actually the best way to preserve it, at least in my opinion.

Cube the fruit, and add it to the bowl of a strainer. Let it rest for only 30 seconds or so.

Just long enough to let excess juices flow out, but for it to retain most of the juices.

Lay the cut fruit out evenly on a baking sheet.

Place the baking sheet in your freezer, making sure to lay it flat.

Freeze until the cubed fruit is solid.

You can store it in a zip-locking bag at this point, or use it in this recipe. The choice is yours!

What To Do With Frozen Watermelon?

As with everything else on the verge of over-ripeness, my go to is to simply freeze it.

Well, this can lead to an abundance of frozen watermelon chunks.

What then do I do with the frozen melon?

Stick the cubes with a tooth pick and tell your kids they’re ‘popsicles’. You wouldn’t believe how easily this works to transform a simple fruit into something new and desirable with the younger crowd. Just watch them with the toothpicks.
Freeze them and use them as ice cubes in your glasses of water. This will lead to a lovely, light flavored water that’s also chilled. If you’re like me, they also make great additions to your glass of wine after the kids go to sleep.
Freeze it, and add it to fresh fruit smoothies for a refreshing dessert or snack option you can feel good about enjoying or serving to the family.

Making A Frozen Fruit Smoothie

Of course, the most obvious option is turning your fresh frozen watermelon into a delicious frozen smoothie.

All the vitamins, the nutrients, and in a cold glass that tastes like dessert.

It’s refreshing and tastes like a lightly sweetened dessert, without any added sugar.

And it’s so easy to do.

Add roughly four cups of frozen watermelon chunks to a blender.

Add the juice of one lime, and roughly a half cup of water. You may need more water, but wait to add it until you see the consistency. The smoothness is totally up to personal preference.

Also, I have no real natural sweet tooth whatsoever to speak of- and I think this watermelon slush is perfect as is.

However, the Hubs has a raging sweet tooth and he needs a little extra sugar in his mix for it to hit the spot.

If you fall into that category too- it’s ok! Just add a tablespoon of granulated sugar to the mix before blending.

Blend all the ingredients until the mixture’s smooth, and serve in glasses.

This frosty watermelon treat makes a refreshing ending to any Summer meal.

Simply scoop the slushy mixture into bowls or tall glasses and enjoy a refreshing dessert, all while still getting that melon flavor fix, albeit without all the dripping & dribbling down chins.

To Make It A Cocktail

Add a splash of vodka for an even sweeter summer adult beverage.

I particularly adore this watermelon slushie recipe for just how easy it is to make for the kids, and to customize for our adults friends on relaxing weekends.

Making it into a cocktail isn’t hard at all.

Simply prepare the watermelon slush recipe as directed, but include a splash of your favorite alcohol.

We have tried and loved:

malibu rum
unflavored vodka or watermelon flavored vodka
watermelon liqueur

If you’ve got another idea, experiment and make your own version of this simple, refreshing icy cocktail.

Looking For Other Fruit Smoothie Style Recipes?

Fruit smoothies are one our favorite ways to cool off on hot days. This watermelon slushie is easy to whip up, and delicious in it’s simplicity.

Looking for other refreshing recipes? Check out these other smoothie ideas:

If you’ve tried this WATERMELON SLUSHIE, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!