This easy watermelon slushie recipe calls for just three simple ingredients that come together to make a tasty and refreshing summertime beverage. It's free of refined sugar and a low-carb treat for a hot summer day! Enjoy the slushie as-is or customize it with simple add-ins for a whole new flavor spin.
With its high water content and energizing flavor, fresh watermelon is the perfect fruit to create a healthy frozen drink you can sip on all summer long.
Whether it's a hot day and you're sitting poolside or you're looking for easy, slushy drinks to serve at a summer barbecue, this recipe makes the perfect frozen drink for any occasion.
This frozen watermelon drink is so easy to make and is a treat for both kids and adults alike.
Somehow, watermelon in drinkable form is even more refreshing than the fruit itself, and slushies are always a fun and welcome idea in the summer!
is watermelon keto friendly?
Watermelon is considered keto friendly since it is a low-carb fruit that also has a high water content.
A ½ cup serving of watermelon only contains about 4-5 net carbs. Since there is no other added sugar or ingredients (other than water) in this watermelon slushie recipe, it's low in carbs and is keto friendly (also vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, all the things!)
why this recipe works
Watermelon slushies are a great way to make use of a ripe melon and summer is the perfect time to enjoy it. This recipe is quick and simple and creates a light and thirst-quenching beverage with sweet and ripe watermelon flavor, and no refined sugar.
Just like this sugar-free limeade, a beautiful watermelon slushie is a healthy treat you can feel good about. It is:
- easy to make and ready in just a few minutes;
- simple to customize with other flavors like fresh lime juice, fresh basil or jalapeño!
- low carb, refined sugar free and a keto and blood sugar friendly treat.
the ingredient list
You really only need two ingredients to make watermelon slushies- ice and watermelon.
However, I like to add in a little bit of low-carb/keto sweetener to bring out the flavor. I'm also including a few options for different adaptations if you're looking for a fun (or boozy!) take.
Here's a look at what you will need:
- Watermelon. Make sure it's a chilled and preferably seedless watermelon. Cut it into chunks.
- Ice cubes. The ice breaks down in the blender to create the slush!
- Sweetener of choice. For drinks, I prefer a liquid sweetener like these monk fruit drops, stevia, liquid allulose or my keto simple syrup. However, you can use your own favorite sweetener and make sure to sweeten to your own taste preference.
- Optional add-ins. Fresh mint, basil, lime or lemon juice, or a low-carb alcohol of choice can all be added to the slushie for a tasty mocktail or an alcoholic version.
an easy watermelon slushie recipe
This is a basic watermelon slushie recipe that comes together in no time!
While watermelon has a natural sweetness, it can vary depending on the type of watermelon you buy and how ripe it is. Add sweetener to your liking (or omit it entirely).
Here's a look at the process but check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all the details.
How to make a watermelon slushy:
- Cut the watermelon. If you have a large watermelon, you'll need to cut about half of it into large cubes (if it's a small watermelon, cut up the entire thing). You should end up with about 4-5 cups of cubed fruit.
- Blend. Transfer the watermelon cubes to the blender and add the ice. Blend for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then check the consistency. Taste and add the sweetener, then blend and adjust as needed. (Add in any mint, basil, lime juice, etc. at this time).
- Serve. Pour the frozen watermelon drink into chilled serving glasses and garnish with mint leaves, fresh basil, or a slice of lime (optional).
Note: For the sake of simplicity, I prefer this method, blending the chilled watermelon with ice. However, you can make an even thicker slushie if you freeze the watermelon first, then blend it with ice/water until it reaches a consistency you like.
for a low-carb watermelon slush cocktail
This watermelon slushie recipe is a great one if you're looking to make a delicious and low-carb boozy beverage! It's good with a splash of tequila and a little lime juice, but you can also go with vodka or even mix it with some of this low-carb red sangria for a sangria slush.
If adding hard alcohol, start with ¼ cup (per batch of watermelon slushie) and add more- like ½ cup- if you'd like a stronger drink. Or mix in a shot of alcohol in each individual serving.
tips for making this recipe
- For a more concentrated watermelon flavor, blend the watermelon without the ice, then pour the watermelon juice into ice cube trays. Freeze, then later make the slushie with the frozen watermelon blended with more chilled watermelon. You're basically swapping out the ice for the frozen watermelon cubes which gives it a more concentrated flavor.
- Choose a seedless watermelon. You can make it with any kind of watermelon but some melons end up being too "seed-y" and not as enjoyable to drink.
- For a really thick slushie, freeze the cubed watermelon for 2-3 hours, then blend the frozen watermelon chunks with 1 cup of water and add more ice/water as needed.
for a low-carb watermelon slush cocktail
This watermelon slushie recipe is a great one if you're looking to make a delicious and low-carb boozy beverage!
It's good with a splash of tequila and a little lime juice, but you can also go with vodka or even mix it with some of this low-carb red sangria for a sangria slush.
If adding hard alcohol, start with ¼ cup (per batch of watermelon slushie) and add more- like ½ cup- if you'd like a stronger drink. Or mix in a shot of alcohol in each individual serving
storing
If you have a little extra in the blender that you'd like to keep chilled, place the entire blender container in the freezer for a short time. If the slushie ends up re-freezing to the point where it's not pourable, pulse it in the blender a few times to break it all up again.
If you have a lot leftover, you can pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for later. Just add the frozen watermelon cubes to the blender and process until it's a slushie again.
If you make this low-carb watermelon slushie recipe and love it too, I hope you consider leaving a comment and star review below or connecting with me on Instagram. As always, I appreciate your feedback!
you might also love...
- This tart and tasty homemade limeade recipe that's sugar-free, low-carb and keto friendly!
- Strawberry basil margarita is so cold and refreshing, it's almost slushie status.
- This simple keto key lime pie. It's vegan and no-bake and super creamy-delish. You'll be surprised by the ingredient list!
- Keto strawberry shortcake is a summertime staple! A biscuit shortcake is topped with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream.
- Keto lemon ricotta cheesecake bars with berry sauce features a creamy cheesecake layer that's sweet and lemony and irresistible!
Easy Watermelon Slushie Recipe (3 Ingredients)
Watermelon slushies only require 3 ingredients and are made without sugar for a low-carb, keto-friendly and easy drink that is simple and refreshing.
Ingredients
- ½ large seedless watermelon, cut into cubes, or a whole medium watermelon (about 4-5 cups)
- 2 cups ice
- liquid sweetener to taste (monk fruit, stevia drops, liquid allulose), optional
- optional garnishes or add-ins: fresh basil, fresh mint, lime slices/lime juice
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into large cubes and discard the rind. You should have about 4-5 cups of cubed fruit.
- Transfer the watermelon to the blender, add the sweetener (optional), and pour in 1 cup of ice. Blend for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then check the consistency. Add the second cup of ice if needed, then blend another 30 seconds. Taste and adjust as needed, blending in more sweetener or ice.
- If using fresh mint, basil, lime juice, etc., add it in at this time.
- Pour the slushie into chilled serving glasses and garnish with mint leaves, fresh basil, or a slice of lime (optional).
Notes
For a low-carb watermelon slush cocktail: Add ¼-1/2 cup of tequila or vodka to the slushie mix and blend. Alternatively, add 1 shot of alcohol to each individual serving.
For an extra thick slushie: Freeze the cubed watermelon for 2-3 hours, then blend it with 1 cup of water and add more ice and water as needed (along with the other ingredients), until it reaches a consistency you like.
For an extra concentrated slushie: Blend the watermelon and then pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze until set. Make the slushies by blending the frozen watermelon cubes with more chilled watermelon chunks and the sweetener.
Storing: If you have a little extra in the blender that you'd like to keep chilled, place the entire blender container in the freezer for a short time. If the slushie ends up re-freezing to the point where it's not pourable, pulse it in the blender a few times to break it all up again.
If you have a lot of watermelon slushie leftover, you can pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for easy slushies later.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 34Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 9gNet Carbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!