When temperatures rise and humidity increases, I always crave something refreshing, icy, and full of natural flavor. That’s when my signature watermelon slushie recipe comes to life. It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few healthy ingredients that blend into a cool, sweet, and fruity beverage. The taste instantly takes me back to the hot summer days I spent lounging by the pool, where nothing hits the spot quite like an ice-cold drink. Unlike piña coladas or frozen margaritas, this non-alcoholic, vegan, and plant-based treat is light, sugar-free, and naturally hydrating—a real mocktail you can enjoy anytime.

I first discovered this idea during melon season, inspired by Hong Kong’s famous watermelon ice, known locally as “西瓜冰,” which translates to “watermelon ice.” On that sub-tropical island surrounded by the South China Sea, where humidity often hits 90%, it’s the norm to cool off with a tall glass of shaved or blended fruit dessert. Locals would sit elbow to elbow on tiny stools, sweat dripping from their foreheads, slowly savoring every bite of that life-saving, chilled, and sweet treat. Those vivid memories inspired me to recreate the same vibe in my own kitchen, with a homemade, quick, and simple method that needs only a blender, cube of ice, and ripe watermelon.

To make it, I follow a ratio of four parts watermelon to one part ice—no need for precise measurements. Just pour, blend, and serve in a bright, vibrant glass, maybe with a hint of lime, mint, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for balance. The texture turns smooth, creamy, and slushy, offering the perfect cooling refreshment on any warm, sunlight-filled day. Whether it’s a brunch, picnic, or poolside party, this homemade, tropical, and fruity creation brings everyone together to chill, relax, and enjoy the simple, natural, and hydrating joy of summer.

Ingredients For Watermelon Slushie

1. Watermelon
2. Lemon / Lime juice
3. Filtered Water
4. Black Salt
5. Ice Cubes (only required when you haven’t blender and slushie machine)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Watermelon

Start by selecting a ripe, juicy watermelon — one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on the rind, showing it’s perfectly ripe.
Next, wash the outer surface to remove any dirt or residue before cutting. Using a sharp knife, slice the watermelon in half, then into manageable wedges. Separate the red pulp carefully, removing all the black seeds to ensure a smooth texture in your slushie.

Step 2: Choose Your Slushie-Making Method

Learn three easy ways to make a watermelon slushie — whether you’re using a blender, slushie machine, or no blender at all.

1. Slushie Machine Method

Approx. Time	25-30 minutes
Serving	4 Persons
Equipment	Slushie machine, Blender

Before you start, make sure your watermelon small cubes / thin slices is cold. Add below items in the blender and blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns smooth:

1. Three glasses of watermelon cubes
2. Half a glass of water
3. 1 tea-spoon black salt
4. 15 ml lemon juice

A chilled mixture freezes faster and gives smoother results.

• Plug in your slushie machine and ensure the freezing cylinder is cold before pouring. Carefully transfer your pre-chilled watermelon blend into the machine’s bowl, leaving a little room at the top for proper mixing.
• The machine will automatically freeze and churn the mixture, creating that perfect smooth, icy texture. Let it run for 15–25 minutes, depending on your machine model and how thick you want your slushie.

2. Slushie Freezer Method (With Blender)

Approx. Time	60-70 minutes (Freezing time Not included)
Serving	4 Persons
Equipment	Blender, Tray / Shallow Dish, Fork

For the best slushie consistency, cut the watermelon flesh into small cubes or thin slices. Arrange these pieces evenly on a tray or shallow dish without overlapping — this helps them freeze faster and prevents clumping. Place the tray in the freezer for about 1–2 hours, or until the pieces are solid.

First, take out the frozen watermelon cubes from the freezer. Add below items in the blender and blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns smooth:

1. Three glasses of watermelon cubes
2. Half a glass of water
3. 1 tea-spoon Black Salt
4. 15 ml Lemon Juice

• Pour your semi solid mixture into a shallow metal tray or bowl.
• Place the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes. When the edges start to freeze, remove it and stir or scrape the mixture with a fork.
• Return the tray to the freezer and repeat the stirring or scraping process every 20–30 minutes, about two more times.
• Transfer the crystal mixture to a blender and pulse for about 1-2 minutes your ice crystal style slushie is ready.

More than 2 minutes blending turn your slushie into smoothie 

3. Bowl in Bowl Slushie Method (No Blender)

Approx. Time	30-40 minutes (Freezing time Not included)
Serving	4 Persons
Equipment	2 Steel bowls (1 big & 1 small), Tray / Shallow Dish, Ice cubes, Salt

If you don’t have a blender, no problem! Cut watermelon in thin slices place them in freezer using a tray (preferably steel tray) for 1–2 hours, or until the pieces are solid.

• First, place your three glasses frozen watermelon cubes inside a clean cloth or muslin bag and gently pound them using a rolling pin or any flat utensil until they break into crushed, icy pieces.
• Next, add about one glass of water, 1 tea-spoon black salt, 15 ml lemon juice. Mix it well until it forms a semi-solid thin texture.
• Place the large metal bowl on a stable surface. Nest the smaller bowl inside the larger one. The gap between the two bowls should be surrounded by ice and salt. For more detail about Bowl in Bowl Slushie Method click here.
• Pour your semi-solid thin texture into the smaller bowl.
• Using a spoon or whisk, stir the liquid constantly.
• After about 15 to 20 minutes, your drink will transform into a thick, icy slushie.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once your watermelon slushie reaches that perfect icy texture, pour it into a chilled glass. Top it with a slice of fresh watermelon or mint leaves for a refreshing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy its cool, fruity flavor at its best. Every sip brings a burst of summer sweetness that cools you instantly.

Craving more refreshing ideas? Explore our full collection of slushie recipes, machines, and flavor syrups on SlushWeb — and start crafting your perfect frozen drink today!