Nothing says summer quite like a big glass of Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade. This icy, vibrant drink combines juicy watermelon, a burst of fresh mint, and zesty lemons—blended into one outrageously refreshing slushie you’ll crave all summer long. Whether you’re cooling off after a hot day or looking for the perfect party sipper, this recipe is pure sunshine in a glass!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Refreshing: With chilled watermelon and heaps of mint, this lemonade is the ultimate way to beat the heat.
- Naturally Vibrant: No need for dyes—the fruity pink color and bursts of green mint are summer in a glass.
- Better-Than-a-Slushie: The frozen watermelon gives this drink a thick, frosty texture you’d usually only get from an ice cream shop.
- So Customizable: Sweeten, swap herbs, or spike it—this recipe adapts to everyone’s taste and mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of making Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade—it’s all about fresh, simple ingredients, each one playing an important role in the final burst of flavor. Don’t skip a thing; together they create that perfect slushie magic!
- Watermelon (2 pounds or half a personal melon): The star of the show—sweet, hydrating, and brings that just-picked taste (seedless or seeded, either works!).
- Lemons (5): Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the lemonade its signature tangy brightness and balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Mint (6 sprigs): Adds a cool, herby pop that makes every sip extra refreshing—use the leaves only for best flavor.
- Ice Cold Water (24 ounces): Keeps things icy and helps everything blend smoothly into a luscious slush.
- Sugar (¼ cup or to taste): Sweetens things up without masking the natural fruit flavors—start here and adjust if you like it sweeter or more tart.
Variations
Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade is a playground for customization—you can riff on the recipe with what’s on hand or tailor it to your favorite flavors. Here are some easy swaps and tweaks to make it all your own!
- Boozy Upgrade: Add a splash of vodka, white rum, or tequila for a summery cocktail version perfect for grown-up gatherings.
- Berry Twist: Throw in a handful of frozen strawberries or raspberries for a deeper fruity flavor and gorgeous color.
- Honey Instead of Sugar: Swap the sugar for a drizzle of honey or agave for a naturally sweet, slightly floral note.
- Swap the Mint: Don’t have mint? Try fresh basil for an herbaceous spin or cilantro for a zingy twist.
- Lime in Place of Lemon: If you’re craving extra tartness, use limes instead of lemons or do a half-and-half citrus blend.
How to Make Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Step 1: Prep and Freeze the Watermelon
Start by cutting away the rind from your watermelon and chopping the fruit into one or two-inch cubes. Lay the chunks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this keeps them from freezing into a giant block. Pop that tray into your freezer for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill transforms juicy watermelon into instant “ice cubes” to make your lemonade slushie ultra-thick and frosty.
Step 2: Juice Lemons and Prep Mint
While the watermelon is freezing, juice your lemons until you have a bright, fragrant puddle of liquid sunshine. Pluck the mint leaves from their stems and give them a quick rinse. Freshly squeezed citrus and fresh-picked herbs make a world of difference in the flavor of your Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade.
Step 3: Blend Until Frosty
Add your frozen watermelon chunks, fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, ice-cold water, and sugar into the blender. Start blending on low, then increase speed until everything is smooth and thick—think the consistency of a perfect slushie. If you want it sweeter, taste and blend in a little more sugar.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Pour your slushy Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade into tall glasses, add a straw (and maybe a festoon of mint), and serve right away for the best flavor and frosty texture. It’s summery, sippable bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade
- Freeze in a Single Layer: Don’t overcrowd the pan—spaced watermelon cubes freeze quickly and blend into an ultra-smooth slush, no icy lumps.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Watermelon can be super sweet or mild; always taste before adding extra sugar so your lemonade is perfectly balanced.
- Chill the Glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 10-20 minutes while prepping. The extra-cold surface keeps your Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade frosty for longer.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice Only: Bottled juice just doesn’t match the flavor and aroma—freshly squeezed lemons give you that zesty, homemade lemonade magic.
How to Serve Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Garnishes
For those wow-factor finishing touches, try garnishing each glass with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel perched on the rim. A wedge of watermelon adds a playful, colorful vibe—and a few fresh berries scattered on top make it feel extra celebratory.
Side Dishes
Pair this summery slush with a crunchy salad loaded with cucumbers and tomatoes, fire-grilled shrimp skewers, or even homemade chips and salsa. The light, zippy flavors of Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade are the perfect match for summer BBQs, picnics, and patio nibbles.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pour your lemonade into mason jars with striped paper straws or serve it in hollowed-out mini watermelons for instant “wow” appeal. Add cocktail umbrellas for island vibes, or pour it into popsicle molds for the most refreshing frozen treats ever!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade slushies are best enjoyed immediately for that perfect frosty texture. If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge—just know they will melt and separate, turning into more of a flavorful juice (which is still delicious and thirst-quenching!).
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the blended mixture in popsicle molds for an icy treat. Otherwise, just keep your watermelon cubes frozen until you’re ready—you can blend on demand so every glass of Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade is frosty and fresh.
Reheating
No reheating needed! If your slushie has melted a bit, give it a quick blitz in the blender with a few new frozen cubes of watermelon to revive that chilly, thick consistency. It’s the fastest “rehydration” you’ll ever do.
FAQs
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Can I use seeded watermelon for Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade?
Absolutely! Both seeded and seedless watermelon work equally well. If you use a seeded variety, just remove the black seeds (the small white ones are fine to blend) before freezing the cubes for easier blending and a smoother texture.
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Can I make Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade ahead of time?
The best flavor and texture happen when you serve this slushie right after blending. If you prep in advance, the mixture will melt and separate in the fridge, but you can easily revive it by re-blending with a few new frozen watermelon cubes.
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How do I adjust the sweetness of the lemonade?
Watermelon sweetness varies, so always taste your slushie after blending. Add a bit more sugar, honey, or agave and blend again if needed—the goal is a flavor that’s bright, juicy, and balanced to your liking!
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Is Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade kid-friendly?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally alcohol-free and a big hit with kids—just be sure to taste for sweetness. For adults-only gatherings, you can offer a spiked version by swirling in a splash of your favorite spirit.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more delightful than handing friends—big and small—a cup of homemade Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade. It’s simple to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to become your signature summer sipper. Give it a try and let yourself be swept away by every frosty, fruity, minty sip!
Print
Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool off with this refreshing Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade recipe. Made with sweet watermelon, tangy lemons, and fresh mint, this frosty beverage is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Watermelon:
- 2 pounds watermelon or half of a personal watermelon, rind removed, cut into chunks
Lemon Juice:
- 5 lemons, juiced
Fresh Mint:
- 6 sprigs fresh mint leaves, removed from stems
Other:
- 24 ounces ice cold water
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Watermelon: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut watermelon into chunks and spread them on the pan. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Juice Lemons: Juice the lemons and set aside.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine frozen watermelon chunks, lemon juice, fresh mint leaves, ice water, and sugar. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Serve: Pour the frozen watermelon mint lemonade into glasses. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Seedless Watermelon: You can use seeded or seedless watermelon.
- Make Ahead: This drink is best served immediately and should not be frozen ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
