The Best Reason To Freeze Watermelon Is Booze-Optional Slushies
If you have any leftover watermelon after hosting a family party, or just picked up a good supply at the local farmers market, try freezing it. This not only helps to preserve the fruit, but having watermelon in the freezer means you are just a couple steps away from delicious and refreshing slushies in no time. And they couldn't be easier to make at home by just using a blender. Apply a ratio of about 1 cup of frozen watermelon to ¼ cup of liquid — tequila, triple sec, and lime juice would be great for a fruity margarita, or just add water and a touch of sweetener for a frozen watermelon agua fresca.
You'll want to start the process by cutting your watermelon into cubes — Alton Brown has a wildly cool trick for removing watermelon rinds, which makes this task a breeze. Next, discard the seeds and spread out the watermelon chunks on a parchment-lined baking sheet so that no pieces are touching. (This is important because if you put the watermelon directly into a container to freeze, the pieces will really stick together.) Once frozen — which should take about two hours — transfer to an air-tight container or freezer bag, and you'll be slushie-ready any time a craving strikes.
Tasty ideas for virgin watermelon slushies
There's nothing wrong with keeping your non-alcoholic watermelon slushie simple with just some fruit and water, but why not jazz it up? One easy tweak is to substitute sparkling water in place of still water. By the time you blend it, the drink will be pleasantly effervescent — and you can incorporate complimentary flavors like pineapple, coconut, or lemon-lime by using a can of flavored sparkling water. Or, use Italian soda if you want an even sweeter touch.
Another idea is to mix in other frozen fruits (honeydew, strawberries, or even cucumber would be delicious), and blending in fresh herbs like basil and mint for more depth of flavor. Or, double-down with a touch of yellow watermelon for a tasty and colorful display. Make two batches of the slushie (one regular watermelon and one yellow watermelon), and pour layers of each into a tall glass, alternating each brightly-colored part.
You could also drizzle chamoy on the inside of the glass and garnish the rim with spicy Tajin for extra kick. Or, add a healthy amount of lime juice, lime zest, and some sugar for a frozen watermelon limeade. Just because your slushie is zero-proof doesn't mean it has to be zero fun!
Making the perfect boozy watermelon slushie
To concoct a boozy watermelon slushie, you can take the same inspiration for making a non-alcoholic version and simply add in your preferred liquor of choice, like a hard watermelon lemonade spiked with vodka. Tequila is, of course, a classic spirit to add if you are going for frozen margarita vibes, but you can also use mezcal for a smokier touch. Or, blend in white rum and fresh mint for a watermelon mojito. You could also mix in sparkling water and gin to make a watermelon gin fizz.
If hard liquor is not your vibe, use wine instead! You can create the pretty-in-pink fruity frosé of your dreams by blending your favorite rosé wine — sweet or dry — and frozen watermelon. You can also whip up a yummy frozen white sangria with some white wine, a touch of brandy, a squeeze of fresh orange juice, and frozen peaches.
A sprig of fresh mint, a fun bendy straw, or a citrus wheel are all nice finishes for any delectable slushie. You could also stay on theme and garnish with mini-watermelon triangles, watermelon slices cut into fun shapes with a cookie cutter, or a few skewered pieces of melon-balled fruit. Even watermelon sour gummy candies would be fun finishing touch.