Watermelon Mint Slushies

One of these watermelon mint slushies is, in my opinion, the ultimate refreshment for those still, hot summer afternoons when you just want to lie there, unmoving, until the weather changes. Frozen watermelon, when blended, creates a fine, velvety slush very much like a slurpee. Add a little mint and lime and you’ve got an ultra-refreshing, natural slushie. Oh, and a little rum doesn’t go amiss either, if you feel like turning it into a frozen watermelon mojito.

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen.

ingredients:

makes 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings

• 1 lb watermelon cubes (figure about half the weight of a whole melon is rind)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or 1 tbsp frozen concentrate + 3 tbsp water)
• 1-2 sprigs fresh mint
• 1/4 cup white rum (optional, sub water if not using)
• water as needed

prep ahead of time:

Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. Once you’ve trimmed the rind from the watermelon and cut it into cubes (think ice-cube size), spread them over the baking sheet with a little space between most of the the pieces and put in the freezer until completely frozen. Once frozen, you can use them right away or store them in an airtight container or bag. You can also freeze the washed mint sprigs and store them with the melon, for convenience. They’ll store well for months this way, so you can whiz up a slushie any time, all summer long.

make the slushies:

Place the liquids into a blender. Add the mint and watermelon cubes, being sure to break them apart if they’ve stuck together in the freezer. Blend until the chunks are gone, adding water if needed to blend. The mixture should be thick, but smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired. Serve watermelon mint slushies immediately with a wide straw.