Watermelon Slush Recipe With Key Tips For Cocktail Variations
Typically made by blending a fruity syrup with finely crushed ice, a slush is a semi-liquid treat that is served in see-through cups to showcase its vivid colours. Considered to be popular convenience store or takeaway shop beverages, slushes extend their versality beyond being an option that is poured out of a machine – and into mixology with the help of fresh ingredients and prep. The icy composition of the beverage enables flavour and temperature preservation for longer, encouraging slow and leisurely sipping. In mixology, adult versions of slushes include alcohol to recreate classic recipes like the margarita cocktail or daiquiri cocktail – a popular menu feature in bars and pubs.
For a homemade version of the watermelon slush, using fruit as a substitute for ice means freezing chunks of fresh watermelon ahead of time by peeling and deseeding the pulp. This key ingredient makes for an excellent foundation in mocktails as well as cocktails – where other ingredients including citrus fruit, herbs and even neutral spirits can enable a different flavour profile, adding variety to gatherings or limited servings.
Watermelon Slush Recipe For Two
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon chunks, deseeded and frozen
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 30 ml vodka/tequila/white rum [optional]
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Method
- Add the frozen chunks of watermelon to a blender along with the lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Blitz until the mixture turns into a pulpy, semi-liquid consistency before pouring into tall serving glasses.
- If using alcohol, add the spirit of your choice to the slush once it has been transferred into the glass and stir using a bar spoon for 10 seconds.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and an eco-friendly straw.
Key Tips To Make The Watermelon Slush Perfectly
- Start off by picking a fully ripened watermelon – this not only ensures a vibrant coloured slush but also means having to use lesser sweetener than usual for an authentic fruity flavour.
- If you prefer using another citrus element – such as lime or grapefruit juice – experiment by adding some zest to elevate their presence in the slush and for an added layer of flavour.
- If making a larger quantity, blend the frozen chunks of watermelon in small batches to retain the slush-like consistency since over-blending can lead to uneven textures which might be too runny or too chunky.
- Using a high-speed blender is crucial to getting the texture of the slush right – where each sip or scoop feels velvety and smooth, as opposed to being faced with unpleasant chunkiness.
- Avoid refreezing the slush once made or making it beforehand, since serving it immediately is key to enjoying its textural distinction. Chill the serving glasses for an extra cold slush.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
