Spiked (or Not) Watermelon Slushies

Cool off this summer with some sweet and tangy Spiked Watermelon Slushies.

Photo byThat Recipe

Frozen drinks are one of the best parts of summer. And this colorful watermelon slushie is sure to become one of your favorites - with or without the shot of vodka.

Chop up some fresh watermelon (removing the seeds if necessary) and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours before making these.

When you are ready to enjoy: pop the watermelon in a blender with lime juice and a secret ingredient to add some bright color and extra tang.

THE SECRET INGREDIENT: HIBISCUS TEA

Hibiscus tea adds a deep cranberry hue to the drink naturally along with a nice floral tartness.

You can get hibiscus flowers (often labeled Jamaica) at well stocked grocery stores with the other Mexican spices. Steep about ¼ cup flowers in 1 quart boiling water about 5 minutes. Remove flowers and chill for this recipe (or enjoy hot)

Or you can use hibiscus blend teas such as: Teavana Hibiscus Spice, Tazo Passion Tea or Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger.

ALCOHOL FREE WATERMELON SLUSHIES

It is very complicated to make these without alcohol. Read that with a heavy dose of sarcasm and insert an eye roll or two.

If you want to make family friendly watermelon slushies just leave out the vodka.

That's all there is too it. No need to overthink it.

Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups watermelon, seedless or seeds removed (cut into small chunks and frozen)
• 2 cups chilled brewed hibiscus tea (see note)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 6-8 large ice cubes (optional)
• 4-6 ounces premium vodka (optional)

Optional garnishes

• Sprigs of fresh mint
• Small watermelon wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a blender, combine frozen watermelon, chilled tea, lime juice, honey, and mint until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add ice cubes, if desired, to achieve slushie consistency.
• Pour watermelon mixture into four chilled glasses and top each with a 1 to 1½ ounces of vodka, if desired. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and/or watermelon wedges. Serve immediately

NOTES

You can get hibiscus flowers (often labeled Jamaica) at well stocked grocery stores with the other Mexican spices. Steep about ¼ cup flowers in 1 quart boiling water about 5 minutes. Remove flowers and chill for this recipe (or enjoy hot)Or you can use hibiscus blend teas such as: Teavana Hibiscus Spice, Tazo Passion Tea or Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger.