Shaved Ice Flavors: Watermelon

Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Lisa Keys

Shaved ice flavors include this watermelon margarita granita spiked with tequila for the perfect granita texture.

A chance meeting on a plane led to a new friendship with Valerie. She gave me a book called Healing After Loss, and I am honoring her with this watermelon margarita granita. While I love many shaved ice flavors, this one holds a special place. But first...

I immediately turn to April 16th which is the day my son's death and read these words: "there is a reservoir of love and compassion in the human community. We don't need to be afraid to show our vulnerability, because to mourn when we are bereaved is not a sign of weakness but a stepping into the circle where all the brothers and the sisters can put their arms around us and hold us close, if we give them a chance."

The words bring me to what I did just 2 nights ago. I took a chance and gave a bread baking class to 6 total strangers. Min, the hostess, found me on Facebook after learning I was a CHOPPED champion and winner at the National Festival of Breads. She knew my story and she reached out. Min, like Valerie, is that part of humanity that is filled with love and compassion.

The group offered to pay me for a bread-baking lesson, but I agreed only if they donated to the local food pantry in my son's memory. We baked bread, shared a meal, and exchanged stories. I celebrated William the best way I knew how: by teaching kind people to bake. We laughed, and while I shed a few tears, I let them in and fell into that "reservoir of love and compassion."

Now, back to Valerie for a moment. I almost missed our coffee date due to a "brain freeze." Since William's passing, my mind sometimes gets muddled, and I realize I am no longer as "sharp as a tack," as my dad used to say. I struggle to keep track of dates and times like I once did.

So, Valerie, I dedicate this fresh fruit watermelon margarita granita recipe to you in honor of my brain freeze. It ranks as one of my favorite shaved ice flavors. Thank you for the book and for taking a chance on me. Just make sure to eat it slowly!

What is Granita

Granita, an Italian shaved ice originally from Sicily, requires only sugar, water, and your favorite flavors. You freeze the mixture slowly and scrape it with a fork to create a fluffy, slushy texture.

Shaved Ice Flavors: Watermelon

Lisa Keys

The most refreshing margarita style granita

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 cups cubed red seedless watermelon frozen*
• 2 limes peeled
• 1 orange peeled, seeded
• ¼ cup water
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons tequila
• 2 tablespoons cointreau or other orange flavored liqueur

Instructions

 

• To freeze watermelon place it in a single layer on a foil lined rimmed baking pan; freeze several hours until solid. (I usually just do this the night before or early in the day).
• Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.
• Can be eaten right away which makes it more like a sorbet or pour mixture into a metal 8-inch pan and freeze until solid.
• Scrape with the tines of a fork and scoop into serving dishes. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 234mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg

Keyword brain freeze, frozen treat, granita, sorbet, watermelon

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Here comes the brain freeze! And if you really want to take a chance try it with a sprinkle of chili powder on top. It is my new favorite way to eat all things frosty.