Watermelon Ice

Last Updated on June 21, 2026 by Lisa Keys

This watermelon ice dessert will remind you of a frozen watermelon margarita. The recipe is spiked with lime juice, a bit of tequila and orange liqueur for the perfect summer spirit revival. A scoop is incredibly refreshing, visually inviting and deceptively easy to make. No ice cream maker needed!

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 ice. While I love many frozen desserts, this one holds a special place. But first...

I immediately turn to April 16th, the day my son died, 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 lose someone is not a sign of weakness; instead, we step into the circle where all our brothers and 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. Further, 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. No ice cream maker is required. All you need is a fork, a baking dish and time.

The Science of Freezing Point

While you can easily adapt this recipe for the whole family by omitting the alcohol, I suggest keeping it in and treating the kiddos to a no-churn ice cream instead. Alcohol doesn't freeze. The tequila and Cointreau alter the freezing point of the watermelon ice, giving it the perfect texture. When you scrape the frozen dessert with the tines of a fork, you create a perfectly soft, snow-like texture that melts right in your mouth.

Don't make the mistake of adding more alcohol than suggested here. Too much will alter the freezing point and prevent the mixture from crystallizing. No one wants margarita soup.

Watermelon Ice

Lisa Keys

The most refreshing watermelon 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.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic watermelon ice swap out the tequila and cointreau with a splash of coconut water or flavored syrup.

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

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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.