This Watermelon Milkshake is summer in a glass. It blends frozen watermelon with milk into a thick, creamy, frosty drink. Just three ingredients, no ice cream needed.
The secret is frozen watermelon. It blends up thick and cold, like a real milkshake, with no ice to water it down. A splash of milk and a little sugar are all it needs.
It comes together in five minutes in the blender. If you love easy summer sippers, try my watermelon basil cooler or a creamy mango lassi next.
What Goes in This Watermelon Shake
You only need three simple ingredients.
- Frozen watermelon: the key to a thick, creamy shake without ice.
- Milk: any kind works, dairy or plant-based.
- Sugar: just a little, to taste, since watermelon is already sweet.
Full recipe quantities listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the article.
Variations and Substitutions
This shake is easy to change up.
- Make it dairy-free: use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Add ice cream: blend in a scoop of vanilla for a richer treat.
- Boost the protein: add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Mix the fruit: blend in strawberries or a squeeze of lime.
- Skip the sugar: a ripe watermelon is often sweet enough on its own.
Grab These Tools
You need almost nothing to make this.
- Blender: a high-speed blender gives the smoothest texture.
- Freezer bag or tray: to freeze the watermelon chunks.
How to Make a Watermelon Milkshake
Here is how this watermelon milkshake comes together in five minutes.
Freeze the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into chunks and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours. Frozen fruit is what makes the shake thick and creamy.
Blend
Add the frozen watermelon, milk, and sugar to a blender. Blend until smooth and milkshake-thick, using the tamper if needed.
Taste and Serve
Taste and add a little more sugar if you like. Pour into glasses and serve right away, while it is cold and thick.
Tips for the Creamiest Watermelon Shake
A few small things make a big difference.
- Freeze in a single layer: so the chunks do not clump together.
- Use a ripe, red watermelon: for the best flavor and color.
- Start with less milk: then add more for a thinner shake.
- Seed it first: if your watermelon is not seedless.
- Serve right away: it is best before it starts to melt.
Make Ahead and Storage
This drink is best fresh, but the prep is easy to do ahead.
Make Ahead
- Freeze watermelon early: it keeps up to 3 months, ready to blend anytime.
- Blend just before serving: for the thickest texture.
Storing
- Best fresh: a milkshake melts and separates if it sits.
- Repurpose leftovers: pour extra into molds and freeze as ice pops.
Serving and Flavor Ideas
Dress it up or build a whole summer drinks spread.
- Garnish with a watermelon wedge or fresh mint.
- Pour into molds and freeze, like my watermelon popsicles.
- Serve alongside a watermelon agua fresca or strawberry lemonade.
- Set out a few blended smoothies for a crowd.
Secrets to the Creamiest Summer Shake
These are the little things that make it great.
- Frozen is non-negotiable: fresh watermelon makes a thin, watery drink.
- Less milk, more fruit: keeps it thick like a true milkshake.
- Taste before sweetening: watermelon varies in sweetness.
- Drink it cold: it is best the second it is blended.
Watermelon Milkshake FAQs
Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions.
A watermelon milkshake is a lighter treat than most. Watermelon brings vitamins and hydration, and you control the sugar. Made with milk and just a little sweetener, it is a refreshing summer drink without much added sugar.
Yes, a watermelon milkshake tastes sweet, creamy, and refreshing. Frozen watermelon blended with milk turns smooth and frosty, like a fruity milkshake. It is light and not too rich, which makes it perfect for hot days.
Yes, a watermelon milkshake is a real and popular summer drink, especially in South Asia. It blends frozen watermelon with milk and a little sugar into a creamy, frosty shake. It is easy to make at home in five minutes.
Yes, this watermelon milkshake uses no ice cream at all. Frozen watermelon gives it a thick, creamy texture on its own. If you want it richer, blend in a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but it is not needed.
Frozen watermelon works best because it makes the shake thick and cold. Fresh watermelon blends thinner and waterier. If you only have fresh, add a handful of ice, though frozen fruit still gives the creamiest result.
Swap the milk for a plant-based option. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all blend well with watermelon. Coconut milk makes it especially creamy. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so it is an easy dairy-free summer drink.
It is best made fresh, since a milkshake melts and separates as it sits. You can prep ahead by freezing the watermelon chunks up to three months, then blend with milk right before serving for the thickest texture.
Use more frozen watermelon and less milk for a thicker shake. Make sure the fruit is fully frozen before blending. A scoop of ice cream or a frozen banana also thickens it while keeping the watermelon flavor.
Other Summer Drinks You’ll Love
- Watermelon Basil Cooler
- Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Mango Lassi
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Rose Lemonade
- Watermelon Popsicles
For more thirst-quenchers like this, see all my favorite summer drink recipes.
Watermelon Milkshake
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen watermelon chunks
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process to milkshake consistency. Taste and add more sugar as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
