Watermelon Mint Granita

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

Ever find yourself with a ton of watermelon and no idea what to do with it? That's what happened to me last summer. I threw this granita together on a whim, and it quickly became my go-to treat for those hot afternoons. The whole thing runs about $5 to make, which is a nice bonus. My friends couldn’t get enough of it, and I still make it regularly when I want a refreshing dessert.

Created by

The Globalbitesrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-05-19T21:22:18.607Z

Last summer, I ended up with way too much watermelon from a BBQ, and I didn't want it to go to waste. So I decided to throw together this watermelon mint granita. Honestly, it was a hit from the first taste, and I've been making it ever since. If you have a blender, you pretty much have everything you need.

What I love about this dessert is how simple it is. You just blend everything together and freeze it. The mint adds that extra freshness, and if you're feeling adventurous, a splash of lime juice can really brighten it up. Just make sure to fluff it with a fork every now and then while it freezes, or it might get a bit icy!

Why I Keep Making This

The refreshing mint is a nice surprise
Only takes a few ingredients
Easily adjusts to whatever you have on hand

The Secret to This Watermelon Mint Granita

When you're working with watermelon, the key is to use the sweetest, juiciest fruit you can find. For me, that means checking for a nice uniform shape, firm skin, and a little spot on the bottom where it sat on the ground. If you find a great one, the granita will taste like summer in a dish.

I like to adjust the mint based on my mood or what I have in the fridge. If the fresh mint is a bit sad, I’ve used spearmint or even just a hint of mint extract in a pinch. You'll get a different vibe but still a refreshing taste, especially if you really enjoy a minty kick.

Ingredients

Grab these simple ingredients for a vibrant treat:

Ingredients

4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Instructions

It's really straightforward, just follow these steps:

Blend the Watermelon

Start by placing the watermelon cubes in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. If you want, add some lime juice here for a little zing.

Add Mint and Sugar

Next, toss in the mint leaves and sugar. Blend again just until combined. You can taste the mix now to see if it needs more sugar based on your sweetness preference.

Freeze It

Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for about 2 hours. But keep an eye on it so it doesn't freeze into a solid block.

Fluff It Up

Every 30 minutes or so, grab a fork and scrape the granita to fluff it up. This helps it stay light and airy instead of one solid chunk.

Once it's nice and fluffy, it's ready to serve.

Pro Tips

Add a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist.
If your watermelon is super sweet, skip the sugar altogether.
Experiment with different herbs, like basil or lemon balm.

Scaling Watermelon Mint Granita for a Crowd

If you’re planning for a bigger gathering, just multiply the ingredients. You can use a big baking dish to hold everything, which makes scraping it easier later. Just keep in mind that a larger batch may take a bit longer to freeze, so factor in extra time to check and fluff as needed—every 30 minutes is still a good rule of thumb here.

For a twist, consider adding other fruits to the mix. Cubed strawberries or peaches can bring a nice brightness and pair well with the watermelon. Just adjust your sugar amount since these fruits have their own sweetness. Trust me, I tossed in whatever was left over from a fruit salad one day, and it turned out great!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen watermelon?

You can, but I usually prefer fresh for the best texture and taste.

→ How long does this granita keep in the freezer?

It's best enjoyed within a week, but it can keep for a month if properly covered.

→ What if I want to make a larger batch?

Just double the ingredients and use a bigger dish! You'll still want to fluff it every so often.

→ Is it possible to make this granita without sugar?

Totally! If the watermelon is sweet enough, you can skip it altogether.