Watermelon Milk Smoothie

Watermelon Milk Smoothie

This refreshing watermelon milk smoothie is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the sweetness of watermelon combined with the creaminess of milk. It’s perfect for a hot day or as a light snack.

Yields: 1-2 servings Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups cubed fresh watermelon (seedless or seeds removed)
• 1 cup cold milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk)
• Optional:
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (if your watermelon isn’t sweet enough, or you prefer it sweeter)
  • A few ice cubes (if your watermelon isn’t very cold or you prefer a thicker, icier smoothie)
  • A pinch of salt (enhances sweetness)
  • A few mint leaves for garnish

Equipment:

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Blender
• Serving glass(es)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Watermelon:

   • Wash the watermelon thoroughly.
   • Cut the watermelon into wedges, then carefully slice off the rind.
   • Cut the red flesh into approximately 1-inch cubes. If your watermelon has seeds, remove as many as possible at this stage. Aim for about 2-3 cups of cubes.

2. Chill (Optional but Recommended):

   • For the best results, ensure your watermelon cubes are chilled. You can place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, before blending. Cold ingredients make for a better smoothie texture.

3. Combine Ingredients in Blender:

   • Add the chilled watermelon cubes to your blender.
   • Pour in the cold milk.
   • If using, add honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt.
   • If you want a colder or thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes.

4. Blend Until Smooth:

   • Secure the lid on your blender.
   • Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high.
   • Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of watermelon remaining. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender.

5. Taste and Adjust:

   • Taste the smoothie. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add a bit more honey or maple syrup and blend again briefly.
   • If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk and blend. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more watermelon cubes or ice and blend again.

6. Serve:

   • Pour the watermelon milk smoothie into a serving glass or glasses.
   • Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or a small watermelon wedge on the rim, if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Sweetness Varies: The sweetness of watermelons can vary greatly. Always taste your watermelon first to determine if you’ll need to add sweetener.
• Cold Ingredients are Key: Using cold watermelon and milk will result in a more refreshing and less diluted smoothie.
• Don’t Overblend: While you want it smooth, over-blending can sometimes make the smoothie frothy. Blend just until it’s a smooth consistency.
• Experiment with Milk: Feel free to try different types of milk to see what you prefer. Coconut milk can add a tropical flavor, while almond milk keeps it light.
• Storage: Watermelon smoothies are best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours, but note that the texture and color might change slightly over time.