When the mercury is climbing, there is nothing like a smoothie to pick you up and cool you off. The combination of watermelon and strawberries is summer in a glass. It’s perfectly sweet, slightly tart from the citrus, and oh-so refreshing.

This beautifully rosy and refreshing watermelon strawberry drink recipe is a great reason to own a blender. Seriously, this may be the nicest thing you can do for your family this summer (that and a trip to Cape Cod). Also, think about Watermelon Agua Fresca and Watermelon Lemonade when you are dreaming of a cool pink drink in the middle of summer.

Stick in a paper straw — easier on the environment — and sip away. Or, be super green and get yourself some of these metal straws.

If you make one icy smoothie drink this summer, it should be this refreshing and colorful Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie.

Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie Ingredients

• Watermelon – Cut the watermelon pieces that are about 1 inch, then stick them in the freezer. This is a perfect use for leftover watermelon after a picnic or cookout.
• Strawberries – Buy frozen strawberries or freeze fresh strawberries.
• Orange juice – Fresh-squeezed orange juice is definitely preferred in this fresh fruit smoothie.
• Lemon juice – Just a little bit adds a nice zing to the smoothie.
• Crushed ice – You don’t need much because the fruits are already frozen, and the watermelon juice will create the perfect slushie. If you only have ice cubes in the freezer, crush them in the blender by pulsing them, then add the other ingredients.
• Agave, honey, or simple syrup – A little sweetener balances out the tartness of the citrus. Choose your favorite (it’s also super easy to make simple syrup at home).

How to Make Watermelon Strawberry Smoothies

1. Prepare: Dump all the ingredients into your blender. You might need to let the frozen fruit soften a tiny bit for it to puree easily in the blender.
2. Blend: Hit blend on that blender and let it run until you have a super thick, smooth texture.

Variations

• You can make this with just one fruit if you like. You could leave out the strawberries to make a watermelon smoothie or leave out the watermelon to make a strawberry smoothie. But the combination of the two fruits is truly what makes this smoothie great.
• Add to or switch up the berry flavor by tossing in some raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries.
• Try adding herbs to make this smoothie more complex. I would recommend basil or mint. Just throw a few herb leaves into the blender and you’re done.
• Another great variation, especially if you’re adding alcohol (see below), would be to rim the glasses, as you might with a margarita. Pour some salt, or a mixture of salt and chili powder, onto a small plate. Use a lime wedge to wet the rim of your glasses and dip it into the salt, then pour in your smoothie and serve.
• Add some milk, nut milk, or yogurt if you are into the creamier thing.

Adding Booze to Frozen Drinks

After 5:00 p.m. you may also add liquor to the grown up’s glasses. (After 4:00, if it’s a Sunday; maybe after 3:00 if it’s above 90 degrees outside and it’s a Sunday.) Vodka, tequila, or rum would be great choices for this watermelon berry smoothie.

I know I sound like a woman who’s reached the end of her tether. But this smoothie really did help. On an unrelated note, how many of you have ever put an ice cube into the center of your bras to cool down? Asking for a friend.

More Refreshing Summer Drinks

Summer Fruit and Berry Sangria

Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

Ginger Peach Yogurt Smoothie with Plums