Chill Salty Melon Mint Slush

Category: Vegetarian Dishes with Worldwide Influence

Grab some sweet cantaloupe, freeze it, then toss it in a blender with mint, lime, a good pinch of salt, and a splash of vodka for some fun. Simple syrup softens the sharp edges. Blend everything until you’ve got a thick, chilly slush. That salty-sweet combo, plus mint and lime, makes this the perfect thing for hot days or chilling out on the patio.

Monica
By Monica Monica
Updated on Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:44:25 GMT
Two chill glasses packed with frozen, pale-pink drinks topped with lime slices. Pin
Two chill glasses packed with frozen, pale-pink drinks topped with lime slices. | flavorsfuse.com

On those scorching summer days, this melon slush gives instant relief. I freeze juicy cantaloupe, blend it with a punchy mint syrup and a splash of vodka, and the sweet and salty flavors totally crush my thirst. I came up with this mashup on a sticky night just wanting something chill on the deck. Now it’s one of my top picks for poolside hangs or after-dark porch hangs.

People at my backyard bash polished these off before I even finished making more. That mix of salt and melon always gets laughs and starts new convos.

Vibrant Ingredients

  • Salt: Makes the cantaloupe’s flavor pop Even fancier with large flakes if you like
  • Fresh mint: Snag a handful with super green leaves for a strong taste
  • Lime juice: Keeps it lively and zesty every time you sip
  • Vodka or other neutral booze: Go with decent vodka—or switch it up with gin or tequila for a new twist
  • Cantaloupe cubes: Choose those that smell amazing and feel just ripe for a sweet base
  • Granulated sugar: Sweet stuff that smooths out the salty notes and boosts fruitiness

Simple How-To Steps

Finish and Enjoy:
Pour the thick slush into a glass. Top off with a sprig of mint or stick in a lime wedge to make it look sharp. Drink up right away before it goes watery
Tweak the Flavors:
Dip a spoon in and taste. Like it punchier? Toss in more salt. Too sweet? Not enough? Add a dash of syrup or water until it feels right
Time to Blend:
Dump in your frozen cantaloupe, cooled mint syrup, lime, salt, and your pick of booze into your most powerful blender. Start slow then crank it up, scraping down the sides if stuff gets stuck
Cool Down the Syrup:
Strain the syrup using a fine sieve to get mint bits out. Squeeze the leaves to grab all that flavor, then set aside until it's room temp
Simmer your Mint Syrup:
While melon chills, toss sugar, a splash of water, and your mint into a tiny pot. Heat it on medium, stir gently, wait till the sugar disappears, and the syrup picks up a hint of green from the mint—just a few minutes
Freeze the Melon:
Place cantaloupe pieces apart on waxed paper over a baking sheet. Throw it in the freezer 1–2 hours till mostly hard but not a frozen lump so it still mixes easily
Two glasses holding frozen pink drinks loaded with lime slices on top. Pin
Two glasses holding frozen pink drinks loaded with lime slices on top. | flavorsfuse.com

The thing that hooks me here is how salt turns basic cantaloupe into something kinda surprisingly sophisticated and totally fun. When my family first tried it, they couldn’t believe how bold the melon tasted with that salty punch

Saving Leftovers

Extra slush? Just spoon it into a freezer-safe box and freeze up to a week. It’ll firm up, so let it thaw a little then blend again with some water or vodka till smooth

Swap Options

No cantaloupe? Use honeydew or watermelon instead. Basil can stand in for mint if you want something more peppery. Vodka keeps things simple, but try rum or a dash of elderflower liqueur for a twist

Frozen margaritas in two glasses with lime slices on the sides. Pin
Frozen margaritas in two glasses with lime slices on the sides. | flavorsfuse.com

Ideas For Serving

Scoop this into frosty coupe glasses for a party vibe or freeze in popsicle molds for a grown-up ice pop. Sometimes I roll the rim in lime zest and salt for a little extra flavor hit

Food Traditions

Loving your fruit with salt happens everywhere from Thailand to Mexico because it just brings out all the goodness. Here, I gave that classic move a fresh, cooling spin for hot days

FAQs About the Recipe

→ Is it okay to use melons other than cantaloupe?

Totally! Try honeydew or watermelon instead. Just taste as you go because their sweetness or texture might be a bit different.

→ Can I skip the alcohol for a booze-free version?

For sure—just leave the vodka out. Add a little more lime or some sparkling water for extra zip if you want.

→ How come there's salt in this sweet drink?

Salt really wakes up the melon flavor and keeps the drink from tasting too sugary. It makes every sip more interesting.

→ What's the trick for a smooth, icy texture?

Freeze your melon pieces ahead of time and run them through a powerful blender. Add a splash more liquid if it seems too thick.

→ Which mint tastes best in this?

Spearmint’s a winner, but pretty much any fresh mint brings a cool, green vibe to the mix.

Melon Mint Slush

Frozen melon, mint, and tangy lime get blended with a little salt for a punchy, sweet-but-savory drink. Extra cool, super zippy, and really refreshing.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Total Time
20 min
By Monica: Monica

Category: Plant-Based Global

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Components

01 1 lime, squeezed for juice
02 1/4 cup plain sugar
03 A handful of fresh mint leaves
04 3 shots vodka
05 Pinch of salt (as much as you like)
06 2 pounds cantaloupe, chopped in cubes
07 1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Pour the cold slush into your favorite glasses. Add a little garnish if you want. Enjoy it right away.

Step 02

Drop the cantaloupe from the freezer into your blender with the syrup, lime juice, vodka, and salt. Blend it up until you've got a soft icy mix.

Step 03

Pour your syrup through a strainer to get rid of the mint bits. Toss the mint and let the syrup cool off completely.

Step 04

Mix sugar, water, and mint leaves together in a small pan on medium heat. Stir around until the sugar melts and everything turns light green, usually 2–4 minutes.

Step 05

Spread those cantaloupe cubes on a wax paper baking sheet. Pop the tray in the freezer and wait an hour or two until they're frozen solid.

Additional Notes

  1. Just leave out the vodka and use bubbly water instead for a booze-free version.

Essential Tools

  • High-speed blender
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Small saucepan
  • Wax paper-lined baking sheet

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This info is for reference purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 404
  • Fats: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Proteins: 4 g