Kids Summer Drank

Ingredients

• About 1/8watermelon
• 225 g (about 1 1/2 cups)frozen pineapple chunks
• 225 g (about 1 1/2 cups)frozen mango chunks
• Juice of 3fresh lemons
• To tastesugar
• 1 wedgewatermelon, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the watermelon

   Cut away the rind and blend about one eighth of a watermelon until pureed.

2. 2

   Add frozen fruit

   Add about 225 g (1 1/2 cups) each of frozen pineapple and mango chunks, then blend again.

3. 3

   Finish and serve

   Add the juice of 3 lemons and sugar to taste. Blend once more until smooth, pour into a glass and garnish with a watermelon wedge.

What is a kids' summer drink?

This is a simple blended fruit drink for warm-weather gatherings, rather than a traditional drink with a specific regional origin. Watermelon provides the fresh, juicy base, while frozen pineapple and mango make it thick and frosty without adding ice.

Lemon juice sharpens the fruit flavours, and a little sugar can be added to suit the fruit and your taste.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 90 calories, 0g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fat.

The fruit supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the recipe contains very little fat or protein. Pair a glass with a protein-rich barbecue option and savoury vegetables or salad to make a more balanced plate.

Why frozen fruit works

Frozen pineapple: it chills and thickens the drink as it blends, so there is no need for ice that could dilute the flavour.

Frozen mango: it adds a soft, creamy body. Use the fruit straight from the freezer for the coldest, thickest result.

Getting a smooth blend

Blend the watermelon first to make a liquid base, then add the frozen fruit. This gives the blender liquid to work with before it tackles the firmer pieces.

If the mixture is slow to move, pause and scrape down the sides before blending again; avoid adding water unless you want a thinner drink.

Balancing the flavour

Lemon: its acidity balances the sweet fruit, but the juice of three lemons can taste quite sharp depending on their size and ripeness. Blend it in and taste before adding sugar.

Sugar: add it gradually, blending briefly after each addition, so you can stop when the drink tastes right.

Serving and texture

Serve as soon as the drink is smooth, while the frozen fruit still gives it a chilled, slushy texture. A watermelon wedge on the rim makes a simple garnish.

For a thinner pour, blend a little longer as the fruit softens; for a thicker drink, keep the frozen fruit fully frozen until blending.

What to serve alongside

The drink suits a barbecue or poolside spread, especially alongside savoury grilled food. It can also be served on its own as a fruity refreshment between activities.

Pour it just before serving so it stays cold and retains its blended texture.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use ripe watermelon for a naturally sweet, juicy base.
• Keep the pineapple and mango frozen until you are ready to blend.
• Blend the watermelon before adding the frozen fruit to help the mixture move.
• Taste after adding the lemon juice and before sweetening.
• Serve promptly for the best frosty texture.

Variations

• Extra citrus: add lemon juice gradually for a sharper finish.
• Less sweet: leave out the sugar if the fruit is sweet enough.
• More watermelon: increase the fresh watermelon for a looser, fruitier drink.
• Single-fruit twist: replace either the pineapple or mango with more of the other frozen fruit.
• Garnish change: add a small wedge of lemon alongside the watermelon.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding sugar too soon: taste the blended fruit and lemon first, then sweeten gradually.
• Using thawed fruit: it makes the drink less frosty; keep the pineapple and mango frozen.
• Adding ice: it can dilute the flavour; the frozen fruit provides the chill.
• Overfilling the blender: blend in batches if needed so the fruit can circulate.
• Blending too early: the drink can lose its slushy texture while it sits; serve soon after blending.

How to store

This drink is best served immediately. If needed, keep it covered in the fridge and use within 1 day; stir or briefly re-blend before serving, though it will be less frosty.

Frequently asked questions