SUMMER SLUSHIES

Written by Neitya Pathania, The Young Vision Ambassador (Since 2017), GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai.

Ahhh! Summer is back again… Aren’t you feeling dehydrated and exhausted? Well I am… And frankly speaking there is nothing better than sipping on a refreshing slushie on a summer’s day. So, presenting sweet, energising and refreshing drinks for this summer – put your apron on and let’s beat the heat in ten easy steps.

INGREDIENTS

WATERMELON-LIME

1 6-to 7-lb. Watermelon
Simple syrup (2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt)
Zest of 2 limes
Juice of 4 limes (about 1/2 cup total)

HONEYDEW-GINGER-MINT

2 4-lb. Honeydew Melons
Simple syrup (2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt)
2 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
4 sprigs fresh mint

CANTALOUPE-BASIL

1 6-lb. Cantaloupe (Rock Melon)
Simple syrup (2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt)
2 large sprigs fresh basil

DIRECTIONS- (You Can Use For All Three Slushies)

First up, remove the skin and seeds from the melons (pick any one from the above)
Second, cut the melon into 2-inch pieces (make sure you are left with approx. 4 pounds total).
Third, to make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Fourth, bring to a boil.
Fifth, reduce heat and simmer (don’t stir) until the sugar completely dissolves – 2 to 3 minutes.
Sixth, remove from the heat and stir in the flavourings (everything but the melon) and then let cool completely.
Seventh, strain into a small bowl or measuring cup.
Eighth, in a blender, mix the ingredients in two batches; mix half the puree with half the melon.
Ninth, strain the puree into a metal loaf pan or square pan; repeat with remaining syrup and melon in a similar manner. Finally, cover and freeze until set for about 8 hours.
Tenth, when ready to serve, using a fork, scrape the surface of the melon ice to create large flakes. Then, transfer the melon ice flakes into glasses, top with a splash of soda water, and serve with additional fruit, if desired.