Watermelon Basil

Watermelon has a very high water content, so it freezes into hard ice; adding a small amount of sugar, citrus, or salt is crucial for a smooth, scoopable texture instead of shaved ice.

Flavor pairings: chili-citrus blends like Tajín, a pinch of sea salt, lime or lemon zest, fresh mint or basil, cinnamon, sumac, or ginger — blended into the base or used as a topping.

1. The Classic Watermelon Sorbet

• Watermelon: fill the pint with cubes up to the max fill line (approx. 350 g).
• Sugar or honey: 2 tbsp (helps lower the freezing point for a smoother texture).
• Lime juice: 1 tbsp fresh.

1. Freeze for 24 hours.
2. Spin on Sorbet.
3. If it looks crumbly, add 1 tbsp of water or juice and Respin.

2. The Sweet & Spicy Street-Style Swirl

• Watermelon: fill the pint with cubes up to the max fill line.
• Sugar: 2 tbsp granulated.
• Lime juice: 1 tbsp fresh.
• Chili blend: 1 tsp Tajín Clásico Seasoning mixed into the base.

1. Freeze for 24 hours.
2. Spin on Sorbet.
3. Make a hole in the center, add an extra 1/2 tsp of Tajín, and press Mix-In.

3. The Creamy Watermelon-Coconut Swirl

• Watermelon: fill the pint halfway with pureed watermelon (approx. 1 cup).
• Coconut milk: 3/4 cup full-fat canned.
• Maple syrup: 2 tbsp (or honey).
• Ginger: 1/4 tsp ground (optional, for a warming kick).

1. Whisk together, freeze for 24 hours, and spin on Lite Ice Cream.

4. The Savory Watermelon-Basil Refresher

• Watermelon: fill the pint with cubes up to the max fill line.
• Agave or sugar: 2 tbsp.
• Sea salt: a small pinch (1/16 tsp).
• Fresh basil: 4-5 leaves, chopped.

1. Freeze the watermelon, sugar, and salt for 24 hours.
2. Spin on Sorbet.
3. Add the chopped basil into the center hole and run the Mix-In cycle.

Pro-tips: Let the pint sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before spinning to protect the blade. If the first spin looks crumbly, add 1 tbsp of liquid (water, lime juice, or watermelon juice) and press Respin.