How to Make Frozen Watermelon Pops

Cool, juicy watermelon is always a must-have at any summer get-together, so if you're looking for an extra special way to serve it up, try these easy frozen watermelon pops made with wedges of real watermelon. They're delicious on their own or jazzed up with a few special tricks. Keep reading to learn three different ways to make delightful frozen watermelon pops, step by step.

Slicing your watermelon

fresh watermelon cut into two halves — Jessica Furniss

The first step is to slice the watermelon in half right through the middle, as shown above. Make sure you slice it "hamburger" style and not "hotdog" style, as we used to say in school. You want to slice it so you end up with two short pieces instead of two long pieces.

Next slice the two halves in half again, as seen below. Now you will have four quarters.

cutting a watermelon half into quarters with a large knife — Jessica Furniss

Take one quarter and lay it long side down. Cut half circle slices about ¾-inch in thickness, as seen below. It's important to cut the half moons at the largest end of the watermelon to get the largest pieces. You will have some watermelon left, so we suggest using your leftovers to make this fun, refreshing watermelon salad.

slicing watermelon quarters into half-moons with a large knife — Jessica Furniss

Slice each half moon into three fairly even triangles. These will become your watermelon pops!

Below are two options for flavoring your watermelon pops before you freeze them. If you're going for plain frozen pops or chocolate pops, simply scroll down to the section titled "Popsicle sticks" for your next instructions.

Boozy pop option

wedges of fresh watermelon soaking in tequila to make boozy watermelon pops — Jessica Furniss

To make your pops boozy, you first need to make a diluted alcohol mixture. We chose to do a tequila pink lemonade but you can get creative with the booze of your choice.

Tequila pink lemonade mixture:

Makes 6 pops

In a medium bowl mix ½ cup tequila, ½ cup prepared pink lemonade, and ¼ cup sparkling water. Place the watermelon triangle wedges into a long casserole dish as seen above and pour the liquid over the watermelon. Allow wedges to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. After their soak, move to the instructions below titled "Popsicle sticks."

There will be liquid left over in the casserole dish after you soak your watermelon, which is perfect for making a margarita! Simply use your leftover liquid as a 1:1 replacement for the liquor called for in the margarita. We love Chef John's Perfect Margarita.

Tajín pop option

wedges of fresh watermelon sprinkled with lime juice and tajin seasoning — Jessica Furniss

For this savory option you just need two extra ingredients: fresh limes and Tajín seasoning.

Tajin savory pops:

Makes 6 pops

In a small bowl, juice one lime. Place the watermelon wedges on a plate and, using a spoon, sprinkle each wedge with lime juice. Next sprinkle a small amount of the Tajín seasoning onto each slice as shown above.

Popsicle sticks

popsicle stick inserted into a wedge of fresh watermelon to make a watermelon pop — Jessica Furniss

Next grab some popsicle sticks and gently insert them into the watermelon triangle wedges at the base where the rind is. If you're having trouble inserting the sticks you have two options. You can very carefully use a paring knife to create a slot for the popsicle stick (just a small hole to help with inserting the stick is perfect because if you cut the hole too big your popsicle stick won't stay in!) or you can use skewers instead of popsicle sticks. Push the popsicle sticks or skewers into the watermelon until they are about halfway in, as seen above.

Rack and freeze

frozen watermelon wedges with popsicle sticks inserted — Jessica Furniss

Next, place a rack onto a cookie sheet or baking tray and place your pops onto the rack. Freeze them for 1–2 hours.

Now that your pops are frozen, the boozy pops or Tajín pops are ready to serve!

The chocolate pops option requires the watermelon wedges to be frozen before you decorate them, so if you're making those, keep reading for further directions.

Chocolate pops option

using a fork to drizzle chocolate sauce on wedges of frozen watermelon — Jessica Furniss

In a small bowl melt ½ cup dark chocolate chips. If using the microwave, be sure to microwave in 10-second increments until melted, stirring in between to prevent burning.

Keep the frozen plain watermelon pops on their rack and use a fork to drizzle the melted chocolate onto the pops as seen above. Work quickly to add your sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

How to store watermelon pops

If you have leftover pops, store them in an airtight container in the freezer with a piece of parchment paper between each pop. If they freeze for more than 3 hours, allow them to sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before eating. They will be at their best if eaten within 1–2 days.