A recipe for Xigua Niu Nai (西瓜牛奶, Taiwanese Watermelon Milk)! Cubes of watermelon are blended with milk and a little sugar for a cool and refreshing drink.
This Xigua Niu Nai (西瓜牛奶, Taiwanese Watermelon Milk) is such a refreshing way to use up any extra watermelon during the hot summer months.
Best of all, the drink comes together in about 5 minutes with only three ingredients! The longest part of the prep is cutting up the watermelon.
Simply blend together watermelon pieces with milk and sugar until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Serve immediately with ice.
I used about 4 cups of watermelon chopped into 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) pieces. This came out to 600 grams. The exact weight may differ based on the density of the watermelon.
If using a watermelon with black seeds, remove and discard the seeds before adding the chopped watermelon to the blender.
Adjust the sugar to taste. I only needed about 1 tablespoon (12 grams). The exact amount will depend on personal taste and the sweetness of the watermelon.
Some recipes I came across also add a tablespoon or two of sweetened condensed milk for a creamier texture. If using, omit the sugar at first and adjust to taste.
Blend the watermelon and milk at the lowest setting and just until smooth to avoid creating too much foam.
Serve the watermelon milk immediately after blending and straining. Definitely don’t skip the straining step. This helps create a more smooth drink.
Hey there fam! Ever heard of watermelon milk? If not buckle up ‘cause I’m about to blow ya mind with this freakin’ delish drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or, heck, any day you wanna feel refreshed. We’re diving deep into what this magical concoction is, how to whip it up in like five minutes, why it’s actually good for ya, and all the fun ways to make it your own. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be running to grab a watermelon and some milk to try this out!
What in the World is Watermelon Milk?
Let’s start with the basics, alright? Watermelon milk ain’t some fancy hard-to-get thing. It’s literally just watermelon blended up with milk sometimes a lil’ sugar if ya feeling sweet. It’s a drink that’s been around in places like Taiwan, where they call it Xigua Niu Nai—sounds exotic, right? But nah, it’s super simple. Think of it as a smoothie but lighter, cooler, and with that creamy twist from the milk. It’s like summer in a glass, no kiddin’!
I first stumbled on this idea when I was lookin’ for ways to use up a giant watermelon that was just sittin’ on my counter, begging to be eaten And let me tell ya, mixing it with milk was a game-changer. The juicy, watery vibe of watermelon mixes with the smooth, rich feel of milk, and bam—you got a drink that’s hydrating and satisfying all at once
How to Make Watermelon Milk: Easy-Peasy Recipe
Now, let’s get down to business. Making watermelon milk is so easy, even I can’t mess it up (and I’ve burned toast before, so that’s sayin’ something). Here’s the step-by-step to get ya started:
- Grab Your Stuff: You’ll need a ripe watermelon (the sweeter, the better), some cold milk, and maybe a spoonful of sugar if ya want a lil’ extra kick.
- Chop It Up: Cut up that watermelon into small chunks. Aim for about 4 cups of pieces—don’t worry about being exact, just eyeball it. If it’s got black seeds, pick ‘em out ‘cause nobody wants to sip on those.
- Blend It: Toss the watermelon chunks into a blender with about 1 cup of milk. Blend on low so ya don’t make a bunch of foam. Keep it smooth, ya know?
- Strain It: Pour the mix through a fine sieve to get rid of any pulp. This step’s key for that silky texture. Don’t skip it, trust me.
- Serve It Cold: Pop in some ice cubes if ya want, and drink it right away. It’s best fresh—don’t let it sit around or it loses that magic.
Here’s a quick lil’ table to sum up the recipe:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Chopped Watermelon | 4 cups (about 600g) |
Cold Milk | 1 cup (240ml) |
Sugar (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
Total Time: Like, 10 minutes tops.
Serves: 2 thirsty peeps.
Pro tip: If ya wanna get fancy, swap regular sugar for a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. It makes it creamier, almost like a dessert. Adjust the sweetness based on how ripe your watermelon is—sometimes it’s so sweet ya don’t need nothin’ extra!
Why Watermelon Milk is Kinda Amazing for Ya
Alright, now that ya know how to make it, let’s chat about why watermelon milk ain’t just tasty but also pretty darn good for your bod. Watermelon itself is a powerhouse, and when ya mix it with milk, you’re gettin’ a double whammy of goodness.
- Hydration Station: Did ya know watermelon is like 92% water? That’s right, it’s basically a juicy sponge. Sippin’ on watermelon milk keeps ya hydrated, especially when it’s hotter than heck outside. Hydration helps everything—your energy, your joints, even gettin’ rid of waste in your system.
- Nutrient Boost: Watermelon’s loaded with stuff like Vitamin C (a big chunk of your daily need in just a couple cups), which keeps your immune system on point. It’s also got Vitamin A for your eyes and skin, plus a lil’ B6 for brain stuff and potassium to balance things out. Milk adds calcium and protein, so it’s like a one-two punch of nutrition.
- Antioxidant Power: There’s this thing called lycopene in watermelon—way more than in most fruits. It’s a fancy antioxidant that might help with heart health and even protect your skin from sun damage. Ain’t that wild?
- Skin Glow-Up: Speakin’ of skin, the vitamins in this drink can help keep your face lookin’ fresh. Vitamin C helps make collagen (that stuff that keeps skin bouncy), and Vitamin A fixes up skin cells. I’ve noticed my skin feels less dry when I’m drinkin’ this regularly—could be a coincidence, but I’m rollin’ with it.
- Gut Friendly: Watermelon’s got fiber and water, both awesome for digestion. It keeps things movin’, if ya catch my drift, and helps ya feel light and comfy after a meal.
I ain’t sayin’ this is some miracle cure or nothin’, but it’s a tasty way to sneak in some health perks without feelin’ like you’re chokin’ down a boring salad. Plus, it’s low-cal if ya don’t go overboard with sugar—perfect for keepin’ things light.
A Lil’ History and Culture Behind Watermelon Milk
Now, let’s get a bit nerdy for a sec. Watermelon milk ain’t just somethin’ I made up in my kitchen—it’s got roots, especially in places like Taiwan. Over there, it’s a popular summer drink, often sold at night markets or lil’ street stalls. They blend up fresh watermelon with milk and serve it ice-cold to beat the heat. It’s not just a drink; it’s a vibe, a way to cool off and enjoy life with friends.
I love how food and drinks like this carry stories. Watermelon itself has been around forever, growin’ in hot climates and savin’ folks from thirst way before soda was a thing. Mixin’ it with milk might sound weird at first, but it’s just another way peeps got creative with what they had. And honestly, I’m here for it. Tryin’ drinks from other cultures makes me feel like I’m travelin’ without leavin’ my house.
Fun Twists to Jazz Up Your Watermelon Milk
If ya like playin’ around in the kitchen like I do, there’s tons of ways to switch up this drink and make it your own. Here’s some ideas that I’ve tried or been dyin’ to test out:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny splash of vanilla extract. It sounds odd, but it gives a warm, cozy vibe to the cool drink. Kinda like a dessert in a glass.
- Fruit Party: Toss in some other fruits while blendin’. A handful of strawberries or a banana can make it thicker and add new flavors. Just don’t overdo it—watermelon’s still the star.
- Herb Magic: Throw in a few fresh mint leaves before blendin’. It’s super refreshin’ and looks pretty as heck when ya serve it. Basil works too if ya feelin’ adventurous.
- Boozy Kick: Alright, this one’s for the grown-ups. Add a splash of vodka or rum if ya makin’ this for a summer party. It turns it into a sneaky lil’ cocktail—call it a “Watermelon Milk Punch” or somethin’ snazzy.
- Frozen Treat: Blend it up, then pour it into popsicle molds and freeze. Boom, ya got watermelon milk pops for the kiddos (or yourself, no judgment here).
I’ve messed around with the mint version a lot lately, ‘cause it just screams summer to me. What about ya? Got any crazy ideas to mix in? Hit me with ‘em—I’m always down to experiment.
When and How to Enjoy Watermelon Milk
One thing I love about this drink is how versatile it is. It ain’t just a one-trick pony. Here’s when I find myself reachin’ for a glass:
- Morning Pick-Me-Up: Instead of coffee, I sometimes start my day with this. It’s light, hydratin’, and gives me a lil’ energy boost without the jitters.
- Post-Workout Refuel: After sweatin’ it out, this drink cools me down and replaces some of them fluids I lost. Plus, the natural sugars in watermelon give a quick energy hit.
- Party Pleaser: Serve it at a BBQ or picnic, and watch folks go nuts over somethin’ different. It’s a convo starter for sure—everyone’s gonna ask how ya made it.
- Snack Pairin’: I like sippin’ this with salty snacks like chips or pretzels. The sweet-salty combo is just chef’s kiss, ya know?
And don’t stress about servin’ it fancy. A plain glass with a couple ice cubes works fine. If ya wanna impress, add a lil’ watermelon wedge on the rim or toss in a colorful straw. It’s all about havin’ fun with it.
Why Ya Should Make Watermelon Milk a Regular Thing
Let’s be real—there’s a gazillion drinks out there. So why bother with watermelon milk? For me, it’s all about balance. It’s healthier than soda or sugary juices, but it don’t feel like a boring “health drink.” It’s fun, it’s tasty, and it makes me feel good inside and out. Plus, it’s cheap as heck to make if ya got watermelon in season. Why spend bucks on store-bought stuff when ya can whip this up at home?
Another thing—I feel like it connects me to the seasons. Watermelon screams summer, and sippin’ on this drink reminds me to slow down, enjoy the sunshine, and appreciate the lil’ things. Maybe I’m gettin’ sappy, but there’s somethin’ special about a drink that’s tied to warm memories of picnics and beach days.
Troubleshootin’ Common Hiccups
Now, I ain’t gonna lie—sometimes makin’ watermelon milk don’t go perfect the first time. Here’s some stuff I’ve run into and how to fix it:
- Too Foamy: If ya blend it too hard, it gets all bubbly and weird. Keep the blender on low and stop as soon as it’s smooth. Easy fix.
- Not Sweet Enough: Depends on your watermelon. Taste it after blendin’ and add a lil’ sugar or honey if it’s blah. Start small—ya can always add more.
- Too Watery: If it feels more like juice than a creamy drink, cut back on the watermelon next time or use less milk. Play with the ratio ‘til it’s right for ya.
- Pulp Issues: Forgot to strain it and now it’s chunky? No biggie, just pour it through a sieve after. It’s worth the extra step for that smooth sip.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s a forgiving recipe, and even if it ain’t perfect, it’s still gonna taste good.
Pairin’ Watermelon Milk with Other Goodies
Since we’re talkin’ long-form here, let’s brainstorm some foods that go great with this drink. I’ve tried a few combos that just click, and I bet ya will love ‘em too:
- Savory Bites: Think light sandwiches or a BLT with a twist—maybe even sneak some watermelon into the sandwich for extra flair. The drink’s sweetness balances the savory.
- Sweet Treats: Pair it with a slice of cake or cookies. The lightness of the drink cuts through heavy desserts, makin’ it feel less guilty.
- Spicy Snacks: Got some spicy chips or nachos? The coolin’ effect of watermelon milk is perfect to tame the heat. It’s like a palate cleanser.
I’ve even had it with breakfast stuff like pancakes, and it’s oddly awesome. What would ya pair it with? I’m curious to see what weird combos y’all come up with.
Final Sip: Make Watermelon Milk Your Summer Go-To
So, there ya have it—everything ya need to know about watermelon milk and then some. It’s a simple, refreshin’ drink that’s got health perks, cultural coolness, and endless ways to customize. Whether ya keep it basic or go wild with add-ins, I promise it’s gonna be a hit in your kitchen. I’ve been hooked ever since I first tried it, and I ain’t lookin’ back.
Next time ya got a watermelon sittin’ around, don’t just slice it up—blend it into this magical drink. Share it with your crew, sip it on a hot day, or just treat yourself ‘cause ya deserve it. Got questions or wanna share how yours turned out? Drop a comment—I’m all ears. Let’s keep this summer vibe goin’ strong!
Looking for more Watermelon recipes?
Try my:
Xigua Niu Nai (Taiwanese Watermelon Milk) Recipe
Adapted from The 350 Degree Oven
Watermelon Milk Sherbet Recipe | Easy Summer Drink Recipe | Refreshing Drink Recipe
FAQ
Is watermelon good in milk?
Milk and melons should not be eaten together. Both are cooling, but milk is laxative and melon diuretic. Milk requires more time for digestion. Moreover the stomach acid required to digest the melon causes the milk to curdle, so Ayurveda advises against taking milk with sour foods.
Does watermelon milk exist?
Watermelon milk has a creamy and slightly sweet flavour with a light pink colour.
What does watermelon milk taste like?
It’s very popular among kids and adults for it’s sweet milky taste. My simple recipe is delicious and not too sweet! This refreshing drink is perfect as long as you use a sweet ripened watermelon. If you don’t, it may not be as sweet and you may need to rely on the maple syrup to make it sweeter.