How to Make Kakigori (Mango & Watermelon Shaved Ice Recipe)

Kakigori (shaved ice) has long been a beloved summer treat in Japan, especially during summer festivals, typically served with syrups made from sugar syrup, flavoring and food coloring, such as strawberry (red), melon (green) and lemon (yellow), and the colorful appearance is an appealing feature of Kakigori.

Today, I’ll introduce two delightful summer flavors of Kakigori: mango kakigori and watermelon kakigori. If you’re looking for a refreshing summer treat, these are definitely worth trying!

Let’s explore how to make mango shaved ice and watermelon shaved ice at home!

First thing first, you need the right tools to make kakigori at home. There are several options available depending on your preference and availability.

• Kakigori machine: The best choice for perfect Kakigori, with models that let you adjust ice fineness and texture.

• Blender/Food Processor: Can make fine ice, but check if your model can handle hard ice before using.

• Grater: Freeze ice in a box-shaped mold for easier grating; a milk or juice carton works well.

• Zipper Bag: Most affordable method. Add sugar to the ice mixture to keep it crunchy, freeze flat, then break into pieces with a rolling pin.

Presentation also plays a big role in making this summer treat even more enjoyable. Here are my tips!

Mango Kakigori Presentation

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

• Add plenty of fresh mango chunks for color and texture.

Mango kakigori tastes delicious with regular ice and mango syrup. For a creamier version, use sweetened milk ice as the base. Coconut milk is a great substitute, and adding passion fruit to the syrup creates a tropical twist.

Watermelon Kakigori Presentation

• Serve in a transparent glass to highlight its icy layers.

• Use a half-cut watermelon as a bowl, as shown in this recipe.

• Before adding the watermelon Kakigori, layer in shaved plain ice drizzled with melon (green) syrup to mimic a watermelon rind.

• Finish with small black toppings like sweet azuki beans, black beans, chocolate chips, black tapioca pearls, or blueberries to resemble watermelon seeds.

For a crisp, refreshing finish, try enhancing the flavor with a splash of lime juice and fresh mint.

Any shaved ice recipe can also be made Japanese-style by topping it with kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour).

If you’re interested in more kakigori recipes, check out our Uji Kintoki Kakigori (Matcha Shaved Ice), Melon Kakigori, and Strawberry Kakigori. You can also try using other flavors like uji matcha, grape, mandarin, and strawberry for variety.

Recently, I tried a sweetcorn-flavored kakigori, and it’s something you can try too! Why not share your own Kakigori recipe in the comments? We’d love to hear your original syrup ideas!