Watermelon Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe
Watermelon Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink that combines the sweetness of ripe watermelon with the tartness of fresh lemon juice. This cool, hydrating beverage is perfect for hot days, offering a vibrant pink color, natural sweetness, and a touch of minty freshness. Easy to prepare and perfect for parties or casual sipping, this drink is a delightful way to stay refreshed and hydrated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Watermelon Lemonade
- 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water, plus more to adjust consistency
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Watermelon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Watermelon: Cut watermelon into 1-inch cubes making approximately 8 cups of fruit. Ensure the watermelon is chilled for maximum refreshment.
- Blend Watermelon: Place watermelon cubes into a blender and blend until completely smooth to create a pure watermelon juice.
- Strain Puree: Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander to remove seeds and pulp, obtaining a clear juice. Discard solids.
- Juice Lemons: Squeeze fresh lemons to extract 1 cup of lemon juice, making sure to remove any seeds for a clean, bright flavor.
- Make Sugar Syrup: Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then allow the syrup to cool.
- Mix Lemonade Base: In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and the cooled sugar syrup. Stir well to dissolve sugar fully. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Add Watermelon Juice: Pour the strained watermelon juice into the lemonade base and stir to combine evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: Add 4 cups cold water to the pitcher, stirring thoroughly. Add more water if the lemonade is too thick to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Chill the Drink: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the watermelon lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare to Serve: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled.
- Serve Lemonade: Pour the chilled watermelon lemonade over the ice-filled glasses for a refreshing presentation.
- Garnish: Add lemon slices, watermelon wedges, and fresh mint sprigs to each glass for an appealing look and added freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this cool, invigorating summer drink!
Notes
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of your watermelon and personal preference.
- For a fizzy twist, substitute some cold water with sparkling water before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker drink, reduce the amount of added water.
- Mint sprigs are optional but add a pleasant aromatic freshness.
- Use seedless watermelon to avoid extra straining and seeds in the drink.
- Leftover watermelon puree can be frozen for later use in smoothies or popsicles.
Keywords: watermelon lemonade, summer drink, refreshing drink, fruity lemonade, healthy beverage, homemade lemonade, chilled drink, natural sweetener
