Watermelon Lemonade
Fresh, fruity, refreshing Watermelon Lemonade is the ultimate warm weather drink! This pretty pink drink is a fruity beverage that’s really pretty simple to make, with only 3 ingredients + water and ice.
It’s awesome to have in the fridge for cooling down lazy summer afternoons, or make up a double batch for your next summer BBQ. Either way, Watermelon Lemonade is sure to be your IT drink of summer!
Table of Contents
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
The Story Behind the Recipe
Watermelon Lemonade was our drink of summer, and before I leave it behind for pumpkin iced coffee and pumpkin everything else, I thought I’d better share the recipe!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, there is definitely a chill in the air, but we’ve got a few warm days left, and I’m determined to squeeze a few more Watermelon-Lemonade-sipping-on-the-patio days out of it!
Why You’ll Love It!
I’m not sure there’s a more appropriate hot-weather drink than watermelon lemonade! Watermelon screams summer. Lemonade screams summer. They’re both cool, refreshing, and delicious. They belong together!
One thing I really love about watermelon lemonade is that you don’t need as much sweetener as with traditional lemonade, because the watermelon adds some natural sweetness. Perfect!
Ingredients
Watermelon – Grab a fresh, ripe watermelon. I always knock on them, like my Mom used to. If it sounds hollow/echoey, it’s probably a good one! Other watermelon wisdom suggests looking for a large brown patch on one side, indicating that it ripened on the vine, or smelling the rind end of the watermelon – if it smells melon-y, you’re golden! But even with all of those tips, you might end up with a fuzzy watermelon. Don’t you hate that? I hope you will think of this recipe for Watermelon Lemonade the next time that happens, though, because we blend then drain and all that’s left is the watermelon juice.
Lemon juice – You’ll need 3/4 cups lemon juice, which takes 5 or 6 large lemons.
Sugar – I like to use straight-up granulated sugar. You can also use honey, if you like.
Water
Ice
Garnishes – Lemon slices, fresh mint, and/or watermelon slices if you really want to get fancy. All optional but all fun!
Adaptations/Variations
Watermelon Mint Lemonade: Add a large handful of mint to your pitcher and sprinkle some of the sugar over the top. Muddle it until crushed and some of the oils have been released. Add the Watermelon Lemonade and stir.
Honey Watermelon Lemonade: Use honey instead of sugar.
Watermelon Limeade: Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
Add the water, lemon juice, and sugar to a sturdy pitcher and stir it together until the sugar has dissolved. To make this process faster, you can warm 1/2 cup of the water, then stir the sugar into that until dissolved, let it cool, and proceed. Either way, you want your sugar to be completely dissolved because gritty lemonade = no thank you!
Next, add the watermelon to a blender and puree it completely.
If you like a completely smooth lemonade without any pulp or an errant little seed, go ahead and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into your pitcher. If you’re okay with it as-is, go ahead and just pour it straight in.
Then, just pour it in individual glasses of water, over ice, and garnish with mint, lemon slices, and watermelon wedges, if you like.
Yum!
Tips for Success
Choose a seedless watermelon to avoid having to pick out any seeds.
Use a high-speed blender for completely pureed watermelon. If you have another type of blender, be sure to blend for an extra minute or two.
Go forth and multiply! This recipe is great for a party! If you are wanting to make a larger amount of this recipe, simply double or triple the ingredients (note that you may need to puree your watermelon in batches).
Make-Ahead Tips
Can this be made in advance? Yes! I advise using a container that can be closed, such as a large jar, or a closed pitcher. Pour your prepared ingredients into the container, close and place in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, prepare your glasses, fill with ice, give the jar a good shake and pour!
Note: If you didn’t strain your watermelon, as this lemonade sits, the pulp from the watermelon will settle. Be sure to give it a good mix or shake prior to serving for best results.
More Lemonade Recipes
Strawberry Lemonade by the Glass
Boozy Strawberry Lemonade Slushies
Watermelon Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
Garnish suggestions
Lemon slicesFresh mintWatermelon wedges
Instructions
Notes
Storage:
Keep in an airtight or covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir the lemonade to re-combine (the watermelon may settle) before serving.
Nutrition
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