There’s nothing that shouts sunny afternoons and barefoot backyard joy quite like a tall, frosty glass of Watermelon Lemonade. This irresistible summer refresher mixes juicy, sweet watermelon with zippy, fresh lemon juice for a blend that’s not only vibrant in color, but outrageously thirst-quenching. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a pitcher of pure, sippable sunshine—perfect for family cookouts, picnics, or any moment when you crave something both fun and hydrating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Watermelon Lemonade:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 3 cups cold water
Optional Garnishes:
- ice cubes
- watermelon wedges and lemon slices
- fresh mint
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Watermelon
Toss your watermelon cubes into the blender and let them whirl until everything is ultra-smooth and juicy. Starting with chilled watermelon makes things extra cold right from the beginning, but don’t worry if yours is room temp; there’s plenty of time for chilling later!
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
If you like your Watermelon Lemonade silky, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. This step catches any pulp or seeds that managed to sneak in, but you can absolutely skip it if you enjoy a little texture.
Step 3: Add Lemon and Sweetener
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle in the sugar or honey. Stir everything together vigorously so the sugar dissolves all the way—you shouldn’t see any grains left at the bottom.
Step 4: Stir in Cold Water
Top up the pitcher with chilled water. Give it another good stir to blend in all the flavors. At this point, taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness; a little more sugar or an extra squeeze of lemon will personalize it perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
Fill each glass with plenty of ice and pour over the freshly made Watermelon Lemonade. This keeps every sip icy and refreshing, even on the hottest day.
How to Serve Watermelon Lemonade
Garnishes
For party-worthy presentation, crown each glass with a tiny watermelon wedge, a slice of lemon hooked on the rim, and a sprig of fresh mint. Not only does this add color and visual pop, but the herbs and fruit release extra aroma as you sip—pure summer!
Side Dishes
Watermelon Lemonade is the ultimate match for summertime favorites. Pair it with light salads, grilled vegetable skewers, or a crisp cheese plate. If you’re going picnic-style, think fried chicken, fresh fruit salads, or crunchy chips for a spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour Watermelon Lemonade into mason jars for a rustic vibe, or add fun, colorful straws for kids’ parties. Make it sparkle by replacing a cup of still water with sparkling water just before serving, or toss in frozen watermelon chunks in place of ice cubes for an extra punch of flavor (and no dilution).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra, pour the Watermelon Lemonade into a covered pitcher or airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. Just give it a stir before serving, as some separation is natural.
Freezing
Turn leftover Watermelon Lemonade into ice pops or lemonade cubes! Pour into molds or an ice tray, freeze, and enjoy a grab-and-go treat. This is also a fabulous way to chill and flavor future drinks without watering them down.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Watermelon Lemonade shines when it’s icy cold! If it’s too chilly from the fridge, you can leave it out on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving, or stir in a few more cubes of ice to mellow the chill.
FAQs
Can I make Watermelon Lemonade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip it up the night before and chill in the fridge. Just wait to add any sparkling water or fresh garnishes until just before serving for the best fizz and freshness.
Is it possible to make this lemonade without a blender?
While a blender makes the process a breeze, you can also use a food processor or even a potato masher (with some elbow grease) to break down the watermelon. Simply strain well to remove any extra pulp.
What type Beverage
Seedless watermelon is ideal for speed and ease, but any juicy, ripe watermelon will do. Just remember to remove seeds before blending if you’re not using a seedless variety.
Can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
Of course! Taste as you go and tweak with more or less sugar, honey, or lemon juice. Since watermelons can vary in sweetness, trust your palate to find that perfect balance.
How can I make this drink vegan?
It already is! Simply use granulated sugar (choose organic to ensure it’s 100% vegan) or swap in your favorite plant-based sweetener. Watermelon Lemonade is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and totally plant-powered.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better way to beat the heat than with a glass of homemade Watermelon Lemonade—bright, tangy, and so memorable, you’ll want to serve it at every sunny gathering. Gather your ingredients, blend up a batch, and get ready for smiles all around. Cheers to the delicious taste of summer!
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Watermelon Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool off on a hot day with this refreshing Watermelon Lemonade recipe. Made with fresh watermelon, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect summer drink.
Ingredients
Watermelon Lemonade:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 3 cups cold water
Optional Garnishes:
- ice cubes
- watermelon wedges and lemon slices
- fresh mint
Instructions
- Puree Watermelon: In a blender, puree watermelon until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove pulp, if desired.
- Mix Ingredients: Add lemon juice and sugar to the pitcher and stir until sugar dissolves. Pour in cold water and stir to combine.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice, pour in the watermelon lemonade, and garnish with watermelon wedges, lemon slices, and mint if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace 1 cup of water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
- You can also blend the mixture with ice for a frozen slushy-style drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
