Refreshing Watermelon Lemonade
This Watermelon Lemonade recipe combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the tartness of lemons for a vibrant and thirst-quenching summer drink. Easy to make with real ingredients, it's perfect for hot days, barbecues, or a refreshing pick-me-up.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
- Large pitcher
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Lemon juicer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed watermelon seedless preferred
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 6-8 lemons
- ¾ cup granulated sugar or sweetener of choice
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish optional
- Watermelon wedges, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into cubes, removing any seeds if present. Aim for approximately 6 cups of cubed watermelon.
- Blend the Watermelon: Place the watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth, creating a thick, pink puree.
- Strain the Watermelon Juice: Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander into a large bowl. This removes pulp and seeds for a smoother lemonade. Discard the solids.
- Make the Lemonade Base: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Combine Watermelon and Lemonade: Pour the strained watermelon juice into the pitcher with the lemonade base. Add the cold water and stir until well combined, achieving a vibrant pink color.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness as desired. Add more sugar if too tart, or more lemon juice if too sweet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pitcher of watermelon lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour in the watermelon lemonade. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs or watermelon wedges, if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, use a ripe, heavy watermelon and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Be sure to completely dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice before adding other ingredients to avoid a grainy texture. This lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a sparkling version, substitute some of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving.