Refreshing Watermelon Lemonade is perfectly sweet with just enough tart flavor! This is the perfect drink for summer and it only takes a few minutes to make. Serve it at your next pool party or barbecue. It will be a huge hit!
Once you start sipping this fruity Watermelon Lemonade, it’s hard to stop! It’s the most delicious, chilled, thirst-quenching drink to enjoy when the temperatures are rising.
If it’s heating up where you live, this watermelon lemonade recipe is a must try! It will definitely keep you going on a hot summer day! It’s smooth, sweet, and just a little bit sour. It’s highly requested at any summer party or gathering that I host, and I know your family and friends will be just as hooked as mine!
It only takes a few simple ingredients to whip this up. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover watermelon! It’s also so easy to customize, too! You can add a splash of alcohol, other fruit purees or make it bubbly. You’ll want to have it in the fridge all summer long!
Ingredients Needed
- Watermelon: Choose the freshest seedless watermelon you can find. Use a sharp knife to remove the rind and cut into cubes.
- Lemons: Fresh lemon juice gives homemade lemonade the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if it’s easier for you.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is the perfect way to sweeten the drink without overwhelming the fruit flavor.
- Cold water: Dilutes the lemon juice to give the lemonade the proper consistency.
- Garnish: Add a garnish of watermelon wedges, lemon slices and mint for a gorgeous presentation. You’ll also need ice for serving.
Variations/Substitutions
There are lots of ways to change up your lemonade to make it your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Make it sparkle: Add some carbonation to your drink by swapping the water for Sprite or a sparkling watermelon flavored water. You could also top off each serving with some Sprite or Fresca.
- Low sugar: For a low-sugar option, use monk fruit or stevia instead of sugar.
- Make it boozy: An adult version of this drink is perfect for parties, try adding a splash of vodka to individual servings.
How to Make It
- Blend watermelon: Blend the cubed watermelon in a blender until pureed. Remove from the blender and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Combine all ingredients: To a pitcher, add the lemon juice, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the strained watermelon and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust: Taste and add more lemon juice, sugar, or water as needed. Top pitcher with ice and fresh mint leaves.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate (without ice) for up to 2 days. Garnish with watermelon wedges, lemon slices, and mint leaves before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use a seedless watermelon, so you don’t have to worry about picking out all of the seeds.
- Once the watermelon is pureed, strain it through a fine mesh strainer. This will remove all of the pulp and make for a smoother drink.
- Get a head start on this recipe by squeezing the lemons ahead of a party or event.
- If you’re making this for a large get-together, consider making two pitchers. Trust me, it will go quick!
More Drink Recipes
Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed watermelon, cold
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 3-4 lemons
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 cups cold water
- watermelon wedges, lemon slices, mint, ice for serving
Instructions
- Blend the cubed watermelon in a blender until pureed. Remove from the blender and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- To a pitcher, add the lemon juice, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the strained watermelon and stir to combine.
- Taste and add more lemon juice, sugar, or water as needed. Top pitcher with ice and fresh mint leaves.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate (without ice) for up to 2 days. Garnish with watermelon wedges, lemon slices, and mint leaves before serving.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe by: Layla Atik // Gimme Delicious | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Frequently asked questions
Do watermelon and lemon go together?
Watermelon and lemon pair together exceptionally well! You get the natural sweetness from the juicy watermelon and a pop of tartness from the lemon juice. The sugar adds just enough sweetness for the perfect combination of flavors.
Can I use honey to make watermelon lemonade?
You can, but it’s important to note that the honey will impart a different flavor. I recommend starting with about 1/4 cup of honey and taste test before adding any more.
How do you pick a good watermelon?
A perfectly sweet and juicy watermelon should look symmetrical, be heavy for its size, give a deep sound when tapped and have a large, yellow field spot.
Storage Recommendations
If you have leftover watermelon lemonade, store it in a pitcher without the ice. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 2 days.
