Description
Watermelon Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the natural sweetness of chilled watermelon with the tangy brightness of freshly squeezed lemons. This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for hot days, offering a hydrating and flavorful way to cool off. Sweetened with a simple syrup that can be adjusted to taste, this lemonade is beautifully garnished with lemon slices, watermelon wedges, and fresh mint, making it both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Fresh Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Watermelon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Syrup and Liquids
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 4 cups cold water, plus more to adjust consistency
Other
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, aiming to have about 8 cups. Ensure the watermelon is chilled for a refreshing final drink.
- Blend Watermelon: Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and blend until smooth and pureed.
- Strain Puree: Pour the watermelon puree through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander to remove any solids or pulp. Discard the solids to achieve a smooth juice.
- Extract Lemon Juice: Squeeze lemons to obtain 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, making sure to remove any seeds to keep the lemonade smooth.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine Lemon and Syrup: In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup. Stir well and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar or syrup to taste.
- Add Watermelon Juice: Pour the strained watermelon juice into the pitcher with the lemonade base. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Add Water: Pour 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher and stir. Check consistency and adjust by adding more cold water if the lemonade is too strong or thick.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill nicely.
- Prepare Glasses: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes to keep the drink cold when served.
- Serve Lemonade: Pour the chilled watermelon lemonade into the ice-filled glasses.
- Garnish: Decorate each glass with lemon slices, watermelon wedges, and optional fresh mint sprigs for an extra touch of freshness and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this perfectly refreshing summer beverage.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar in the simple syrup depending on the sweetness of your watermelon and personal preference.
- For a bubbly version, substitute some or all of the cold water with sparkling water.
- To make it vegan-friendly and healthier, consider using natural sweeteners like agave or honey instead of granulated sugar, though honey is not vegan.
- Leftover watermelon lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Straining the watermelon juice is key to avoid pulp and create a smooth texture, but if you like it pulpy, you can skip this step.
