Treat yourself to this delicious homemade Watermelon Lemonade! This easy recipe is the ultimate summer drink ... you're going to love the amazing flavor, and the fact that it only takes minutes to make!
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Need a signature summer drink? Then, you have to try this refreshing Watermelon Lemonade recipe!
I've fallen head over heels for this gorgeous lemonade. It has a perfectly balanced sweet - tart flavor that's totally crave worthy, the recipe is quick and easy, and it's vibrant pink color is a show-stopper.
This delicious drink is the perfect way to beat the summer heat and to use up a giant watermelon. And you'll probably want to make a double batch, because it's impossible to stop at one glass.
Never made homemade lemonade before? It's actually much simpler (and less fussy) than you'd think, and you only need four ingredients to make it (one of which is water). So skip the powdered stuff and get ready for the best lemonade of your life!
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Ingredients
This easy watermelon and lemon drink only requires four ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Fresh Watermelon
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
Simple, right? Of course, that means you'll want to use the best quality ingredients, like the sweetest, juiciest watermelon (check out my tips for choosing one below) and fresh-squeezed lemon juice ... do not use bottled lemon juice for this recipe!
You'll Also Need
You'll need a blender to puree the watermelon, as well as a juicer for the lemons, and a fine mesh strainer to strain the juice.
How to Pick a Watermelon
Choosing a watermelon may seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Try these three simple tips on your next shopping trip:
- Pick it up. Juicy melons should feel heavy for their size.
- Look for a yellow spot. A creamy, yellow spot (versus a pale, white one) where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing indicates that it was allowed to fully ripen before harvesting.
- Give it a thump. The watermelon’s surface should be firm, and a juicy one should have a deep hollow sound.
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
If you've never made fresh lemonade at home, you might be surprised to find out that it's super easy. And I have a really easy trick for adding the sugar (no simple syrup or endless stirring required)! You'll find a detailed recipe below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Prepare watermelon. Start by cutting the melon into chunks, then puree it in your blender. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, then slowly pour the watermelon juice through it. Stop occasionally to stir the liquid in the strainer and press on the pulp. While it isn't 100% necessary to strain the juice, it makes a much smoother drink.
- Juice the lemons. After you've made the watermelon juice, squeeze the lemons. You'll need ¾ cup lemon juice for the recipe, which is about three large, juicy lemons. I'd recommend purchasing extra lemons though, because they can really vary in juiciness ... better safe than sorry! Before tossing the peels, thinly slice one and set it aside.
- Combine the sugar + water. I have a really neat, time-saving hack for dissolving the sugar, which I learned from a favorite cookbook. Simply add four cups hot tap water (not boiling) and ¾ cup sugar to a pitcher. Then, stir until the sugar dissolves. You'll know you're done when the water turns clear.
- Mix everything together. Add the lemon juice and sliced lemon peel to the sugar-water. Stir, then mix in the watermelon juice.
And that's all there is to it, your homemade Watermelon Lemonade is ready to drink! This recipe makes eight servings. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and watermelon wedges, if you wish.
Variations
I kept this recipe quite simple, but it's easy to change up the flavors. Try one of these variations once you've mastered the basic recipe:
- Sweeter / Less Sweet - For sweeter lemonade, add more sugar to taste. To make it extra tart, stir in more lemon juice.
- Herbs - To add an herbal twist to your drink, blend in ½ cup basil or mint leaves along with the watermelon. The fresh herb flavor will remain even after you strain the juice.
- Berries - Got a bunch of berries on hand? Swap out some of the watermelon for fresh strawberries or raspberries.
- Sparkling - Add a fun, sparkling twist to this drink! To add bubbles without changing the flavor, prepare the recipe with two cups water (instead of four). Then, add ¼ cup sparkling or mineral water (I like Topo Chico) to each glass before serving. To create a lighter mocktail-type drink, prepare the recipe as directed, then stir ¼ to ½ cup sparkling or mineral water—depending on how light / sweet you'd like your drink—into each glass before serving.
- Cocktail - Turning this drink into a cocktail is easy. Simply add a shot of your fave vodka, or for a delicious botanical flavor, try gin. Cheers!
Related Recipes
Looking for more watermelon drinks? Try my Watermelon Juice, Watermelon Punch, Watermelon Margaritas, and Watermelon Mojitos! You'll also love these other lemonade flavors, too:
- For my favorite classic recipe, make this delicious Lemonade by the Pitcher!
- This Strawberry Lemonade is the perfect combination of tart and sweet.
- Don't want to make a big pitcher? You'll love this Single Serving Lemonade!
- If you're a rhubarb lover, add this Rhubarb Lemonade to your must try list.
- This Orange Lemonade (Orangeade)is bursting with sweet citrus flavor!
- Craving a cocktail? Make this Spiked Raspberry Lemonade or this Lemonade Shandy.
Need to use up a big meal? Check out all of my watermelon recipes for tons of refreshing ideas, like Watermelon Quinoa Salad, Watermelon Popsicles, Watermelon Salsa, and more!
Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped watermelon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups hot water (from faucet, not boiling)
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (reserve peel from one juiced lemon)
Equipment
Instructions
- Puree watermelon in blender, then strain through fine mesh strainer. Set aside juice and discard pulp.
- Combine sugar and hot water in a pitcher. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Stir fresh lemon juice into sugar-water. Thinly slice reserved lemon peel, then add to pitcher.
- Add watermelon juice and mix well.
- Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready to drink. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
