Watermelon lemonade is a wonderfully bright and refreshing twist on a classic lemonade, and is a great way to use up lots of watermelon as well. Easy, pretty and tasty, it'll be your go-to all summer long.
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We are a family of watermelon lovers and usually have some in the fridge throughout the summer.
Whenever we have friends over for a barbecue, as is often the case for Memorial Day and other summer Holidays, we make sure to have a big bowl of it to snack on. The kids in particular dive in, but it's popular with everyone, being so refreshing and tasty.
In fact, when my eldest son had his first birthday we got a huge watermelon and sliced it up to add to the food table. My mother in law was convinced we'd have some leftover, but not at all. The kids in particular kept coming back for another slice in between splashing in the water and playing games.
I've used watermelon in a great fruit, herb and feta Israeli couscous salad, watermelon sorbet and a watermelon mojito. I remember sipping on watermelon martinis when I was in New York years ago, and may go down the cocktail route again more in due course.
For now, though, I'm glad I've found something the whole family enjoys in this wonderfully refreshing lemonade.
I made a papaya lemonade a while back and we loved it, and have meant to try another fruit lemonade since. Watermelon has such a wonderful freshness, as well as a great color, that it's perfect for making a bright, light lemonade.
We all immediately loved this and it has been a summer feature ever since we first made it.
Steps to make watermelon lemonade
This drink comes together in no time as all you do is:
- Dice up the watermelon and blend it.
- Strain to remove any stray seeds and coarse pulp.
- Add the lemon juice, simple syrup and water and stir together.
- Chill until ready and pour over ice.
- Garnish with mint and enjoy.
You can make lemonade with sugar directly to sweeten it/balance out the lemon, but simple syrup is generally better to ensure it all dissolves.
Plus, you can then use a mint-infused syrup to turn it into watermelon mint lemonade which is a whole extra level of refreshing!
Watermelon lemonade will be a great addition to your drink station throughout the summer. It's easy to make, fresh and with a wonderful flavor. Make sure you try some soon!
Looking for more refreshing summer drinks? Try these!
- Cantaloupe agua fresca
- Hibiscus tea, agua de jamaica
- Blueberry lemonade
- Strawberry agua fresca
- Plus get more inspiration in the drinks recipes archives.
Watermelon lemonade
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon (peeled, diced volume/ weight)
- ⅓ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup simple syrup (or more/less to taste), see notes
- mint & ice for serving
Instructions
- Put the watermelon cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine strainer to remove seeds and coarse pulp - you should get around 2 cups (480ml) of watermelon juice.
- Combine the strained watermelon juice, lemon juice, water and simple syrup and stir to mix. Adjust a little to taste as you feel needed, eg a little more simple syrup or water. Chill if not using immediately.
- Gently stir before serving over ice, garnished with mint.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Try some other summery fruit and veg ideas:
- Chilled Cantaloupe Soup with Preserved Lemon-Herb Salsa by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Fresh Fruit Tart with Orange Curd by My Pinterventures
- Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) by Palatable Pastime
- Grilled Ratatouille by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Shaved Asparagus Pizza with Brie by Karen's Kitchen Stories
Remember to pin for later!
Veena Azmanov
My absolute favorite summer drink and fruit to eat in summer. Watermelon lemonade is so refreshing and light. The perfect way to spend summer I think. Saving this for later.
Caroline's Cooking
I agree, it's definitely a perfect summer drink!
Molly Kumar
That's one of my fav summer drink and your recipe looks so easy to make. I'll have to make soon - Yummmm!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, I can understand why it's a favorite!
Marisa Moore
OMgeee! I just bought a huge watermelon and know what I'll be making with half of it this weekend! YUM!
Caroline's Cooking
Sounds like it was perfect timing!
Jill
Watermelon is perfect in drinks. This looks so refreshing for summer!
Caroline's Cooking
I agree, it really is!
Danielle
What a refreshing summer drink. Perfect for a garden party!
Caroline's Cooking
It would be perfect indeed!
Karen
Most definitely summer in a glass! I'm with Wendy too. Just a touch of vodka or tequila =)
Caroline's Cooking
Sounds like I need to make some more watermelon cocktails 🙂
Sue Lau
Melon makes some of the best tasting light summer drinks. Love it!
Caroline's Cooking
I agree, it has such a lovely fresh flavor.
Erlene
How funny. My son was just talking about watermelon lemonade last night when my hubby brought home a huge watermelon. Thanks for the recipe! Pinned.
Caroline's Cooking
Sounds like perfect timing! Enjoy!
Wendy
OOohhh, may I have a shot of vodka in mine please?
Caroline's Cooking
No reason why not, sure it would be good!