Description
Watermelon Lemonade is the perfect refreshing summer drink combining the sweet juiciness of watermelon with the tart brightness of fresh lemons. This homemade beverage is sweetened with simple syrup, chilled, and garnished with fresh fruit and mint, making it a delicious and hydrating treat for hot days.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Juice
- 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
Sweeteners 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
Garnishes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Watermelon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Cut Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes to yield about 8 cups of fruit, ensuring the watermelon is seedless and well chilled for best flavor.
- Blend Watermelon: Place the watermelon cubes into a blender and blend until smooth, creating a pure watermelon juice base.
- Strain Puree: Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander to filter out solids, discarding the pulp for a smooth beverage.
- Prepare Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemons to obtain 1 cup of lemon juice, being careful to remove any seeds to avoid bitterness.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup water; heat gently while stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, then allow the syrup to cool.
- Mix Lemonade Base: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup, stirring until fully incorporated and adjusting sweetness to your preference.
- Add Watermelon Juice: Pour the strained watermelon juice into the pitcher with the lemon-sugar mixture and stir well to combine flavors evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir; taste and add additional water if a lighter consistency is desired.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the watermelon lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve cold.
- Prepare to Serve: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the chilled watermelon lemonade into the ice-filled glasses and garnish each with lemon slices, watermelon wedges, and optional fresh mint sprigs.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve the watermelon lemonade fresh for the ultimate cooling and flavorful summer drink experience.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your watermelon and personal preference.
- For a fizzy twist, substitute some of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Make sure to strain the watermelon thoroughly for a smooth texture free from pulp.
- The lemonade base can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and natural flavor.
- Keep the drink chilled until serving to maximize refreshment.
