Fresh Watermelon Lemonade: Cool, delicious, and refreshing, this summer drink is the perfect addition to a pool party, backyard BBQ, or even just a lazy day lounging in the sun.
Not only does it look impressive, but it doesn’t require any special techniques or stovetop cooking, and uses only a few simple ingredients. So, whether you’re looking for a fun and festive drink to serve at your next gathering or just something to quench your thirst on a hot day, give this watermelon lemonade recipe a try.
This watermelon lemonade recipe is…
- Easy to make with only 4 ingredients.
- Ready in less than 10 minutes.
- Healthier than many store bought lemonades, which can be loaded with extra sugar.
- Lightly sweet and refreshing – perfect for a hot summer day!
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- Fresh seedless watermelon, cut into large pieces
- Water
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Granulated sugar
- Extra fresh watermelon and lemon slices for garnish
Supplies:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Citrus juicer
- Large blender
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
- A pretty pitcher
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade:
To make things even easier for you, I created a simple photo guide below. For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Step 1 – In a large blender, combine fresh watermelon, water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and granulated sugar.
Step 2 – Blend on high speed until smooth, about 60 seconds. Add additional sugar if desired, and blend again.
Step 3 – Pour watermelon lemonade over ice, and garnish with a lemon slice or watermelon wedge.
Adaptations and Variations:
- Turn it into a non alcoholic spritzer! Reduce the water in the blender by half, and top your lemonade with club soda, lemon lime soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water just before serving.
- Make it mint infused: Muddle 1 or 2 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of your glass, then pour the watermelon lemonade on top.
- Watermelon lemonade cocktail: Add 3/4 of a cup vodka, white rum, or tequila to the pitcher before blending. Don’t forget to label the pitcher for adults only.
When to Serve Watermelon Lemonade
This easy recipe is good all summer long, but you’ll want to make a big pitcher for these occasions:
Essential Tips:
Don’t skip these tips – read them before baking to avoid any potential mistakes.
- Use ripe watermelon: Have you ever eaten watermelon when it wasn’t in season? It’s so sad and bland. Make this recipe when you know you can get a good fruit, or check out the FAQs below for tips on picking a ripe watermelon.
- A good citrus juicer makes all the difference. You can squeeze a cup of lemon juice in no time with this style of juicer.
- Adjust the sugar: You can start with as little as 1/4 cup granulated sugar, if you’re using an extra sweet watermelon, and simply adjust for sweetness after blending.
- If your watermelon lemonade is too sweet: Add a couple extra squeezes of lemon juice and blend again. Adjust with additional watermelon or lemon juice until you’re satisfied.
- This makes a thick lemonade. If you want to, you can strain the watermelon lemonade through a fine mesh sieve to remove the watermelon bits after blending.
- We love to serve our watermelon lemonade in shatter proof stemless wine glasses. But you could also serve them in clear tumblers, or mason jars. Don’t forget to add a cute paper straw to make your drinks extra festive.
Make a big batch for a party:
This recipe makes about 6 medium servings, and is perfect for a large blender. To make enough for a party, you’ll need to make your lemonade in batches.
I used a large blender for just 6 servings, so you’ll need to make the recipe 3-4 times in your blender and combine it all in a large party jug with plenty of ice.
Want to avoid spending hours on end preparing food for your party? Click here to download 10 Fast and Easy Party Recipes that don’t take more than 20 minutes of your time to prepare.
FAQs:
How Do I Pick a Good Watermelon?
There’s lots of advice out there, but here’s what works for us:
- Find a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. That’s going to be a juicy watermelon!
- Look for watermelons that are scratched up. This means that the bees and insects were trying to get inside for all the sweetness. (Seems crazy, but it really does work for us!)
- Check the field spot. That lighter colored section of the rind where the watermelon was sitting in the field? It can tell you a lot. Try to find a watermelon with a yellowish field spot, and avoid watermelons with white or light field spots.
Can I freeze this to make a watermelon lemonade slushy?
The best way to make a watermelon lemonade slushy is to substitute crushed or cubed ice for half the water while blending. You can also freeze the watermelon chunks before blending to add to the slushy-ness.
Can I use jarred lemon juice instead?
I 100% understand the temptation to use the stuff from the jar. However, I find that lemon juice to be far more concentrated, which is why I recommend using fresh lemons if at all possible.
If you’re really short on time or money and need to use jarred lemon juice, start with 1/2 cup and then adjust for flavor after blending.
Do you love everything watermelon?
Then you’re going to love this adorable watermelon-inspired art print set. It’s perfect for instant summer home decor, as a fun addition to your DIY drinks bar at your backyard pool party, or even to use for making fun summer crafts.
Grab the whole set for one small price, and print it out over and over again.
Storage Tips/Freezing, Etc.
This recipe is best enjoyed on the day you make it. However, you can store any leftovers in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Don’t forget to give it a stir before drinking, as the watermelon will separate after a while.
More Tasty Summer Drinks To Try:
If you liked my watermelon lemonade recipe, you’re going to love these:
Or you can check out the the best summer drinks right here.
Watermelon Lemonade
Delicious and refreshing, this watermelon lemonade recipe is just what your summer BBQ or backyard party needs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh seedless watermelon pieces
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Extra fresh watermelon and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a large blender, combine 4 cups fresh watermelon, 4 cups water, 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
- Blend until smooth, about 60 seconds. If you want a sweeter lemonade, add additional sugar, and blend again.
- In your blender, combine watermelon, water, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend for about 60 seconds, until smooth.
- Pour watermelon lemonade over ice, and garnish with a lemon slice or watermelon wedge.
Notes
Remember, the step-by-step photos and FAQ in the recipe post are there to help you if you feel stuck at any point.
- This makes a thick lemonade. If you want to, you can strain the watermelon lemonade through a fine mesh sieve to remove the watermelon bits after blending.
- You will need 4-5 large lemons to get one cup fresh lemon juice. (See the Tips and FAQ in the recipe post for getting the most lemon juice out of each lemon)
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