A bowl of chilled watermelon is refreshing on its own, but blending it with fresh lemon juice turns it into a bright, sweet-tart summer drink. This watermelon lemonade makes the most of ripe fruit, with a simple homemade syrup to balance the citrus. Pour it over ice, add lemon slices and a few mint leaves, and bring the pitcher outside for a backyard meal or a relaxing afternoon.

Recipe

Watermelon Lemonade

No ratings yet

This watermelon lemonade makes the most of ripe fruit, with a simple homemade syrup to balance the citrus. Pour it over ice, add lemon slices and a few mint leaves, and bring the pitcher outside for a backyard meal or a relaxing afternoon.

Print Pin Leave a review

Scale

Ingredients

4–6 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed
Juice of 5–6 lemons
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
1–2 cups ice
1 additional lemon, sliced
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Instructions

Make the simple syrup.
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from the heat and let cool completely.
Blend the fruit.
Place the watermelon in a blender. Add the juice of 5 lemons and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until smooth. Work in batches if needed.
Sweeten to taste.
Add the cooled simple syrup gradually, blending briefly and tasting as you go. You may not need all of it, depending on the sweetness of your watermelon.
Add the juice of the remaining lemon if you prefer a more tart lemonade.
Prepare the pitcher.
Fill a pitcher with the ice and pour in the watermelon lemonade. Add the lemon slices and optional mint leaves. Stir gently.
Serve.
Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately while cold.

Connie’s notes

Choose ripe watermelon. Sweet, flavorful fruit gives the lemonade its best flavor.
Chill the watermelon first. Starting with cold fruit keeps the drink refreshing without needing as much ice.
Adjust the lemon gradually. Lemons vary in size and tartness, so start with less juice and add more to taste.
Cool the syrup completely. Warm syrup melts the ice and dilutes the drink.
Strain for a smoother texture. Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer before adding it to the pitcher if you prefer less pulp.
Add water if needed. A small splash of cold water can soften the flavor if the lemonade tastes too concentrated.
Gently bruise the mint. Lightly press the leaves before adding them to release their aroma.
Add ice close to serving. If making ahead, refrigerate the lemonade without ice and add it when ready to pour.
Stir before serving. Natural separation is normal. Keep covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days.