Watermelon lemonade made with fresh watermelon, lemon juice, sugar, and water. Blended smooth, strained, and served over ice. Three minutes from start to glass.
Three cups of chilled watermelon cubes, one to two cups of water, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and sugar to taste. Blended smooth, strained to remove pulp, poured over ice. Garnished with thin watermelon slices. Done.
The ratio of water to watermelon controls how strong the drink tastes. Less water means a thicker, more concentrated watermelon flavour. More water makes it lighter and easier to drink in volume. Start with one cup and add more after tasting. The last glass always turns into a small negotiation.
Tips for Making Watermelon Lemonade
Use chilled watermelon for a colder drink
Cube the watermelon and refrigerate for at least an hour before blending. Cold fruit means less ice, which means less dilution.
Seedless watermelon is easier, but seeded works too. The strainer catches everything.
Strain for a smooth texture
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press the pulp with a spoon to extract all the liquid.
Skipping the straining step leaves a grainy texture. It still tastes fine, but the drink looks clearer and feels smoother when strained.
Print
Refreshing Watermelon Lemonade
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Vegan
Description
Fresh watermelon blended with lemon juice, sugar, and water, strained smooth and poured over ice.
Instructions
- Put watermelon cubes in a blender together with water, lemon juice and sugar. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust to your taste by adding more lemon juice or sugar.
- Strain the liquid to remove pulp.
- Pour into a glass and add some ice cubes. Garnish with thin slices of watermelon. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Start with one cup of water and add more to taste. Less water means a thicker, more concentrated watermelon flavor.
- Chill the watermelon for at least an hour before blending. Cold fruit needs less ice, which means less dilution.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the pulp with a spoon. Skipping this step leaves the drink grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sugar should I add?
Start with one tablespoon and taste. Sweet watermelon may need none. Less ripe watermelon needs more. The lemon juice also affects perceived sweetness, so add the sugar after the lemon.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for up to two days. Stir before serving, as the watermelon settles. Add ice right before drinking.
Can I add alcohol?
Vodka or white tequila work well. One to two ounces per glass. The lemon juice and watermelon balance the alcohol. Serve over extra ice.
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
