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Refreshing watermelon lemonade in a glass. Summer drink recipe.
Lady Maria

Refreshing Watermelon Lemonade

Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing Watermelon Lemonade. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tartness of lemon for a perfectly balanced and hydrating drink. It's easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 4 cups cold water
  • Ice, for serving
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish optional
  • Watermelon slices, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • blender
  • Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
  • Large pitcher
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • Lemon juicer
  • Spoon or whisk
  • Serving glasses
  • Ice

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into cubes and remove any seeds.
  2. Blend the Watermelon: Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  3. Strain the Watermelon Juice: Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer into a large pitcher to remove pulp.
  4. Make the Lemonade Base: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the fresh lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gently heating the lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over low heat can speed up the dissolving process; cool completely before proceeding.
  5. Combine the Juices: Pour the lemon juice mixture into the pitcher with the watermelon juice.
  6. Add Water: Add the cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Watermelon Lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint sprigs or watermelon slices, if desired.

Notes

For the best flavor, use a ripe, juicy watermelon and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Straining the watermelon juice is crucial for a smooth texture. Store leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For a sparkling version, substitute some of the water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving. To prevent a bitter taste, avoid squeezing the lemons too hard, as this can release bitter compounds from the pith.