Description
Enjoy a refreshing Watermelon Lemonade, a perfect blend of sweet watermelon and tart lemon, ideal for hot summer days. This no-sugar drink is hydrating and healthy, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of fresh watermelon, cubed and seeded
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 2 cups of cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Select a ripe watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, blemish-free skin.
- Wash the outside thoroughly to remove dirt or pesticides.
- Cut the watermelon in half, then into quarters, and remove the seeds if necessary.
- Slice the flesh into cubes, aiming for about 4 cups.
- Roll each lemon on the countertop to release juices.
- Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or fork. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp, yielding about 1 cup.
- Place the cubed watermelon into a blender and blend on high speed until smooth (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
- Pour the watermelon puree through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher to remove pulp (optional).
- In the bowl or pitcher with the strained watermelon juice, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Pour in the cold water and stir well. Add sea salt if desired to enhance flavor.
- Taste and adjust flavors as needed, adding more lemon juice for tartness or a natural sweetener for sweetness (optional).
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled watermelon lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint, a slice of lemon, or a few watermelon cubes for decoration.
- Store any leftover watermelon lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again.
Notes
- For variations, consider blending in other fruits like strawberries or raspberries, or adding a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist.
- For a fizzy version, replace some cold water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes