Description
This Watermelon Limeade Cocktail is a refreshing summer drink that blends sweet watermelon with zesty lime juice. It’s simple to prepare and can be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage or enhanced with vodka or rum for a delightful cocktail experience. Perfect for hot days, this vibrant drink is garnished with fresh mint and lime slices, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups of seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- 1/4 cup of simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups of cold water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lime slices for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup of vodka or rum for an alcoholic version
Instructions
- Start by cutting the watermelon into cubes. Make sure to remove any seeds if youre using a watermelon that has them.
- Place the watermelon cubes into a blender and blend on high speed until it becomes a smooth puree, about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Pour the watermelon puree through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher to remove any pulp.
- Set the strained watermelon juice aside. You should have about 3 cups of juice.
- In a separate bowl or pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice and simple syrup, starting with 1/4 cup of simple syrup and adjusting to taste.
- Stir the lime juice and simple syrup together until well combined.
- Add the watermelon juice to the lime mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Add the cold water or sparkling water to the mixture and stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles.
- Taste your watermelon limeade and adjust the sweetness or tartness as desired.
- Refrigerate the watermelon limeade for at least 30 minutes to chill, or serve immediately over ice.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the watermelon limeade over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
- For the alcoholic version, add 1-2 ounces of vodka or rum to each glass.
- Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime on the rim.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, stirring before serving again.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, consider adding a splash of coconut water.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka or rum.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes