Watermelon Lemonade with Mint (with Cocktail option!)
Refreshing pink watermelon lemonade with just a hint of mint is a perfect summer drink for all ages — just add vodka to make a cocktail.
Steamy hot summer days are just perfect for sitting in the shade or under an umbrella in a comfy lawn chair, holding a tall cold drink with lots of ice. Maybe you’re browsing through a magazine, engrossed in a good book, or chatting with a couple of good friends. The one essential is something nice and cold to sip on. Have to stay hydrated, right?
Refreshing watermelon lemonade covers all the bases for a perfect summer drink. Isn’t watermelon the first fruit you think of when you’re craving really juicy sweet fruit? So juicy that it runs down your chin and arms when you take a big bite. I love this strawberry watermelon slushie spritzer.
And lemonade is a classic summer drink. I love this sparkling pink lemonade with homemade berry syrup. Have you ever made vodka lemonade? It’s super easy. Or a lemon smoothie? So refreshing!
Add a just a whisper of cool mint to watermelon lemonade, and you have the perfect drink.
You can easily make a cocktail by adding vodka, tequila, or gin. Hmmm, I think we need a catchy name for this adult beverage. Any ideas? Watermint-jito? Melomintade? Or maybe not.
So chill out and get refreshed. Celebrate the lazy days of summer!
About this watermelon lemonade:
For a really easy drink, I like to use pre-made watermelon juice, like Simply Watermelon, which is found in the refrigerated juice section of grocery stores. Simply Watermelon is a juice blend that does have added sugar.
Stir together watermelon juice, simple syrup infused with mint (see recipe for instructions) and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large pitcher.
For an adult beverage, mix in alcohol of your choice.
Right before serving, add desired amount of ice to the pitcher, or fill individual glasses with ice and pour the drink over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a wedge of lemon. Maybe both.
Isn’t that easy? You don’t want to work hard to make a summer drink to relax with. Get outside, find some shade, and enjoy!
How to make this drink your own:
- If you want to make your own watermelon juice (admittedly, more healthy), simply add chunks of watermelon to your blender and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Try this watermelon juice recipe by Cookie + Kate.
- Instead of lemon, try freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Like a little fizz? Add a mixer like club soda, sparkling water, or tonic.
- Don’t want to make a simple syrup? Stir in an extra cup of water, and a drop or two of peppermint extract. You don’t need much because the extract can easily overpower the drink.
- Try mixed berry or tropical blend juice instead of watermelon.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Make the simple syrup up to a week in advance. Squeeze the lemons in the morning.
Or mix all the ingredients up to a day ahead, adding ice when you’re ready to serve the watermelon lemonade.
Cool off this summer…
Hot summer days cry out for icy cold drinks. Try one of my favorites:
Watermelon Lemonade with Mint (with Cocktail option!)
Refreshing pink watermelon lemonade with just a hint of mint is a perfect summer drink for all ages -- just add vodka to make a cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, more for garnishing if desired
- 3 cups watermelon juice (I use Simply Watermelon)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon Juice
- 1 cup vodka (vodka, gin, tequila) or 1 cup water
- Ice
Instructions
- Make simple syrup by combining sugar, water, and 1 cup fresh mint leaves in small saucepan Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes. Strain and cool.
- In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients except ice (note: if you don't like drinks super sweet, you might want to add half of the simple syrup first, and then add more to taste). Stir until well combined.
- When ready to serve, add ice to fill the remainder of the pitcher or serve over ice in individual glasses.
Notes
- Recipe is easily doubled or halved.
- Make your own watermelon juice: add chunks of watermelon to blender and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Instead of lemon, try freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Like a little fizz? Add a mixer like club soda, sparkling water, or tonic.
- Don't want to make a simple syrup? Stir in extra cup of water, and a drop or two of peppermint extract. You don't need much because the extract can easily overpower the drink.
- In place of the watermelon juice, try mixed berry or tropical blend.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 149Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 37mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 1gSugar: 35gProtein: 1g
RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.
Husband’s take: Ben loves how light and fresh this drink is.
Changes I would make: None are necessary!
Difficulty: Easy!
2 Comments on “Watermelon Lemonade with Mint (with Cocktail option!)”
sounds lovely and refreshing.
Thanks Denise! It really is.