Watermelon Lemonade with Mint (with Cocktail option!)
Posted: 07/27/2020
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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.
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: It’s super refreshing and you can make it ahead.
How long it takes: 50 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: small saucepan, citrus juicer, pitcher
Servings: 6 (one cup each)
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. Sip your drink and nibble on honey lemon shortbread cookies. Aaah!
Look for the easy printable recipe at the end of this post. It contains measurements, instructions, and nutrition information.
FAQs
Is drinking lemonade good for you?
Both lemons and watermelon contain lots of vitamin C and other nutrients that are good for you (source: Healthline).
The downside is that lemonade and other fruit juices contain a lot of sugar, both natural and added, which isn’t so great for your health. Drinking these beverages in moderation is fine.
Why is lemonade called lemonade?
It’s called lemonade rather than “lemon juice” because it’s a beverage made with lemon juice, water, and sugar. Lemonade was first sold in Paris, France, in 1676.
Make It 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. Warning: you don’t need much because the extract can easily overpower the drink.
- Try mixed berry or tropical blend juice instead of watermelon.
Make Ahead & StorageTips
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.
If you have leftover lemonade, it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, as long as ice hasn’t been added.
More summer Beverages
Cool off this summer with refreshing icy cold drinks. Try one of my favorites:
- Green Smoothie
- Mojito Milkshake
- Grapefruit and Elderflower Cocktail
- Cranberry Margarita
- Cantalope and Cucumber Water
- Blueberry Mint Iced Tea
- Fruit Slushie
- Papaya Watermelon Smoothie by Bliss of Cooking
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
cups
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.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1cup, Calories: 258kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 171mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 753IU, Vitamin C: 24mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
denise says
sounds lovely and refreshing.
Rachel Gurk says
Thanks Denise! It really is.