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. You 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 watermelon slushie made with frozen chunks of watermelon!
And lemonade is a classic summer drink. I often serve sparkling pink lemonade with homemade berry syrup. Have you ever made vodka lemonade? It’s super easy. A lemon smoothie is so refreshing!
This watermelon lemonade recipe combines two favorites, watermelon and lemonade, into a super refreshing summer drink. Add a just a whisper of cool mint to watermelon lemonade, and you have the perfect sipper.
So chill out and get refreshed. Celebrate the lazy days of summer!
Watermelon Lemonade
Easy to make. 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.
Cocktail option. You can easily make watermelon lemonade into 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.
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. Chill until ready to serve.
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!
Make It Your Own
- Make your own watermelon juice. It’s a bit more healthy to make your own because you can eliminate the extra sugar. 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.
- Add a little fizz. Stir in a mixer like club soda, sparkling water, or tonic.
- Simple syrup substitute: If you don’t feel like making simple syrup (although it’s very easy!), 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.
- Make it berry good! Try mixed berry or tropical blend juice instead of watermelon.
Make the simple syrup up to a week in advance. Squeeze the lemons in the morning.
You can also mix all the ingredients up to a day ahead, adding ice when you’re ready to serve the watermelon lemonade.
Storage: 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.
Summer Beverages
Watermelon Lemonade with Mint (with Cocktail option!)
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 (or lime juice)
- 1 cup vodka, gin, or 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 sweet drinks, I usually 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.
- Add fizz: Stir in a mixer like club soda, sparkling water, or tonic.
- Don’t want to make 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.
- Juice options: In place of the watermelon juice, try mixed berry or tropical blend.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
sounds lovely and refreshing.
Thanks Denise! It really is.