Name: Watermelon Lemonade
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487345H27M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed; 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons); ½ cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste); 2–4 cups cold water (to dilute); Ice; Optional: lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish

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A bright and refreshing drink perfect for hot days, combining juicy watermelon and tangy lemon into a revitalizing homemade beverage.

Watermelon Lemonade

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this drink is naturally sweet and super hydrating. It’s simple—just a few wholesome ingredients—and tastes fresh without any artificial stuff. It’s the best way I’ve found to make keep cool on a scorching day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups of seedless watermelon, cubed
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
½ cup sugar or honey, adjusted to your taste
2–4 cups cold water (to dilute to your liking)
Ice and optional lemon slices or mint leaves for serving

Directions

I blend the watermelon until it’s completely smooth.
If I want a smoother texture, I strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
I stir in the fresh lemon juice.
I add sugar or honey and mix until fully dissolved—if I use honey, I warm it slightly first so it blends easily.
I pour in cold water and taste, adjusting sweetness or dilution as needed.
I chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, then serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices or mint if I want that extra touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 cups, or 4–6 standard glasses. Prep time takes around 10 minutes, plus chilling time of at least 30 minutes. Total time is about 40–45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap part of the water for sparkling water to add some fizz.
Adding a handful of strawberries or raspberries in the blender makes a lovely red-berry twist.
For a more herbal note, I blend in fresh basil or mint.
It also makes a fun cocktail base—vodka or white rum stirred in is a crowd-pleaser.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always give it a good stir before serving because the juices separate over time. I don’t reheat this—plain cold tastes best.

FAQs

What can I use instead of sugar?

I prefer honey, agave, or even maple syrup. All dissolve well—just warm the liquid sweetener slightly before mixing for smooth blending.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes—making it ahead is a breeze. I keep it chilled in the fridge and serve over ice when guests arrive.

Can I make this fizzy?

Absolutely! I swap half the water for chilled sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz intact.

Do I need to strain the watermelon juice?

It’s optional. I strain it when I want a perfectly silky texture, but if I like a bit of pulp, I skip the sieve.

How tart or sweet should it be?

I aim for balance: when chilled and poured over ice, it should taste lightly sweet with a bright lemon kick. I often start with ½ cup sweetener and adjust after chilling and tasting.

Conclusion

This watermelon lemonade brings together juicy sweetness and bright citrus in one refreshing glass. It’s simple, natural, and vibrant—everything I love in a summertime drink. Whether I’m cooling off after work or hosting friends in the backyard, this always hits the spot.