On a sweltering summer day, when the sun seems like it’s waging a personal vendetta against us, there’s nothing quite like a tall glass of watermelon lemonade to set things right. It’s like a mini-vacation in a cup—sweet, tangy, and refreshingly cold. I remember the first time I tasted it at a friend’s barbecue last July; it was love at first sip.
Steps
- Cut the seedless watermelon into cubes, ensuring you have about 6 cups, and chill them. Blend the watermelon until smooth, yielding roughly 4 cups of puree. Strain this puree using a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any pulp.
- In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups of cold water, 3/4 cup of freshly strained lemon juice, and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk the mixture until all the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Add the strained watermelon puree to the pitcher and stir well to mix. Introduce ice cubes and fresh mint leaves into the pitcher or individual serving glasses as desired.
- If the ingredients were not pre-chilled, you can add more ice instead of some water to cool the beverage. Store the prepared lemonade in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled (equivalent to 2 lbs after peeling)
- 4 cups cold water
- 3/4 cup fresh strained lemon juice, chilled
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories 828 | Calories from Fat 54 | Fat 6g | Saturated Fat 6g | Sodium 60mg | Potassium 1212mg | Carbohydrates 216g | Fiber 6g | Sugar 192g | Protein 6g | Vitamin A 5190IU | Vitamin C 144mg | Calcium 102mg | Iron 6mg
FAQ
- Can I use pre-made watermelon juice instead of fresh watermelon?
- Yes, you can use store-bought watermelon juice if fresh watermelon is not in season or if you’re short on time. However, freshly blended watermelon will give the best flavor.
- What can I add to Watermelon Lemonade to make it a cocktail?
- To turn this drink into a cocktail, you can add vodka. It serves as an excellent base for alcoholic beverages and can be customized with other fruits like strawberries or pineapple for added flavor.
- How do I ensure my Watermelon Lemonade is not too sweet or too tart?
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference. Start with the recommended amount and gradually add more if desired. Similarly, you can adjust the lemon juice to find the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- What if I don’t have time to chill the ingredients before making the lemonade?
- If you’re short on time, you can compensate by adding more ice in place of some of the water. This will help cool the drink quickly.
- How can I make sure I pick a good watermelon for this recipe?
- Choosing a ripe watermelon can be tricky. Look for a symmetrical shape, a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground, and a hollow sound when tapped. These are indicators of a ripe and juicy watermelon.
Tips
- To ensure a perfectly sweet and tangy lemonade, adjust the amount of sugar to taste. You may need more or less depending on the sweetness of the watermelon you use.
- If you don’t have time to chill the ingredients beforehand, simply use additional ice cubes in place of some of the water to maintain the drink’s refreshing coolness.
- For an added twist, consider using this Watermelon Lemonade as a base for cocktails by adding vodka, or enhance it with other fruits like strawberries and pineapples for a different flavor profile.
- When selecting watermelons, aim for a ripe and sweet one to enhance the overall flavor of the drink. Large lemons are more reliable for producing a good amount of juice, so choose those when possible.
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large pitcher
