Description
Cool summer days find refreshment in homemade Watermelon Lemonade, blending sweet fruit with zesty citrus. Fresh ingredients and simple steps promise a delightful drink you’ll crave on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients:
- 7 cups (1.7 liters) seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (about 3 whole lemons)
Sweeteners:
- 2/3 cup (160 grams) granulated sugar
- Optional: Honey or agave syrup
Liquids and Garnishes:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) sparkling lemon-flavored water
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) sparkling watermelon-flavored water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices
- Watermelon slices
- Optional: Mint leaves
- Optional: Basil leaves
- Optional: Cucumber slices
Instructions
- Transform ripe watermelon into silky liquid by thoroughly blending chunks and straining through a fine mesh sieve to extract pure, pulp-free juice.
- Create a harmonious base by whisking watermelon juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar until crystals completely melt and integrate.
- Elevate the drink’s effervescence by gently incorporating sparkling lemon and watermelon-infused waters, stirring with delicate circular motions.
- Prepare serving glasses by filling them generously with crystalline ice cubes to ensure a perfectly chilled beverage.
- Cascade the vibrant crimson liquid over the ice, allowing it to tumble and cool instantaneously.
- Artfully decorate each glass with thin, translucent lemon crescents and ruby-red watermelon triangles for visual appeal.
- Optional: Scatter fragrant mint or verdant basil leaves atop the drink to introduce an aromatic herbal dimension.
- Present immediately, inviting guests to savor the refreshing summer concoction while its temperature remains pristine and flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet watermelons for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust sugar levels based on the watermelon’s natural sweetness to prevent over-sweetening.
- Strain the watermelon juice thoroughly to ensure a smooth, pulp-free texture.
- For a low-sugar version, replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand to keep the lemonade refreshingly cold without diluting ice.
- Experiment with herb garnishes like mint or basil to add a subtle aromatic twist.
- Freeze watermelon cubes as an alternative to ice to prevent drink dilution.
- Create a spiked version by adding vodka or white rum for an adult summer cocktail.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Mocktails
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg