Watermelon Lemonade Recipe
If ever there was a recipe that screams summer in a glass, this Watermelon Lemonade would absolutely be it! Incredibly refreshing, vibrantly pink, and sweet-tart in all the right ways, this is the drink you’ll want at every picnic, barbecue, and poolside hangout. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot afternoon or just craving something bright and hydrating, homemade Watermelon Lemonade delivers pure sunshine with every sip.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Watermelon Lemonade:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
- ice cubes for serving
- optional lemon and watermelon slices for garnish
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Watermelon
Toss those vibrant watermelon cubes right into your blender. Blitz until completely smooth—you want a silky purée that’s the essence of summer.”
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the blended watermelon through a fine mesh strainer directly into a large pitcher. This simple step removes any pulpy bits or stray seeds, giving your Watermelon Lemonade a restaurant-worthy, smooth finish.
Step 3: Add Lemon, Sugar, and Water
Now stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cold water. Mix it all up until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and tweak the sweetness if needed, because every watermelon is unique!
Step 4: Chill Thoroughly
Pop your pitcher in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This lets the flavors mingle and ensures every sip of Watermelon Lemonade is bracingly cold and refreshing.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
When it’s time to pour, heap your glass with ice, then fill with the lemonade. Garnish with lemon slices or a playful watermelon wedge—then grab a straw and enjoy your masterpiece!
How to Serve Watermelon Lemonade

Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Float a few thin lemon wheels or tuck a tiny triangle of watermelon right onto each glass. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of fresh mint adds a fragrant pop of green and makes your Watermelon Lemonade downright irresistible.
Side Dishes
This drink is meant for sunshine and good company, so pair it with crisp salads, grilled veggies, fruity salsas, or classic summer fare. Watermelon Lemonade is especially good alongside spicy or smoky flavors—it’s like the world’s most refreshing palate cleanser!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to basic pitchers! Serve Watermelon Lemonade in mason jars for picnics, pour it into a big glass dispensers with floating garnishes for parties, or freeze into popsicles for a frosty surprise. You could even rim glasses with sugar or spicy Tajín for extra fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Watermelon Lemonade left (it’s rare, but possible!), just cover the pitcher and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days—just give it a quick stir before serving again.
Freezing
Pour leftover lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. These cubes won’t dilute your next glass and make a fun, frosty way to chill any beverage. You can even blend frozen cubes for a slushie treat!
Reheating
Since lemonade is all about cool refreshment, there’s really no reheating needed. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply pour over fresh ice for that crisp, just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I make Watermelon Lemonade without sugar?
Absolutely! If your watermelon is already super sweet and ripe, you may find you don’t need any added sugar, or just a little. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
What if I don’t have a blender?
If you’re blender-less, try mashing the watermelon cubes with a potato masher or fork, then strain to remove the pulp. It takes a bit more elbow grease, but still produces delicious Watermelon Lemonade.
Can I make this into a sparkling Watermelon Lemonade?
Yes! For a fizzy version, replace some or all of the water with chilled sparkling water right before serving. The bubbles add a playful twist that’s especially festive for parties.
Could I add alcohol for a grown-up version?
Definitely—vodka, rum, or even prosecco are beautiful additions! Just mix them in to taste and call it a Watermelon Lemonade cocktail. Always enjoy responsibly.
Is this Watermelon Lemonade recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and totally plant-based. All you need is fruit, water, and sugar—nothing but refreshing goodness!
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Lemonade is the drink I reach for first whenever I want to taste summer. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s an instant classic—raise your glass, sip, and let those sweet-tart watermelon vibes transport you right to summertime bliss!
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Watermelon Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Beat the summer heat with this refreshing Watermelon Lemonade recipe. Made with fresh watermelon, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect drink for a hot day.
Ingredients
Watermelon Lemonade:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
- ice cubes for serving
- optional lemon and watermelon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Blend Watermelon: Place watermelon cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the purée through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove pulp and seeds.
- Prepare Lemonade: Add lemon juice, sugar, and cold water to the pitcher; stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices or watermelon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a naturally sweeter version, skip the sugar if your watermelon is very ripe.
- For a sparkling twist, replace some of the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
- Fresh mint leaves also make a refreshing garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg