Ingredients
6 cups Fresh Watermelon, cubed
1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
4–5 cups Cold Water
1/4–1/2 cup Natural Sweetener (Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar)
As needed Ice
As needed Lemon slices (Optional garnish)
As needed Fresh mint (Optional garnish)
As needed Small watermelon wedges (Optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Carefully cube 6 cups of fresh watermelon, removing any visible seeds
- Blend the Watermelon: Place the cubed watermelon into a high-speed blender and blend until it becomes a smooth, liquid purée (1-2 minutes)
- Strain the Watermelon Purée (Optional but Recommended): Pour the watermelon purée through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer set over a large bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the solids, extracting as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp
- Juice the Lemons: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, squeeze fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the strained watermelon juice into a large pitcher. Add the fresh lemon juice and 4 cups of cold water. Stir everything together thoroughly
- Sweeten to Taste: Add your chosen natural sweetener (honey, maple syrup, etc.), starting with 1/4 cup. Stir well and taste. If preferred sweeter, add more sweetener, a tablespoon at a time, until desired level is reached
- Adjust Consistency: If the lemonade tastes too strong or too sweet, add the remaining 1 cup of cold water, or even a bit more, until your preferred strength and flavor balance is achieved
- Chill and Serve: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill completely. Pour over plenty of ice, and garnish with fresh lemon slices, mint leaves, or small watermelon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For the best results, choose a ripe watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot, ensuring maximum sweetness and color.
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for vibrant acidity; roll lemons on the counter before juicing to make extraction easier.
Taste and adjust the amount of natural sweetener and lemon juice to achieve your desired balance, as watermelon sweetness varies.
Thoroughly chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours, before serving to enhance its refreshing qualities and allow flavors to meld.
For the smoothest drink, strain the watermelon purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or fibrous bits.
Store leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for future use or slushies.
Garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint, or small watermelon wedges to elevate the presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Summer American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 62 kcal
- Sugar: 14.1 g
- Sodium: 1.5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.4 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg