Watermelon Lemonade
Homemade watermelon lemonade is one of the most refreshing summer drinks you could make! This sweet-tart lemonade is bursting with the flavor of fresh watermelon. Serve it as-is or dress it up with vodka or gin for a simple cocktail.
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups fresh seedless watermelon chunks
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 7-10 lemons
- 2 to 4 cups cold water this will vary depending on your taste
- 1 cup vodka or gin optional
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved; swirl the pan occasionally. Let cool.
- Once the simple syrup has cooled, place the watermelon chunks in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour through a fine mesh sieve. You should end up with a little over 2 cups of strained watermelon juice.
- In a large pitcher, combine strained watermelon juice, simple syrup and lemon juice. If using the vodka or gin, add it to the pitcher and stir to combine.
- Add 2-4 cups of cold water. The amount of water you use will depend on your taste, so add as little or as much as you want to achieve your perfect sweet/tart balance.
- Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with fresh watermelon, fresh mint, and lemon slices.
Notes
- Makes about 2 quarts.
- If your grocery store sells fresh watermelon juice, you could substitute that in place of making your own with cubed watermelon. You will need just over 2 cups of fresh watermelon juice.