Watermelon Lemonade is hands down the drink of summer. It’s like a splash of sunshine in a glass—sweet, tangy, cold enough to make your teeth hurt (in the best way), and ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking five ingredients, one blender, and zero cooking. Yep, it’s that kind of recipe.
Now, let me set the scene. I live in Sacramento, where the summer heat doesn’t mess around. We’re talking 100°F and up, with kids bouncing off the walls from too much pool time and not enough hydration. This watermelon lemonade? It’s the peace offering that gets everyone to sit down and chill out—literally. My kids are obsessed. I’ve actually caught them trying to make it themselves… once using a fork instead of a blender. Cute, but messy.
What makes this drink so special is how it walks the line between homemade lemonade and fresh watermelon juice. It’s naturally sweet, thanks to the watermelon, so you don’t have to dump in a ton of sugar. And the flavor? Like your favorite childhood lemonade stand, but with grown-up summer vibes.
You’ll find it’s the perfect match for all your warm-weather plans—whether that’s a backyard BBQ, pool party, or just sweating on your patio in flip-flops wondering why you didn’t buy that portable fan last year.
Oh, and if you’re into watermelon everything (like I am), definitely save these for later:
- Our spicy-sweet watermelon Tajín skewers—sweet heat on a stick
- And this colorful Easter fruit pizza that turns watermelon into dessert art
Alright, enough chit-chat. Grab your blender, a chilled watermelon, and let’s make a drink you’re going to want to keep on repeat all summer long.
Table of contents
Watermelon Lemonade Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Watermelon Lemonade at home is shockingly easy. Like, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought lemonade in the first place. Here’s everything you need to whip up this sweet, tangy, ice-cold perfection:
Ingredients List:
- 5–6 cups seedless watermelon, cubed (1 to 2-inch pieces)
- 2 cups ice-cold water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 4 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed (1 big lime’ll do)
- Optional sweetener: 2 tablespoons agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup (for a natural twist)
- Garnishes (optional but fun):
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lemon or lime wheels
- Watermelon wedges (because why not?)
Quick tip: If your watermelon is super ripe and sweet, you might not even need the extra sugar or sweeteners. Taste and tweak as you go—this recipe is all about flexibility!
Next up: we’ll walk step-by-step through how to blend, strain, and serve your Watermelon Lemonade like a total pro. Ready? Let’s make it!
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade (Step-by-Step)
Alright, let’s make some Watermelon Lemonade magic happen. No fancy tools, no weird ingredients, just fresh fruit and a blender. You’re like 10 minutes away from peak summer vibes.
Step 1: Blend the Basics
Grab your blender and toss in:
- Your cubed watermelon
- Cold water
- And granulated sugar
Blend until it’s smooth and juicy. This is where the color really pops—bright pink, like a summer sunset in a glass.
Step 2: Strain (Optional but Recommended)
Want it silky smooth? Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher.
If you’re into a little texture (hello, pulp lovers), skip this part. You do you.
Step 3: Add That Zing
Now stir in:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh lime juice
- A bit of agave nectar or honey if you want more sweetness
Taste it here! Adjust to your liking. If it’s too tart, a touch more sweetener will mellow it out.
Step 4: Serve It Ice Cold
Pour your finished watermelon lemonade over a tall glass of ice. Garnish with:
- A sprig of mint
- A lemon wheel
- Or a little watermelon wedge if you’re feelin’ fancy
Make-Ahead Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered pitcher. It may separate—just give it a good stir before serving.
Watermelon Lemonade FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Got questions about your Watermelon Lemonade? You’re not alone. Here’s everything you need to know to make it like a pro, store it like a boss, and remix it however you like.
About 3 days if stored in a covered pitcher. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving because the juice will naturally separate.
Totally! If your watermelon is ripe and sweet, you might not need any added sugar. You can also go for agave nectar, honey, or even try a sugar-free lemonade option using monk fruit or stevia.
Heck yes! It freezes beautifully.
Try these fun ideas:
Pour it into popsicle molds = instant fruity lemonade pops.
Freeze in ice cube trays = toss into sparkling water or re-blend for a slushy-style drink.
Just add booze.
Start with ½ cup of one of these:
Vodka
Light rum
Triple sec
Serve over ice with a mint garnish and you’ve got a killer watermelon lemonade cocktail—perfect for BBQs and lazy summer evenings
Watermelon Lemonade Variations to Try
So you’ve mastered the classic Watermelon Lemonade—now let’s mix it up. This drink is basically a blank canvas for summer flavor experiments. Whether you’re into bubbles, herbs, or a little boozy kick, these easy ideas will keep your pitcher feeling fresh.
1. Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade
Want fizz? Swap the water for lemon-lime soda, club soda, or ginger ale. The bubbles make it feel fancy, even if you’re just sipping it in sweats on the couch.
2. Mint-Infused Watermelon Lemonade
Before chilling your lemonade in the fridge, toss in a handful of fresh mint leaves. Let them steep for about an hour. Boom—herby, cooling, and super refreshing.
(PS: This is the one I bring to summer picnics. Everyone thinks it’s gourmet. It’s not.)
3. Fruity Mix-Ins
Feeling extra fruity? Try blending in a handful of:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Peaches
- Kiwi
- Or even some pineapple for tropical vibes
It turns into more of a blended fruit drink—colorful, bold, and so good.
4. Watermelon Lemonade Cocktail
Adults-only time. Add ½ to ¾ cup of:
- Vodka for a crisp hit
- Light rum for beachy vibes
- Or triple sec for a citrus twist
Shake it over ice or serve pitcher-style at your next cookout. Instant boozy lemonade win.
5. Watermelon Lemonade Slushie
Freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays, then re-blend with a splash of water or soda. It’s cold, slushy, and ridiculously fun on a hot day.
Craving more fruity fun? Check out our blue raspberry lemonade for summer parties or this super dreamy creamy whipped pink lemonade.
Related Watermelon Lemonade and Summer Drink Recipes
If this Watermelon Lemonade recipe has you in your summer drink era (same), then you’re gonna want to keep the good sips going. These are some of our reader-favorite fruity beverages—and yes, they’re just as easy and refreshing.
More lemonades to love:
- For a fruity twist on the classic, try our refreshing peach lemonade recipe—it tastes like sweet sunshine.
- Want something bold and party-perfect? Don’t miss our blue raspberry lemonade for summer parties.
- Creamy and nostalgic, the creamy whipped pink lemonade is basically lemonade’s dessert cousin.
- Feeling floral? The hibiscus and strawberry lemonade refresher is a total flavor bomb.
Cool off with these summer sippers:
- Sweet and tart with a twist of mocktail magic: strawberry lime mocktail margarita
- Creamy, dreamy, and kid-approved: strawberry Dole Whip for hot days
- Need inspo for a weekend menu? Browse all our easy summer drink ideas
- Or plan your next cookout with these quick and delicious summer recipes
Printable Recipe Card
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Watermelon Lemonade
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Watermelon Lemonade is the perfect summer drink for BBQs, picnics, poolside parties and more! Easy to make and so incredibly refreshing!
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
- 2 cups ice cold water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice (about 4 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar (optional, or use honey or maple syrup)
- fresh mint leaves, watermelon slices, lemon or lime slices (optional garnishes)
Instructions
- Add the watermelon, water, and granulated sugar into a blender. Blend until very smooth.
- Pour the watermelon juice through a strainer into a large pitcher or bowl. Use a spoon to help push the juice through the strainer as needed.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, and agave (if using) into the pitcher and combine until the agave dissolves. Test for sweetness and add additional sugar, agave or honey as needed.
- Serve over ice with a slice of watermelon and fresh mint.
Notes
Depending on the sweetness of your watermelon, you may want to adjust the sweetener. Store in the fridge and stir before serving. Great with vodka or light rum for a boozy version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 108kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemonade recipe, watermelon lemonade
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