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Watermelon Lemonade

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This Watermelon Lemonade is the PERFECT summer drink! Whether you’re front porch sipping on a hot afternoon or hosting a crowd for a party or BBQ, this watermelon lemonade recipe is the best!

 

main image for recipe of two glasses of watermelon lemonade.

 

Around our home, we are BIG lemonade fans. I’m a big watermelon fan as well.  So what better than a combination of two of my favorite things?

I love the blend of sweet and tart with just a bit of fizzy zip; this really is a fantastic drink! 

I especially love how easily this recipe comes together. It’s got all the makings of a fancy drink, but is quick and easy to make! You’ll love the fresh and fizzy flavor of this easy watermelon pink lemonade. 

 

watermelon slices in a blender, unblended.

 

Watermelon lemonade ingredients?

Just as the name implies, this fresh watermelon lemonade recipe is made with simple ingredients: mostly watermelon and lemonade, with a bit of sparkling water or lemon lime soda for a zippy kick! 

Here’s what you’ll need to get started: 

  • Sugar – in this recipe, we start by making a simple lemonade syrup
  • Water – to make the lemonade syrup, you’ll combine sugar, water, and lemon juice over the stovetop. 
  • Fresh lemon juice – For the best results, use fresh lemons, not store bought juice.
  • Watermelon juice – sometimes you end up with a delicious watermelon that’s just too big to finish fast! That’s where this recipe is pure gold — puree part of the watermelon, strain it, and use the juice for delightful watermelon lemonade! 
  • Sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda) – I’ve always been a fan of using sparkling water instead of regular water in my lemonade. Try it! I’m sure you’ll love it too! 

 

watermelon chunks blended in a blender.

 

How to make watermelon lemonade?

This easy watermelon lemonade recipe is a breeze to make and even breezier to drink! In just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy a cool and refreshing drink. 

  1. Cook: Time to make your simple Syrup.
  2. Combine: Time to combine the syrup, lemon juice and watermelon!
  3. Finish it: Add your favorite sparkling water and garnish!

 

simple syrup made in a pot.

 

How long does watermelon lemonade last?

Once you’ve combined the watermelon juice, lemonade syrup, and sparkling water, you have about 2-3 days of peak drinking time (if it lasts that long!) when stored in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the sparkling water can go flat pretty quickly if not stored in an airtight container. 

 

simple syrup in a glass pitcher

 

Can you freeze watermelon lemonade?

I don’t recommend freezing the mixed watermelon lemonade because the sparkling water will go flat and it’s much easier to thaw the frozen components in room temperature water. You can certainly freeze the individual components! See below for suggestions. 

Watermelon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays or in a solid block. You’ll want to strain the juice before freezing it. Be sure to store it in an airtight container once it’s frozen so it will stay fresh. You can freeze watermelon juice for up to 2 months when stored correctly. 

Lemonade syrup is great frozen! You can freeze it for 2-3 months in an airtight container or bag, or it keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. 

To make frozen watermelon lemonade, a slushy and cold twist on this recipe, freeze the correct amount of watermelon juice and lemonade syrup in ice cube trays. When the juice and syrup are frozen, pop them out into a blender, add the correct amount of sparkling water, and pulse until a slush forms! 

 

Watermelon juice added to simple syrup in a glass pitcher.

 

Who invented lemonade?

Lemon-based drinks have been around since the ancient Egyptians, who combined lemon juice with honey to make a sweetened lemonade like wine. 

In France during the 1600’s, lemonade was bottled and sold. It’s now a popular drink throughout geographic regions and is served both carbonated and still (depending on where you are!). 

 

Water added to lemonade. Pitcher is full.

 

Is lemonade a juice?

Not exactly. Lemonade is made using lemon juice, additional sugar, and sparkling or still water. Because there is so much added sugar, it’s considered more of a sweetened drink than a juice. 

 

zoomed in image of a glass of watermelon lemonade with a slice of lemon and a slice of watermelon on rim.

 

Does lemonade have caffeine?

No, lemonade does not have caffeine! Caffeine is not naturally occurring in either lemons or watermelons. 

Is watermelon lemonade good for you?

While there are nutrients to be found in watermelon lemonade, it’s a heavily sweetened beverage and therefore not a healthy food. As always, moderation is key. If you’re someone who needs to watch their added sugar intake, this probably isn’t the drink for you. 

 

two glasses of watermelon lemonade with pitcher in background.

 

Is watermelon lemonade gluten free?

Yes! Watermelon, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling water are all naturally gluten free, so this easy watermelon lemonade should be as well! As always, be sure to check your labels to confirm. 

Can dogs drink lemonade?

Lemonade is high in citric acid AND sugar — neither of which are good for your dog, cat, or any other pet! Please don’t give your pup lemonade, no matter how much you might enjoy it yourself. 

 

top view of watermelon lemonade in a glass

 

More Drinks You’ll Love…

 

two glasses of watermelon lemonade with slices of watermelon and lemons on the rim.

 

Whether sparkling or still, frozen or liquid, this watermelon recipe is sure to please your summer drink appetite and impress your family and friends!

It can be dressed up fancy for a party or laid back and easy for watching the kids splash around in the backyard. Enjoy! 

 

Yield: 12 Servings

Watermelon Lemonade

two glasses of watermelon lemonade with pitcher in background.

This Watermelon Lemonade is the PERFECT summer drink! Whether you’re front porch sipping on a hot afternoon or hosting a crowd for a party or BBQ, this watermelon lemonade recipe is the best!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Inactive Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cups watermelon juice (about 9 cups watermelon blended in a blender)
  • 6 cups sparkling water

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan on medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until dissolved.
  2. Bring mixture to a boil and stir continually for 5 minutes on a rapid boil.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. After 5 minutes of resting, add fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.
  5. You've just created a basic lemon syrup.
  6. In a blender, puree watermelon and strain to remove pulp.
  7. Pour watermelon juice into lemonade.
  8. Add sparkling water and plenty of ice to chill your drink.
  9. Top with a slice of watermelon and lemon for decoration

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 377Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 98gFiber: 1gSugar: 91gProtein: 1g
Originally published on: August 29, 2014

Photos updated & republished on: June 26, 2017

Photos & Text Updated on: July 30, 2021

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vidya sudarsan

Thursday 13th of November 2014

Looks so delicious and so simple to make too!

Janelle

Thursday 13th of November 2014

It is super easy to make and tastes fantastic! Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life

Friday 29th of August 2014

Looks delicious to me! I'm a lemonade addict and I crave watermelon in the summertime...perfect match!

Jessica (Savory Experiments)

Friday 29th of August 2014

Wow! Two of my favorite flavors collide!

Stephanie Daigneault

Friday 29th of August 2014

Pinning! I love watermelon lemonade! Thanks

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