Watermelon Mint Lemonade
This watermelon mint lemonade is a twist on the classic lemonade and brings it to a new level. It is sweet, tart, and has a spicy bite of mint. In addition, it can be easily transformed into a beverage for adults using citrus (lemon-infused) vodka if desired.
Servings: 6
Calories: 126kcal
Ingredients
For the Mint-infused Simple Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves tightly packed, stems removed and crushed
For the Lemonade
- 6 cups watermelon cut into chunks
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 medium lemons)
- ½ cup cold water (plus more if needed)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves tightly packed, stems removed
- fresh mint sprigs or garnish
- lemon slices or garnish
- ice to serve
Instructions
To make the Mint-infused Simple Syrup
- Add the sugar, water, and crushed mint to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
- Stir for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain to remove mint leaves.
- Set aside to cool.
To make the Lemonade
- Add the watermelon chunks, lemon juice, and cold water to a blender and blend until liquefied.
- Pour through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any larger particles.
- Taste and add more water if needed.
- Sweeten with the cooled mint-infused simple syrup, as desired.
- Bruise the fresh mint leaves with your fingers to release their oils. Add the crushed leaves to a large glass pitcher or jar. Top with the watermelon mixture and stir to combine.
- To serve, pour over ice and garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs.
Notes
Prepare some extra of the beverage and pour it into an ice cube tray or an ice ring (if you are serving it in a punch bowl), and freeze. To make the ice ring, freeze the drink in a bundt pan or circular mold. Then, when you're ready to serve, unmold the ice cubes or ring and float it in a punch bowl or large pitcher.
Watermelon:
I prefer seeded watermelons to seedless ones as their flavor is much more intense. Of course, you will need to scoop out as many mature seeds as possible to make before blending, but the result will be much more flavorful.
If you use seedless watermelon, you must strain it after blending. This is because they still have seeds; they are just immature seeds. Large Batch:
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for parties. Spiked Lemonade:
Add 6 oz of citron (lemon-infused) vodka to the recipe to make an adult version of the drink.
I prefer seeded watermelons to seedless ones as their flavor is much more intense. Of course, you will need to scoop out as many mature seeds as possible to make before blending, but the result will be much more flavorful.
If you use seedless watermelon, you must strain it after blending. This is because they still have seeds; they are just immature seeds. Large Batch:
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for parties. Spiked Lemonade:
Add 6 oz of citron (lemon-infused) vodka to the recipe to make an adult version of the drink.
Nutrition
Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.9g | Protein: 2.2g | Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 2.9mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 17.8g