Watermelon Mint Lemonade

This watermelon mint lemonade has saved me during countless summer afternoons when it’s too hot to function. It’s basically summer in a glass – sweet from the watermelon, bright from the lemon, and refreshing from the mint. The combination just works.

The watermelon adds natural sweetness so you don’t need much sugar, and it gives the drink a gorgeous pink color that makes it feel special. It’s impressive-looking but actually takes about 10 minutes to throw together. It’s also really adaptable – you can spike it with vodka or rum for cocktails, or keep it alcohol-free for a family-friendly drink.

What you need for Watermelon Mint Lemonade

How to make Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Here’s how to make this super refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days:

1. Start by juicing your lemons – you’ll want to roll them firmly on the counter first to help release more juice. I’ve found room temperature lemons give you way more juice than cold ones. Strain out any seeds as you go.

2. Add your watermelon chunks to a blender. Don’t pack them in too tightly – you want to give them room to move around. Blend until completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds. You should have a bright pink liquid with no chunks remaining.

3. Pour the watermelon puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, using the back of a spoon to press gently and get all the juice out. This step is worth it – it removes the pulp that would otherwise make your drink grainy.

4. Take your mint leaves and gently clap them between your palms once or twice – this releases the oils without making them bitter. Drop them into the pitcher.

5. Add your honey or sugar and stir until completely dissolved. If using honey, you might want to mix it with a small amount of warm water first to help it blend easier.

6. Pour in the lemon juice and cold water. Give everything a good stir for about 30 seconds – you want to make sure the mint has a chance to release its flavor.

7. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits (up to about 2 hours), the more minty it’ll become. Give it a quick taste – if it’s too strong, add more water; if it’s too weak, add more lemon juice or honey to taste.

8. When you’re ready to serve, fish out the mint leaves (they’ll be a bit brown by now) and pour over ice. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh watermelon wedges and new mint sprigs.

The color should be a beautiful pink-red, and the drink should taste bright and fresh with a subtle mint finish. If it starts to separate, just give it a quick stir before serving.