Watermelon Mint Lemonade

This Watermelon Mint Lemonade is what summer tastes like in a glass. I started making it a few years ago when we had a giant watermelon that was a little too much for us to eat fresh, and I threw it in the blender with some lemon juice and mint on a whim. That was it. That was the recipe. We have been making it on repeat ever since.

It is bright pink, naturally sweet, insanely refreshing, and looks absolutely gorgeous in a pitcher for a cookout or pool party. And because it is just watermelon, lemon, mint, and a touch of honey, it feels light and not too sweet. This is the kind of drink everyone asks about before they even taste it.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Straining the blended watermelon makes a huge difference. You go from a thick, pulpy smoothie situation to a clean, beautiful juice that looks restaurant-worthy. Take the extra two minutes to strain it and you will be so glad you did.

Fresh lemon juice only here, please. The bottled stuff has a weird aftertaste that just does not work with the watermelon. Roll your lemons on the counter before cutting to get more juice out of each one.

Muddle the mint just slightly before adding it, or give the mint leaves a quick clap between your palms. This releases the oils without making the drink bitter from over-muddling. You want mint flavor, not mint medicine.

Start with less honey and taste as you go. Watermelons vary wildly in sweetness depending on the time of season. Some need almost no added sweetener at all.

Make It Sparkling

Swap still water for sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy version that is even more fun for parties. Just mix the watermelon, lemon, and honey base ahead of time and top each glass off with sparkling water when you pour. This keeps the bubbles from going flat in the pitcher.

Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Bright, refreshing watermelon lemonade with fresh mint. Blended watermelon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a hint of mint make this the most beautiful and delicious summer drink.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 glasses

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups fresh watermelon chunks seedless, roughly cubed
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice about 4 to 5 lemons
• 3 tbsp honey or simple syrup adjust to taste
• 8 fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
• 2 cups cold water or sparkling water for fizzy version
• 2 cups ice cubes for serving

Method

 

1. Add watermelon chunks to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove pulp, pressing down with a spoon.
2. Add lemon juice, honey, mint leaves, and cold water to the pitcher with the watermelon juice. Stir well until honey is dissolved.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed. Fill glasses with ice and pour lemonade over. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Notes

For a party pitcher, triple the recipe and keep refrigerated up to 24 hours. Stir before serving as the watermelon may settle. Add sparkling water instead of still for a fizzy version.

Tell me in the comments if you made this! Did you go sparkling or still? I need to know.

So glad you are here. Pam