This crowd-pleasing watermelon lemonade is refreshing and the ultimate summer drink! This recipe yields a huge pitcher, so it’s perfect for summer barbecues, parties, and picnics. Made with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and seedless watermelon, it’s exploding with watermelon flavor. 

The Ultimate Summer Drink: Watermelon Lemonade

The first time I had watermelon lemonade was a major “WOW” moment in my life. It was love at first sip! And instantly become my favorite summer drink. Here’s what’s so great about it: 

• Made with 4 basic ingredients you can easily find at the local grocery store.
• Fresh lemon juice promises a huge burst of bright lemon flavor. 
• Homemade simple syrup sweetens without making it “too sweet”. 
• Substantial watermelon flavor thanks to seedless watermelon, which creates the fresh watermelon juice.
• Wholesome and delicious, this is a crowd-pleasing summer drink loved by young and old. 

Choose a Ripe Seedless Watermelon

• Ripe watermelon has the best flavor, so shop during watermelon season! 
• Out of season watermelons are never going to win first prize for flavor. Just wait until you find one that is super ripe and ready to eat. 
• You’ll want to select a watermelon that’s deep green in color (opposed to a light yellow or pale green). 
• Survey the watermelon rind for a yellow ground spot. If the ground spot is white or a light green color, it indicates that it’s not ready to be eaten yet!

Ingredients for Watermelon Lemonade: More than just water and lemon…

• Granulated Sugar: I find 1 and 1/2 cups is the perfect amount of sugar, but you can cut this down to 1 cup if you really want to. Just remember the lemon juice and sugar need to balance one another out, so if you cut the sugar too much, your lemonade may be VERY sour.
• Water: You use water and sugar to make the simple syrup. You’ll also add cold water to make the lemonade.
• Lemons: Fresh squeezed lemon juice is a must’ve for homemade lemonade! You’ll juice the lemons, but you’ll also use the lemon peel for the simple syrup. Choose large lemons that feel heavy. And grab a couple of extra lemons for garnish.
• Seedless Watermelon: Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and pulse smooth. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the juice. If you don’t have a fine mesh strainer, you can use cheesecloth to strain. 
• Fresh Mint: Optional, but makes a pretty garnish. Look for fresh mint that’s fragrant and has firm leaves.

Simple Syrup: Water and Sugar

1. Because the simple syrup needs to cool before use, you should make this first. 
2. Combine the lemon peel, water, and sugar and cook until the sugar dissolves. 
3. Remove the pan from heat and cool. You can do this up to 2 weeks in advance and store in the fridge until needed. 

How to Make Watermelon Lemonade

1. Place the cubed watermelon in the blender (or food processor) and pulse until well pureed. 
2. Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer and into a large bowl. 
3. In a large pitcher combine the simple syrup, watermelon juice, water, and fresh lemon juice. 
4. For extra pizzazz, garnish each glass with a tiny wedge of watermelon and lemon slices. A sprig of fresh mint is also a great garnish.

Jump to the recipe box for the full recipe ingredients and instructions! 

Fresh Lemon Juice is Key

• Do not sub bottled lemon juice for fresh lemon juice. 
• You can make fresh lemon juice by slicing whole lemons in half and squeezing the juice from inside of the lemon out. 
• The easiest way to squeeze fresh lemon juice is by using a citrus squeezer. 
• For a fun twist, use lime juice instead. Watermelon lime-aid is so delicious! 

Watermelon Lemonade Cocktails?

• If you’re looking to turn this watermelon lemonade into a boozy treat, you definitely can! 
• Try adding vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, or bourbon. I suggest 1 to 2 Tablespoons per cocktail.
• For a sparkling mock-tail, add a splash of sparkling water or kombucha.

More Refreshing Summer Drinks:

• Watermelon Mojitos 
• Bourbon Peach Iced Tea
• Refreshing Rosé Sangria
• Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa Recipe
• 5-Minute Margaritas