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fresh watermelon lemonade with ice, lemon slices, and watermelon cubes

Fresh Watermelon Lemonade

A crisp, ultra-refreshing lemonade made with fresh watermelon juice and bright lemon. Clean, hydrating, and naturally light — peak summer flavor with no heaviness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Drinks
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

WATERMELON LEMONADE
  • 1200 g watermelon flesh cubed; seeds removed
  • 80-100 g white sugar
  • 240 ml water
  • 6 item medium lemons freshly squeezed
  • 960 ml ice-cold water
  • 0.25 tsp fresh lemon zest yellow part only
  • 0.125 tsp fine sea salt

Method
 

  1.  Add the cubed and seeded watermelon to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp and foam, pressing gently. Set the strained watermelon juice aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3.  Juice the lemons until you have about 1 to 1¼ cups (240–300 ml) of fresh juice. Remove any seeds.
  4. In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, lemon juice, cooled syrup, and 4 cups ice-cold water. Add the lemon zest and fine sea salt. Stir well.
  5. Taste and adjust only with extra syrup or lemon juice if needed — do not add plain sugar directly.
  6. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully cold.
  7.  Fill glasses with ice, pour over the watermelon lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and watermelon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Always strain watermelon juice — pulp dulls the flavor and mouthfeel.
  • Salt doesn’t make it salty; it sharpens sweetness and citrus.
  • Use less cold water than other lemonades — watermelon already brings hydration.
  • Keeps well refrigerated for up to 24–36 hours (best fresh).