| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 136 | 0.2g | 0g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 34g | 0.4g | 1g | 0.02g |
Of all the fruit-based recipes I’ve experienced, Watermelon Lemonade holds a special place in my heart. I initially fell in love with this refreshingly sweet and tangy combination during one of Boston’s idyllic summer afternoons. Much like a quintessential New England clam bake or my grandmother’s Irish stew, this Watermelon Lemonade offers more than just a tantalizing blend of flavors—it’s an invitation to create memorable moments with those you cherish the most.
A Traditional Summer Staple with a Healthy Twist
Watermelon Lemonade is not just a delightful drink, it’s packed with nutritional value. The watermelon in this recipe, for instance, is a rich source of hydration along with vitamins A and C. These nutrients boost your immune system and skin health. Paired with freshly-squeezed lemon juice, a known antioxidant powerhouse, this thirst-quencher also becomes a subtle defense against free radicals. Of course, the health benefits are a delightful bonus on top of the delightful taste.
The Perfect Pairing
Reminiscent of the refreshingly crisp lemonades offered by seaside shacks in the New England area, this recipe pairs beautifully with other summer favorites. The tanginess of the lemonade cuts through the richness of grilled dishes, making it the perfect partner for our grill-outs. My personal favorite is pairing it with a lightly seasoned, grilled fish (Grilled Fish Tacos), where the citrus undertones complement the fish’s delicate flavors subtly. Its vibrant flavors, coupled with its health benefits, make Watermelon Lemonade an essential component of every summer gathering.
My fiancée, Laura, has always been a fan of pairing Watermelon Lemonade with her famous Pasta Salad (Italian Pasta Salad). The refreshing drink balances out the creamy, tangy dressing of the pasta, creating an incredibly fulfilling meal, especially after a long, warm day. I can already envision us passing on this recipe to our baby boy when he’s old enough to enjoy it.
In summation, Watermelon Lemonade is more than just a beverage. It’s a symbol of Florida’s quintessential summer, a healthy indulgence, and a companion to many delightful dishes. So let’s raise a glass to creating more memories, one refreshing sip at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of cubed watermelon
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1 cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Starting with the watermelon, remove the rind and seeds and cut it into cubes. After you have got about 6 cups of cubed watermelon, put it into a blender and blend until smooth. This should take about one minute.
Step Two
Prepare a large pitcher to mix all the ingredients. Strain the blended watermelon into the pitcher to remove any remaining solids.
Step Three
Cold water is then added to the pitcher with the watermelon juice. Make sure the water is really cold. Pour 4 cups of it into the pitcher.
Step Four
Now, add 1 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice to the mix. If you do not have fresh lemons, pre-squeezed, store-bought lemon juice can also work.
Step Five
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten your lemonade. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
Step Six
Pour the watermelon lemonade into glasses full of ice cubes for serving. If you prefer, you can chill the entire mixture in the refrigerator before serving.
Step Seven
Garnish with fresh mint leaves. This is optional, but it does add a refreshing touch to your watermelon lemonade. Now, your delicious and refreshing Watermelon Lemonade is ready to be served!
