Refreshing Watermelon Mint Lemonade Recipe

This watermelon mint lemonade is super easy to make and is so refreshing on a hot summer day. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to tinker around with to find the right flavor combination to suit your tastes. For example, the amount of water you need to add will vary depending on how juicy the watermelon is and how strong you want the flavor to be. Really, who can resist this gorgeous pink color?

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Ingredients

Mint Simple Syrup

• ½ c. Granulated Sugar
• ½ c. Water
• ¼ c. Fresh Mint Leaves, tightly packed with stems removed and crushed

Remaining Ingredients

• 6 c. Fresh Watermelon, cut into chunks
• ¾ c. Fresh Lemon Juice, 6-8 medium lemons
• ½ c. Cold Water, plus more if needed
• ½ c. Fresh Mint Leaves, tightly packed with stems removed
• Ice, to serve
• Fresh Mint Sprigs, for garnish
• Lemon Slices, for garnish

What You’ll Need

• Small Saucepan
• Strainer
• Blender
• Glass Pitcher

Instructions

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7-8 minutes
Serves: 4-6

1. To prepare the simple syrup, add the sugar, water, and crushed mint to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, approximately 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain to remove mint leaves. Set aside to cool.
2. Add watermelon chunks, fresh lemon juice, and cold water to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour through a strainer to remove any larger particles. Taste and sweeten with the cooled mint-infused simple syrup, as desired.
3. Bruise one-half cup of fresh mint leaves with fingers to release oils and add to a large glass pitcher or jar. Top with the watermelon mixture and stir to combine. To serve, pour over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon. Enjoy!

Pro Tip

If you are serving this recipe outside on a warm day, make extra so you can freeze some into ice cubes or an ice ring if serving in a punch bowl. Using ice cubes made of the beverage you are serving, rather than plain water, will prevent watered-down drinks as the day or evening progresses.

Need more outdoor entertaining ideas? Check out this post with some tips!

Substitutions

Directions for a mint-infused simple syrup are included. The watermelon adds a lot of sweetness, however, you may not wish to sweeten it further. It really depends on how sweet or tart you want the final results to be.

Variations

For an adults-only variation, add some citrus-flavored vodka before serving.

For a sparkling twist, add a splash of sparkling water or soda to each glass before serving.

Add the liquid to popsicle molds for a frozen summer treat!

Watermelon Mint Lemonade is more than just a drink; it’s a delightful symphony of flavors that encapsulates the essence of summer. With its vibrant color, invigorating taste, and cooling properties, this refreshing beverage is the perfect companion for lazy afternoons, picnics in the park, or gatherings with friends and family. So, raise your glass and indulge in the blissful combination of watermelon, mint, and lemon—a sip of pure summer magic.