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Watermelon Lemonade 4.3 ★

An icon representing a clock 10 min | easy | gluten-free, lactose-free, low-fat, vegan
Tall glass of bright pink watermelon lemonade filled with ice and garnished with a lemon wheel on the rim, on a light countertop with a watermelon wedge and lemon slices blurred in the background.
Published Mar 28, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
10 min 0 min 10 min
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Introduction

This fresh watermelon lemonade is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.

It balances sweet, juicy watermelon with bright, tangy lemon for a super refreshing drink.

Serve it over plenty of ice for barbecues, pool parties, or any easy warm-weather get-together.

Ingredients  (4 servings)

Adjust servings:

Ingredients

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Two tall glasses of bright pink watermelon lemonade filled with ice, each garnished with a lemon slice; one glass is in focus in front, the other blurred behind on a light countertop.

How to Make Watermelon Lemonade

  1. Prep the watermelon

    Cut the watermelon into cubes, remove any seeds, and measure out 4 cups of fruit.

  2. Blend the watermelon

    Add the watermelon cubes and 1 cup cold water to a blender, then blend until smooth and frothy.

  3. Strain if you like it smooth

    If you prefer a smoother lemonade, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently.

  4. Add lemon, sugar, and water

    Stir in the fresh lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 1 cup cold water until the sugar is fully dissolved.

  5. Chill and serve over ice

    Add plenty of ice to the pitcher or glasses, taste, and adjust sweetness or lemon to your liking before serving.

    For best flavor, chill the lemonade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before pouring into glasses.

Close-up of a tall glass of bright pink watermelon lemonade packed with ice cubes and condensation, garnished with a lemon slice on the rim against a blurred light background.

Substitutions

Granulated sugar -> honey or agave nectar
Use an equal amount of honey or agave nectar, stirring well so it fully dissolves into the lemonade. The flavor turns slightly floral and deeper, which tastes great with the bright lemon and juicy watermelon.
Still water -> sparkling water
Swap some or all of the still water for chilled sparkling water to make a fizzy, party-ready version. The bubbles make the drink feel lighter and more refreshing without changing the flavor much.
Part of the watermelon -> strawberries
Replace 1 cup of the watermelon with 1 cup sliced strawberries for a strawberry-watermelon twist. You keep the pretty pink color, but get a slightly tangier, berry-forward flavor.
Overhead close-up of a glass of bright pink watermelon lemonade filled with ice, garnished with a lemon slice on the rim.

Tips

Choose a very ripe watermelon
Pick a watermelon with a creamy yellow field spot and a dull rind, which usually means sweeter, more flavorful flesh.
Balance sweetness at the end
Always taste after stirring in the sugar, then adjust with extra sugar or lemon juice a little at a time.
Chill before adding lots of ice
Chill the lemonade in the fridge first, so you need less ice and avoid watering down the flavor too much.
Use a high-powered blender if you have one
A strong blender gives a smoother texture and extracts more juice from the watermelon, especially if you skip straining.
Salt the rim for a grown-up twist
Run a lemon wedge around the glass rim, dip in fine salt or sugar, and pour the lemonade in gently.

Nutrition Facts *

Energy 227 kcal
Protein 3 g
Total Fat 1 g
Carbohydrates 59 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g

* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

My watermelon lemonade tastes bland. What went wrong?
Bland flavor usually means the watermelon was not very ripe or sweet to start with. Add more lemon juice, a bit more sugar, and even a tiny pinch of salt to sharpen the taste.
Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?
Yes, mix everything except the ice and store covered in the fridge for up to two days. Stir well before serving and add fresh ice so it still tastes bright and not diluted.
Do I have to strain the blended watermelon?
No, straining is optional and depends on whether you like a pulpy texture or a very smooth drink. If serving kids or guests who dislike pulp, strain half the batch and mix it back in to compromise.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
You can, but the flavor will be a little flatter and less bright than with fresh-squeezed juice. If you use bottled juice, start with slightly less sugar, then taste and adjust slowly.
How can I scale this recipe up for a party?
Multiply all the ingredients by three or four, depending on your crowd size and pitcher capacity. Chill the base in a large container, then add ice and any sparkling water right before guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh watermelon lemonade on the table feels like an instant backyard party starter.

Try adding crushed mint, basil, or a pinch of salt to brighten the flavor and make each sip pop.

For adults, swap some water for chilled sparkling wine and serve it icy cold with grilled shrimp or chicken.

Profile picture of Eunice

Recipe by Eunice.
“I learned to cook by standing in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into meals that fed our entire family. That’s where it started. Today, I create recipes for real life, real kitchens, and anyone who wants good food without overthinking it.” Read more.

Reviews

Rated 4.3 ★ (out of 5) based on 4 reviews.

Post your review and pictures below! ⬇︎

  • Nancy, Boise, ID: I absolutely love this recipe! My family asks for it all the time! I even make it without straining because its good either way! — 5 ★

    Eunice: So nice to hear it's a family favorite, Nancy!

  • Nancy, Chicago: Do you have to strain the blended watermelon? Can bottled lemon juice be used? I've never made watermelon lemonade before so any help would be greatly appreciated! — 3 ★

    Eunice: You don’t have to strain it, it just depends on the texture you like. If you’re using seedless watermelon and don’t mind a little pulp, skip the strainer; for a smoother, “juice-like” lemonade, strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh tastes noticeably brighter here, so if you can, use fresh and start with a little less bottled juice, then adjust to taste.

  • Kenyonjennifer: The recipe is really good just in my opinion add less lemon juice, too lemony with 3/4 cup, — 4 ★

    Eunice: Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jennifer; next time you can start with less lemon juice and add more to taste.

  • Meghan, Highlands Ranch CO: Big hit, family loved it — 5 ★

    Eunice: Happy to hear it was a hit with your family, Meghan!

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