Beef Free Classic Watermelon Lemonade
Sweet, juicy watermelon and bright, tart lemon are one of summer's most iconic pairings, and this drink delivers both in a big, refreshing way. The process is straightforward — blend the watermelon, strain it smooth, then stir in fresh lemon juice and a homemade simple syrup that you can adjust to your own sweetness preference. Straining the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve is the small step that makes a huge difference, giving you a silky, vibrant juice instead of a pulpy blend. The simple syrup comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop and lets you dial in exactly how sweet you want the final drink to be. Poured over ice with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice, it looks like something from a restaurant patio but takes almost no effort to pull off at home. This is the kind of drink that disappears fast at a backyard gathering, so consider doubling the batch before guests arrive.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the simple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
For the lemonade
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about ½ small watermelon)
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 5–6 lemons)
- 1 ½ cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool for 10 minutes.
- 2
Add the watermelon cubes to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.
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