Watermelonade Recipe on Food52 (2024)

5 Ingredients or Fewer

by: Merrill Stubbs

May25,2010

4.4

5 Ratings

Serves 10

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

My sister and some friends recently threw me a lovely bridal shower. The food, provided by Go Catering, was delicious. Happy guests devoured crudités, curried chicken salad, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with bacon, sausage rolls, and homemade currant and ginger scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam. To drink, there was a crisp rosé and a refreshing concoction of fresh watermelon, lemon, sugar and water known as "watermelonade." Apparently, it's one of the caterer's specialties, and everyone raved about the juicy, pink drink. This past weekend, I couldn't resist attempting it myself. —Merrill Stubbs

Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients

¹/₂ cupsugar
4 cupscubed watermelon
3 ¹/₂ cupswater
¹/₂ cupfreshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring sugar to dissolve. Set aside.
Put the cubed watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth, about 20 seconds. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. You should have about 2 cups of strained watermelon juice.
Mix the sugar syrup with 3 cups cold water and the lemon juice. Stir well.
Fill glasses with ice, add about 3 tablespoons of watermelon juice and then top off with lemonade. Stir gently before serving.

Tags:

Fruit
Lemon Juice
Melon
5 Ingredients or Fewer
Serves a Crowd
Summer
Alcohol-Free Drinks
Vegan
Vegetarian
Breakfast
Hors D'Oeuvre
Snack

See what other Food52ers are saying.

Cookie
Gingarr
Brigb
Ontariobnd
the_lewist
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Popular on Food52

20 Reviews

Cookie May 29, 2022

I make this all the time, but I juice the watermelon so that there's no pulp to deal with and make the lemonade separately, with very little sugar given the sweetness of the watermelon. I also add tons of fresh mint, then remove the mint for overnight storage, if any doesn't get finished by my guests (it almost always does.) It's SO refreshing. And it's great with tequila too, not just vodka :) In the 70's, Naked Juice used to market watermelon mint lemonade; been making this ever since they stopped selling it.

Gingarr July 26, 2020

Finally made this after nearly 4 years (or longer?) being on my to-do! Super sweet though with the "lemonade." I'll try watering it down a bit. Lime seems like it would add a good tartness. Otherwise this is a nice summer drink!

Brigb June 10, 2017

It's very tasty, I made it with limes.

Ontariobnd October 21, 2016

I loved this drink!! I became heavier handed with the watermelon juice the second time around. The watermelon totally brought down the tart flavor of the lemonade and added such a fruity wonderful flavor.

pamela N. July 4, 2016

I made this for a fireworks viewing party last night and used it as a base for a signature co*cktail - adding vodka, a spritz of lemon seltzer, blueberries and mint. It was super delicious! Thank you!

James C. June 24, 2015

What kind of alcohol would be good to add to this recipe?

Rebecca L. July 14, 2020

Vodka

FAQs

What do you sprinkle on watermelon? ›

Mint, basil, and thyme are all lovely fresh herbs to chop up and sprinkle over watermelon. The earthy and savoury nature is a fabulous contrast to the sweetness of the melon. Olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and lime juice are also sensational with watermelon.

Read The Full Story ›

What can I add to watermelon for flavor? ›

Spice it Up

Try out black pepper, maldon salt, or a combo of lime, salt, and chile.

Read The Full Story ›

What makes watermelon taste so good? ›

Watermelon boasts a triad of flavors—bitter, sweet, and sour. The bitter flavors of the fruit are strong enough to keep the sweet from being overpowering, and the sour makes the bitter more manageable. All three together are what make watermelon so unique.

Tell Me More ›

What is the best seasoning to put on watermelon? ›

Mix cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl. Place watermelon into serving bowls; sprinkle with spice mixture. Squeeze lime juice over spiced watermelon.

Read On ›

What is the spice people put on watermelon? ›

Just as salt accentuates and brings out the sweetness and juiciness of fresh watermelon, so does Tajin—except with a much bigger punch of flavor. Imagine a bite that is sweet, salty, zingy, and with a little kick of spice. A bite that makes your mouth immediately water for more. That's Tajin on watermelon.

Discover More ›

Does watermelon and cantaloupe taste good together? ›

There is something magical that happens when you stick the frozen watermelon and cantaloupe together into a blender and making it into a slushy. It's like eating a ray of sunshine or maybe even a rainbow, just really satisfying and juicy, and sweet but not overly sweet, and just really freaking good.

Know More ›

Can you put anything on watermelon? ›

Once you've changed the texture, you can add a bit of sweetness if it needs it and throw in some flavor boosters like citrus and mint, or even booze it up. You can even pickle the rind. Of course, if the watermelon is so ripe that it's rotting, then you should NOT eat it at all.

Read On ›

How do you spice up watermelon? ›

Mix cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl. Place watermelon into serving bowls; sprinkle with spice mixture. Squeeze lime juice over spiced watermelon.

Get More Info Here ›

Is watermelon and pineapple a good combination? ›

Yes, drinking pineapple and watermelon juice together can provide several potential benefits for your health. Here are some of them: Hydration: Pineapple and watermelon are both high in water content, so drinking a juice made from these fruits can help to keep you hydrated and promote healthy digestion.

Is watermelon and orange a good combination? ›

During summer, this drink can be the perfect companion for you and your family. It will keep the body hydrated and energized. It has watermelon juice that is good for rehydration and is packed with vitamins and essential nutrients like, vitamin A, C, and B6.