When it’s hot and humid I just want to lay in the hammock and sip on a cool and refreshing drink. I may or may not have a fan blowing on me while I’m in the hammock….just sayin’. Usually, my drink is very cold, fruit infused water but some days I really love this watermelon mint lemonade.
The recipe will require a little altering by you to find the perfect taste combination for you. Depending on the watermelon it could add a lot of sweetness so you may not wish to add additional sugar. That’s why it’s important to alter the recipe as you go.
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. 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.
As you know, my preference is to make this in an adults-only variation by adding some citrus-flavored vodka before serving but for this recipe, I’m sharing a non-alcoholic recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes (optional)
Mint Simple Syrup (optional)
½ c. granulated sugar
½ c. water
¼ c. tightly packed fresh mint leaves, stems removed and crushed
Watermelon Mint Lemonade Ingredients
6 c. fresh watermelon, rinds removed and 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
fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
lemon slices, for garnish
Watermelon Mint Lemonade Directions:
To make the simple syrup, add the sugar, water, and crushed mint leaves to a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and discard mint leaves. Cool completely before using.
Add watermelon chunks, lemon juice and ½ cup cold water to a blender and blend until liquefied.
Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger particles. Taste and add more water, if needed. Sweeten with mint-infused simple syrup, if desired.
Bruise ½ c. fresh mint leaves with fingers to release oils and add to the bottom of a large glass pitcher or jar.
If serving immediately, add ice cubes to the container and pour the watermelon mixture over top.
Add fresh lemon slices to the container for garnish.
If serving immediately, add ice cubes to the container and pour the watermelon mixture over top. If not chill until desired temp, pour over ice and add a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice for garnish.
ENJOY!
***PIN THIS WATERMELON MINT LEMONADE TO PINTEREST***
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