Refreshing watermelon lemonade is the ultimate summer drink—sweet, tart, and bursting with juicy fruit flavor. It comes together in just minutes and is perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to quiet afternoons on the patio.
While my Egyptian mint lemonade will always have a special place in my heart, this watermelon lemonade is quickly becoming a close second. Nothing says summer quite like fresh watermelon, and this easy lemonade is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it!
I blend two whole lemons—yes, peel and all!—with sweet watermelon, a bit of lime juice, and just enough sugar and honey to balance the bold citrus flavor. No need to make a simple syrup or dirty extra pans—this one comes together right in the blender. Pouring it through a fine mesh strainer results in a smooth, thirst-quenching drink with a deep pink color.
Serve it over ice with a sprig of fresh basil or mint for a picture-perfect summer sipper. If your watermelon is super sweet (check out my tips for choosing the best one), you might not need much added sweetener at all.
Table of Contents
What’s in Watermelon Lemonade?
You only need a few ingredients to make this vibrant Watermelon Lemonade. With just the right balance of sweet and tart, it’s proof that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated!
- Lemons: Blending whole lemons, peel and all, gives this lemonade a bold, citrusy punch—just be sure to wash them well and remove the seeds first. This technique gives the lemonade depth while letting the blender do the work.
- Watermelon: Fresh, seedless watermelon adds natural sweetness, loads of juiciness, and that wonderful rosy color. Of course, this recipe is sweetest with an amazing watermelon, but it’s also a great way to redeem one that isn’t as sweet as you had hoped!
- Limes: Just a bit of lime juice brightens the drink and balances the lemon’s slight bitterness.
- Ice: Blending some crushed ice into the lemonade helps the lemon and watermelon break down as they blend.
- Sugar gives a boost of sweetness to the watermelon’s natural sweetness. You can adjust the quantity depending on how sweet your watermelon is.
- Honey: A little honey adds complexity and rounds out the tartness from the citrus. You can use all sugar or all honey if you prefer. Stick to a bright and floral acacia or wildflower honey for this recipe.
- Fresh basil: A beautiful finishing touch! There’s no basil in the lemonade itself, but I like to add a sprig to my glass. When I take a sip it’s heaven to inhale its summer aroma.
- Lemon wedges and watermelon slices are optional but fun to garnish each glass! Need help breaking down a whole watermelon? I’ll walk you through it!
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
A high-powered blender liquefies lemons and watermelon into a smooth, summery beverage. If you’re looking for a beautiful pitcher to serve this watermelon lemonade in, or you want to add a Mediterranean touch to your table, check out the one I designed for Anthropologie (readers in the EU click here!) for our very own product line!
- Blend the citrus, melon, and sweeteners. Wash and cut 2 large lemons into small pieces, leaving the peel on. Remove any seeds with the tip of your knife. Add the lemon pieces, 5 cups seedless watermelon cubes (from about 1/2 of a small watermelon), the juice of 2 limes, 1 cup ice, and 2 to 4 tablespoons each of sugar and honey. Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Taste and blend in more sugar or honey to your liking.
- Strain. Place a fine mesh strainer over your serving pitcher and pour the watermelon lemonade mixture through it. (At this point, you can chill the watermelon lemonade in the fridge for up to 3 days, giving it a good stir before serving.)
- Serve. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a lemon wedge or a slice of watermelon, if you like.
What to Serve with Watermelon Lemonade
This refreshing watermelon lemonade is the perfect sip for sunny days, and it pairs beautifully with all your favorite Mediterranean-style summer dishes. It’s the perfect alcohol-free beverage option for a backyard cookout or picnic, and it would be right at home in a cooler for a beach day or a road trip.
It’s a great match for summery snacks like Zucchini and Feta Skewers or Eggplant Bruschetta and a burrata board. I love serving it alongside easy grilled favorites like my Grilled Chicken Thighs with Sumac, Pickled Onion, and Charred Lemon or Grilled Salmon Kabobs. The sweet, tangy lemonade balances all those savory Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
If you love these flavors, check out my Watermelon Sangria recipe for an adult spin on a summer favorite!
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Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 large lemons
- 5 cups watermelon cubes, seeds removed (from about 1/2 of a small watermelon)
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup crushed ice, plus ice cubes for serving
- 2 tablespoons sugar, or more to your taste
- 2 tablespoons honey, or more to your taste
- Fresh basil for serving (optional)
- Lemon wedges and/or watermelon slices for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the citrus, melon, and sweetener. Wash and cut the lemons into small pieces, leaving the peel on. Remove out any seeds with the tip of your knife. Add the lemon pieces to a blender, along with the watermelon, lime juice, crushed ice, sugar, and honey. Blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Taste and blend in more sugar or honey to your liking.
- Strain. Place a mesh strainer over your serving pitcher and pour the watermelon lemonade mixture through it. (At this point, you can chill the watermelon lemonade in the fridge for up to 4 days, giving it a good stir before serving.)
- Serve. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a lemon wedge.
Notes
- Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.
- How to Store: Homemade watermelon lemonade will keep for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a tightly sealed bottle or jug.
- Nutrition information reflects 2 tablespoons each sugar and honey.
Nutrition
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