There’s nothing more refreshing than a cold watermelon drink on a hot summer day. This simple recipe transforms juicy, naturally sweet watermelon into a smooth, hydrating summer drink that’s perfect for cooling down. With just a few ingredients, you can make watermelon juice at home in minutes.
Whether you sip it plain, mix it with sparkling water, or turn it into a light cocktail, this drink is perfect for hot summer days. It’s naturally sweet, contains no added sugar, and highlights the best flavor of ripe watermelon. If you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink, this easy recipe is your go-to.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
You don’t need much to make this drink. With just a few simple, fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious watermelon drink that’s perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Basic Ingredients:
• 4 cups chopped watermelon (seedless or remove seeds)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (adds brightness)
• ½ cup cold water or sparkling water (optional, for a lighter drink)
• Ice cubes (for serving)
Optional Add-Ins:
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (only if needed for extra sweetness)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• 2 ounces vodka (for a light vodka cocktail option)
Tools You’ll Need:
• Blender
• Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag (for smoother juice)
• Large jug or pitcher
This drink recipe uses naturally sweet watermelon and can be enjoyed plain, as a watermelon cocktail, or mixed with sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make watermelon juice that’s smooth, refreshing, and perfect for summer:
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon
• Start with chopped watermelon. You’ll need about 4 cups of ripe, juicy watermelon chunks.
• Cut a watermelon in half, remove the rind, and dice into cubes. Remove seeds if not using seedless watermelon.
Step 2: Blend the Watermelon
• Place the watermelon chunks into a blender.
• Add lime juice for extra brightness.
• Blend the watermelon on high for 30 seconds until smooth.
Step 3: Strain the Juice
• For a smoother drink, strain the juice using a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag. This removes any pulp for a clean, silky texture.
Step 4: Adjust the Drink
• Taste your watermelon juice. If the melon is naturally sweet, no need for sweetener. For added sweetness, stir in simple syrup.
• You can also mix in sparkling water to create a fizzy juice drink.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
• Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes.
• Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
• For a vodka watermelon twist, add a splash of vodka to each glass for a light vodka cocktail.
This refreshing watermelon drink takes just minutes to prepare, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want the best watermelon drink every time? These simple tips and fun recipe variations will make your delicious watermelon drink even better:
Pro Tips for Best Results
• Use the Ripest Watermelon: Look for a watermelon with a creamy yellow spot and a hollow sound when tapped, signs of a juicy, naturally sweet watermelon.
• Chill Before Blending: For an extra cold drink, use frozen watermelon cubes instead of ice. This keeps your juice drink flavorful without dilution.
• No Added Sugar Needed: If your watermelon is ripe, you likely won’t need added sugar. Always taste before adding simple syrup.
• Smooth Texture: Straining with a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer removes pulp, giving your watermelon juice a silky finish.
Easy Recipe Variations
• Watermelon Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon and blend with water, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt for a classic Mexican-inspired watermelon agua fresca.
• Watermelon Cucumber Twist: Add ½ cup chopped cucumber when you blend the watermelon for a refreshing, light summer option.
• Frozen Drinks: Turn leftover watermelon into frozen watermelon cubes to use in future drinks or frozen drinks.
• Vodka Watermelon Cocktail: Mix in vodka for a light, gluten free vodka cocktail perfect for adults.
• Margarita Option: Combine watermelon puree, lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka for a quick watermelon margarita style drink.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing watermelon drink is perfect for hot summer days and easy to enjoy in many ways. Here’s how to serve it for the best experience:
When to Serve:
• Sip this summer drink by the pool or beach.
• Pair it with your favorite summer recipes for BBQs or picnics.
• Enjoy after workouts for a naturally hydrating cold drink.
• Turn it into a summer cocktail with vodka for parties.
How to Serve:
• Pour the blended watermelon juice over ice cubes in glasses.
• Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy option.
• Garnish with fresh mint or a wedge of lime for extra flavor.
• For a twist, blend with pineapple juice or mix with vodka watermelon for a light vodka cocktail.
Whether you’re craving a watermelon agua fresca, frozen drinks, or a simple delicious watermelon drink, this recipe is easy to adapt and perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Conclusion
This easy watermelon drink is naturally sweet, quick to make, and perfect for hot summer days. With just fresh watermelon, lime juice, and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a refreshing summer drink that’s hydrating, flavorful, and great for any occasion. You can enjoy it plain, add sparkling water for bubbles, or mix in vodka for a light summer cocktail. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting friends, or just craving a quick, delicious watermelon drink, this recipe delivers. Once you make watermelon juice at home, it’ll be your go-to summer drink.
Watermelon Drink
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed and chilled
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp honey optional, to taste
- 6 mint leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Add watermelon cubes, lime juice, mint leaves, and honey to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp (optional).
- Add ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses. Stir well and chill for 10 minutes.
- Serve in glasses, garnished with extra mint leaves and a slice of lime if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 55
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 19g
- Added Sugars: 0g (unless sweetener added)
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
FAQs
Is watermelon good while drinking?
Yes, watermelon is excellent for hydration, especially when made into a watermelon drink. It’s naturally sweet, refreshing, and pairs well with summer drink recipes, including light cocktails.
What not to mix with watermelon?
Avoid mixing watermelon with dairy products like milk or yogurt, as they can upset digestion. Stick with lime juice, sparkling water, or vodka for a clean, fresh flavor.
When should I drink watermelon?
Enjoy watermelon juice anytime, but it’s perfect for a hot summer day. It’s ideal after workouts, during meals, or as a refreshing summer drink for parties.
Can I drink watermelon juice at night?
Yes, you can drink watermelon juice at night. It’s light, hydrating, and contains no added sugar if made from naturally sweet watermelon. Just avoid heavy sweeteners for a better nighttime option.
