Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more refreshing and thirst quenching on a hot day than a big glass of Watermelon Lemonade over ice. Our local market always sells the most delicious selections of ice-cold lemonade from strawberry to watermelon and each week I look forward to ordering a glass. So why shouldn't I make my favorite warm weather thirst quencher at home? It seems like the perfect sweet and refreshing beverage to have on hand when the heat waves hit. Do you ever make flavored lemonades at home? What is your favorite?
Illustration by Ann Shen for Freutcake
Watermelon Lemonade
½ cup white sugar
½ cup water
4 cups cubed watermelon
3 cups cold water
½ cup fresh lemon juice
6 cups ice cubes
Garnish with fresh rosemary or mint (optional)
Directions:
1. Place the watermelon into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
2. Bring sugar and ½ cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in 3 cups of cold water and the lemon juice.
4. Divide the ice into 12 glasses, and scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of watermelon puree over the ice, then top with the lemonade. Gently stir before serving.
Variation: For Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade...add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to step three in order to infuse the simple syrup with rosemary flavor. Remove sprigs before continuing to step 3.
Kimberly says
This sounds so yummy!
julia-lifeonchurchill says
I LOVE watermelon, going to try this!
kelsey says
gorgeous drawing! i adore lemonade, fresh-squeezed
Ana says
I should try this one. Since we are in USA, I felt in love with lemonade again. MY favorite drink. Watermelon is next on my list to try.
Liz says
This sounds incredible! I made a similar one with strawberries a few weeks ago.
Chelsea says
Such a cute illustration and the recipe looks delicious and refreshing for the warm weather Leah!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
jacquelyn | lark&linen says
HA! You're going to laugh at my post tomorrow (hint: flavoured lemonade). I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
This sounds incredibly refreshing! Love the pretty illustration too!
Christine says
black tea lemonade is my ultimate summer drink... and watermelon is my ultimate summer food. Totally making this.
Joelle (@JoelleDuff) says
I have half a watermelon in my fridge right now. This most definitely needs to happen ASAP. Thanks for sharing!
Christmaskitty says
Sounds wonderful! This weather has been HOT
chartreusetwist says
oh goodness!!! This sounds just downright amazing! I will look forward to whipping this together the next sunny day we get! XO Brynn
Alexandra says
I NEED to make this - it sounds like two worlds of refreshing combined to explode with flavour in my lucky mouth! Perfect summer remedy! Thank you!