As the weather gets warmer you’ll want to check out this refreshing and inexpensive Watermelon Mint Lemonade recipe.
As there are different types of melon and watermelon you may want to try out different melons in the the recipe until you get the combination that suits your taste.
Many watermelons hold more liquid than others. This means the amount of water you need to add will vary depending on how juicy the watermelon is and how strong you want the flavor to be.
Directions for a mint-infused simple syrup are also included.
As the watermelon adds a lot of natural sweetness, you may not wish to sweeten it further.
It really depends on how sweet you want the final results to be.
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 (if serving in a punch bowl).
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.
(For an adults-only variation: add some citrus-flavored vodka before serving).
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Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes (optional)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves, stems removed and crushed
- 6 cup fresh watermelon, rinds removed and cut into chunks
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (6-8 medium lemons)
- ½ cup cold water, (plus more, if needed)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, tightly packed with stems removed
- fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
- lemon slices, for garnish
- mint simple syrup (optional)
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.
- To serve, pour over ice and add a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice for garnish.