Watermelon Mint Lemonade (with Simple Mint Syrup)

I can’t think of a more perfect drink to kick off the summer than with this refreshing Watermelon Mint Lemonade. It’s super quick and easy to prepare and is just what you need for summer weather picnics, family gatherings, or just front porch sipping.

This balance of flavor in this homemade watermelon lemonade recipe is simply ah-mazing! Juicy and sweet watermelon, tangy and flavorful lemons and a fresh hint of mint leaves give this easy lemonade recipe a perfect thirst-quenching combination.

This is one of those recipes you’ll want to test as you go until you find the exact taste you prefer. For example, 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. That’s what you’ll love about this recipe. It’s extremely easy to adjust any of the simple ingredients to your liking.

If you enjoy all the fresh flavors in this lemonade recipe, you should check out this article on these Fast and Healthy Smoothies recipes!

What’s Needed to Make this Watermelon Mint Lemonade Recipe

For the Watermelon Lemonade

• 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 sprigs of mint leaves, tightly packed with stems removed 
• fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• lemon slices, for garnish

For the Simple Mint Syrup (optional)

• ½ c. granulated sugar
• ½ c. water
• ¼ c. tightly packed fresh mint leaves, stems removed and crushed

How to Make Homemade Watermelon Lemonade

For the Lemonade

Add watermelon chunks, lemon juice and ½ cup cold water to a blender and blend until liquefied. You can also use a food processor with the blade attachment.

Pour through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer to remove watermelon pulp. Taste and add more water to the pureed mixture, 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 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. 

For the Simple Syrup

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. 

To serve, pour over ice and add a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice for garnish.

How Long Does Mint Watermelon Lemonade Last?

As long you keep the pitcher covered and, in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 5-6 days! That’s another thing that makes this one of the best drink recipes; it’s an awesome make-ahead beverage!

Is this Homemade Lemonade Recipe Healthy?

This lemonade recipe is made with ingredients that have very healthy benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Lemons are very rich in vitamin C. They’re also a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. Reportedly, “lemons may help protect against anemia, prevent the formation of kidney stones, and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.”

• Watermelon is another great source of vitamin C. It’s also a good source of potassium, copper, vitamin B5, and vitamin A from beta carotene. According to this article on Healthline, “Watermelon may reduce blood pressure and insulin resistance in some people. It is also linked to reduced muscle soreness after exercise.”

• Mint is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. Though you aren’t actually eating the mint in this lemonade, when it’s in infused, you still reap many of the same benefits.

What can I do with the Leftover Watermelon Rinds?

Though the rinds of watermelon don’t have as many nutrients as the in the fruit itself, they do contain an impressive amount of potassium and fiber.

If you are anything like me and can’t stand to waste anything. So, once you have removed the rinds from the fruit, drop them in a freezer safe bag. They can be used later to make chutney, a cool gazpacho, use them in your favorite Indian curry recipe, or you can even pickle them! You would be amazed at how many watermelon rind recipes there are.

Tips & Variations for Fresh Lemonade with Watermelon and Mint

• If you are serving this watermelon drink recipe to some that like it sweeter than others, serve the mint syrup on the side.

• For a sugar free simple syrup, there are several sugar substitutes that you can use to make it. You can also find brands of simple syrup online and in some grocery stores.

• Really get those summer parties started by making this recipe an adult beverage version by adding a shot of vodka or rum before serving.

• If you are serving this recipe outside on a hot summer day, make extra so you can freeze some into ice cubes or an ice ring (if serving in a punch bowl). Frozen watermelon cubes are a great way to keep iced tea cold and lemonade, without watering down the drink with ice cubes made from water.

• If you’d like to try other sweeteners instead of cane sugar, you could use coconut sugar in the syrup recipe. You can also sweeten these watermelon drinks using agave syrup or even honey!

• When you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, you may want to look for a seedless watermelon. I personally do not mind the tiny seed particles in the lemonade but if you prefer not to have them, using a seedless watermelon sure beats picking out all those seeds.

• This lemonade has more of a subtle mint flavor, but if you want stronger mint flavors, you can add more to the bottom of the pitcher or leave the sprig of mint in the simple syrup after it has cooled. The longer it sits the stronger it will get.

• Once all the lemonade is gone, just refill the pitcher with water along with the lemon and mint in the bottom for nice and refreshing lemon mint water.

Want more Cool and Refreshing Recipes?

• Amazing Green Smoothies
• Frozen Bananas Ice Cream
• Keto Vanilla “Nice” Cream
• Heathy Ice Cream You Can Eat Every Day