There’s nothing quite like sipping an ice-cold glass of refreshing watermelon lemonade on a hot summer day. This homemade watermelon lemonade recipe is one of my favorite ways to use a whole watermelon, especially when I pick one up from a local farmer’s market that isn’t quite as sweet as expected. Instead of tossing it, you can turn that juicy watermelon into the most refreshing summer drink that’s perfect for summer barbecues, a bridal showers, or just relaxing outside on a warm day.
With simple ingredients like fresh lemons, watermelon cubes, and thyme simple syrup, this easy recipe is a great way to cool off while enjoying a fun, fruity twist on classic lemonade. This recipe is also fun to enjoy spiked! Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just looking for fun drinks to try, this recipe is a perfect way to brighten your summer.
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Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Lemonade
- Easy to Make: To make this refreshing lemonade, all you need is a blender, a fine mesh strainer, and a large pitcher
- Perfect for Entertaining: This delicious summer drink is a crowd-pleaser for large groups or even for the family
- Naturally Sweet: This lemonade is naturally sweet and can be enhanced even more with the thyme syrup in this recipe
Ingredients for Watermelon Lemonade
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing watermelon lemonade recipe:
- 1 small seedless watermelon (about 4–6 cups of watermelon cubes)
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from fresh lemons)
- 1 cup thyme simple syrup (full recipe here)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Optional Garnishes: Lemon slices, lemon wedge, mint sprigs, or watermelon slices
How to Make Watermelon Lemonade
Follow the steps below for the best results. To take this drink to the next level, I highly recommend taking 15 minutes to mix together a thyme simple syrup. Game changer.
STEP 1: Prep the fruits: Cut a whole watermelon into watermelon cubes, removing any black seeds. For the lemon juice, please use fresh lemon juice by squeezing and removing all lemon seeds.
STEP 2: Blend or process: Place watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until smooth, creating a watermelon puree.
STEP 3: Strain: Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer or fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing with a large spoon to extract all the juice.
STEP 4: Mix: Add fresh lemon juice, and thyme simple syrup. Stir until combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with more extra lemons or syrup if needed. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store Watermelon Lemonade
- Refrigerate: Store this lemonade in a large pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving as ingredients may settle.
- Freeze Leftovers: Pour extra lemonade into ice cube trays for future fun drinks or smoothies. You can alternatively store and freeze these in DIY capri sun pouches as shown below.
Try These Drink Pouches for Your Watermelon Lemonade
I found that these pouches are perfect cookouts and large family gatherings. They’re perfect for storing this lemonade.
More Summer Favorites from Elicit Folio
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Cucumber Dill Salad
- Adult Capri Suns
- Strawberry Hennessy Margarita
- Cucumber Spritz Cocktail
FAQ
Is watermelon lemonade healthy?
This drink is naturally hydrating, thanks to watermelon’s natural sweetness and high water content. It’s a great option for those looking for refreshing summer drinks with simple ingredients, especially if you reduce or skip the simple syrup. However, this drink is high in sugar, so always check daily values if you’re on a specific calorie diet.
Can I make watermelon lemonade ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the watermelon juice, lemon juice, and thyme simple syrup the day before, store it in a large pitcher, and mix in cold water and ice cubes just before serving for best results.
Summer Thyme Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 Small Seedless Watermelon (About 4-6 cups)
- 3/4 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Thyme Simple Syrup (Recipe Located Here)
Instructions
- Cut a whole watermelon into watermelon cubes, removing any black seeds. For the lemon juice, please use fresh lemon juice by squeezing and removing all lemon seeds.
- Place watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until smooth, creating a watermelon puree.
- Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer or fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing with a large spoon to extract all the juice.
- To the pitcher, add fresh lemon juice, thyme simple syrup. Stir until combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with more extra lemons or syrup if needed. Serve and enjoy over ice!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
I hope you have a chance to give this unique lemonade recipe a try! Not only is it easy to make, it’s perfect for large gatherings and cookouts. If you have a chance to make this recipe, let me know by tagging me on Instagram. You can also save this recipe on Pinterest. Enjoy!
this sounds amazing! Never thought of putting Thyme syrup in a recipe like this. Such a cool idea. Lovely post, as always. Thanks for the smoothie inspo!
I can’t wait to try this. I bet the flavor combo makes this a super refreshing drink.
That looks so refreshing and delicious. This is the perfect thing for a hot summer day.
I gonna try this recipe now!look so yummy.Thanks for sharing with us.
I definitely have to make this for the family. It looks so refreshing and delicious. It’s perfect for when we’re outside enjoying the warm weather to come.
That is such a delicious combo. I love watermelon and thyme. I’ve never thought to use it with lemonade.
OMG! this is such a perfect idea for summer! Thanks for the inspo, will get to it. 😀
This s the perfect summer refresher drink. My kids enjoy this poolside.