Watermelonade Recipe on Food52 (2024)

5 Ingredients or Fewer

by: Merrill Stubbs

May25,2010

4.4

5 Ratings

  • Serves 10

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

My sister and some friends recently threw me a lovely bridal shower. The food, provided by Go Catering, was delicious. Happy guests devoured crudités, curried chicken salad, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with bacon, sausage rolls, and homemade currant and ginger scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam. To drink, there was a crisp rosé and a refreshing concoction of fresh watermelon, lemon, sugar and water known as "watermelonade." Apparently, it's one of the caterer's specialties, and everyone raved about the juicy, pink drink. This past weekend, I couldn't resist attempting it myself. —Merrill Stubbs

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cupsugar
  • 4 cupscubed watermelon
  • 3 1/2 cupswater
  • 1/2 cupfreshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
  1. Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring sugar to dissolve. Set aside.
  2. Put the cubed watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth, about 20 seconds. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. You should have about 2 cups of strained watermelon juice.
  3. Mix the sugar syrup with 3 cups cold water and the lemon juice. Stir well.
  4. Fill glasses with ice, add about 3 tablespoons of watermelon juice and then top off with lemonade. Stir gently before serving.

Tags:

  • Fruit
  • Lemon Juice
  • Melon
  • 5 Ingredients or Fewer
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Summer
  • Alcohol-Free Drinks
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Hors D'Oeuvre
  • Snack

Popular on Food52

20 Reviews

Cookie May 29, 2022

I make this all the time, but I juice the watermelon so that there's no pulp to deal with and make the lemonade separately, with very little sugar given the sweetness of the watermelon. I also add tons of fresh mint, then remove the mint for overnight storage, if any doesn't get finished by my guests (it almost always does.) It's SO refreshing. And it's great with tequila too, not just vodka :) In the 70's, Naked Juice used to market watermelon mint lemonade; been making this ever since they stopped selling it.

Gingarr July 26, 2020

Finally made this after nearly 4 years (or longer?) being on my to-do! Super sweet though with the "lemonade." I'll try watering it down a bit. Lime seems like it would add a good tartness. Otherwise this is a nice summer drink!

Brigb June 10, 2017

It's very tasty, I made it with limes.

Ontariobnd October 21, 2016

I loved this drink!! I became heavier handed with the watermelon juice the second time around. The watermelon totally brought down the tart flavor of the lemonade and added such a fruity wonderful flavor.

pamela N. July 4, 2016

I made this for a fireworks viewing party last night and used it as a base for a signature co*cktail - adding vodka, a spritz of lemon seltzer, blueberries and mint. It was super delicious! Thank you!

James C. June 24, 2015

What kind of alcohol would be good to add to this recipe?

Rebecca L. July 14, 2020

Vodka

the_lewist April 25, 2015

Planning a backyard BBQ birthday party for about 15 people- Do you think this would work well in a pitcher?

Merrill S. April 25, 2015

Absolutely. I often do it that way, and it's so pretty!

Nikki February 26, 2015

This sounds delish. I emailed it to my daughters. I am sure my granddaughters will love it-especially the 3 oldest who are all cheerleaders in KY. I actually made something sort of like this when they were here one time. I am sure this will be better. I think my youngest granddaughter and grandson will find it refreshing, also.

Desired C. December 7, 2014

This sounds PERFECT for summer!

natalia July 22, 2014

It's necessary to take off the seeds from the watermelon or can I blended with them?

tamater S. July 2, 2014

Any idea how far in advance of serving this can be made?

ghainskom June 30, 2014

Very nice. Might add some mint next time around...

Donna May 30, 2014

So refreshing! It's wonderful!

rochelle123 September 3, 2012

I followed the recipe exactly and it came out beautifully. So refreshing and the right balance of sweet and sour.

jenniebites July 27, 2011

yum! made this after a run today and it hit the spot! thank you.

MissGinsu July 11, 2010

Want!!!

dymnyno June 22, 2010

I just made some test ade for a day after the wedding brunch this weekend. Wow!! what great color...and it really tastes good too.

Merrill S. June 22, 2010

So glad you liked it! And that pink color is almost as great as the taste, huh?

Watermelonade Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What is watermelon ade? ›

To drink, there was a crisp rosé and a refreshing concoction of fresh watermelon, lemon, sugar and water known as "watermelonade." Apparently, it's one of the caterer's specialties, and everyone raved about the juicy, pink drink.

What to season watermelon with? ›

Use these suggestions in your own kitchen, or create your own summery riffs for a juicy, refreshing watermelon season.
  • Sprinkle Your Watermelon with Salt and Citrus Juice. ...
  • Enjoy It with Tajín. ...
  • Grill Your Watermelon. ...
  • Add Jalapeños. ...
  • Drizzle Your Watermelon with Olive Oil and Add Feta.
Jun 23, 2023

What fruit goes with watermelon? ›

Watermelon goes well with a variety of fruits, including strawberries, bananas, and tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple. The more frozen fruit you add, the thicker the smoothie will be. My favorite fruit to pair with watermelon is strawberry.

What enhances the flavor of watermelon? ›

A little sprinkling of salt brings all the liquid to the surface of the water-rich fruit. As a result, each bite is guaranteed to be juicy and sweet. Some people even salt their watermelon slices, wait a few minutes, then dig in to allow this process a little time to get going.

What is it called when you put alcohol in a watermelon? ›

Also known as a drunken watermelon, the recipe calls for simply injecting vodka into a whole watermelon and letting it slowly seep into the fruit. When it's ready, just cut the melon into pieces and enjoy eating this delicious boozy summer treat.

Why put lemon on watermelon? ›

In conclusion, the combination of watermelon and lemon is a real treasure for your stomach health. Besides being a refreshing and delicious option, this drink provides relief from heartburn, improves digestion and strengthens your immune system, so don't hesitate to try it and enjoy all its benefits!

Why do Japanese love watermelon? ›

The main reason behind this is that watermelon in Japan—like many other fruits, in fact—is considered a luxury: something you'd give to a really important senpai as a thank you or summer gift rather than something essential for your seasonal diet.

What can I add to watermelon to make it better? ›

A small sprinkle of salt doesn't just offer a salty-sweet kick, it also brings out the sweetness in the watermelon, making this the perfect hack for when you dig into a lackluster slice. Trust me, I've had people FREAK over this simple trick; it's a game-changer.

What makes watermelon taste so good? ›

Well, that is, at least to some. Watermelon boasts a triad of flavors—bitter, sweet, and sour. The bitter flavors of the fruit are strong enough to keep the sweet from being overpowering, and the sour makes the bitter more manageable. All three together are what make watermelon so unique.

What is the secret to a good watermelon? ›

You should pick a melon that has a strong, consistent stripe pattern. The green stripes should be a deep, dark green, while the pale stripes should be a creamy, light yellow. Additionally, you may want to choose a dull-looking watermelon. If the melon is very shiny, it is likely underripe.

What should not be taken with watermelon? ›

Watermelon and milk are believed to be of opposite nature. Watermelon is citrusy in nature, while milk is sweet in nature. Combining the two could lead to digestive issues, toxic build up, vomiting or loose motions.

What is not compatible with watermelon? ›

Watermelon Companion Plants & Non-Companions

So, keep melons away from other melons, cucumber, and zucchini.

Is watermelon good for dogs? ›

Both red and yellow watermelon are safe and healthy fruits for most puppies and adult dogs to eat. However, dogs that have diabetes or sugar sensitivities as well as dogs that are obese should not be given the fruit. Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol.

What is the best partner for watermelon? ›

Watermelon Companions

Grow cowpea to attract pollinators and predators of pests and to increase yields. Sow cowpeas 3 or 4 weeks before planting watermelon so that both crops will be blooming at the same time. Plant buckwheat, cowpeas, or sweet clover to attract predators of watermelon pests.

What toppings taste good on watermelon? ›

Here's what makes it so delicious:
  • Red onion, for a sharp bite of flavor and crispy texture.
  • Cucumber, for a cool, crisp addition.
  • Feta cheese, for a creamy, tangy element.
  • Avocado, for extra creaminess. ...
  • Mint & basil, for fresh herbal notes (Mint & watermelon is one of my favorite combos too!)

What will cross with watermelon? ›

There is a popular myth that watermelon should not be grown close to other cucurbits such as cucumber, cantaloupe, or squash because of an adverse effect on horticultural traits such as flavor. However, watermelon will not cross with any other cucurbits except for species within the genus Citrullus.

Can you mix watermelon with other fruits? ›

It is recommended to avoid mixing watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe, and honeydrops with other fruits. “Melons should only be eaten with melons as they are digested more rapidly than other fruits. Melons have high water content, so they might not digest properly when combined with fruits,” said Dr Reddy.

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