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This refreshing watermelon lemonade is my secret for instantly lifting everyone’s mood on a hot afternoon The sweet juicy watermelon balances perfectly with the tart lemonade for a crowd-pleasing drink you will serve all summer long
I first dreamed up this drink when my kids asked for something special during a heat wave Now we always make it for picnics and barbecues Everyone raves about the flavor
Ingredients
- Seedless watermelon: Eight cups cut into chunks This brings juicy sweetness and keeps the color vibrant Look for heavy watermelons with a deep green skin
- Frozen lemonade: Two cans Gives that perfect tart punch The kind with real lemon is best if you can find it
- Water: Four cups Helps mellow the flavors and ensures the right sipping consistency Use filtered water if possible
- Sugar: One tablespoon optional Use only if your watermelon is less sweet Taste first before adding
- Kiwis: Four peeled and cut optional These add tang and a surprising vibrant green color when blended and frozen Choose kiwis that yield just slightly to pressure for ideal ripeness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the Watermelon:
- Place the watermelon chunks into your blender Cover and run until you have a smooth vibrant pink liquid Straining is optional if you want a seedfree finish but I usually keep the pulp for more body
- Mix the Lemonade Base:
- In your largest pitcher combine the two cans of frozen lemonade with four cups of water Stir until fully dissolved This step ensures there are no icy clumps before adding the pureed watermelon
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the watermelon puree into the pitcher with the lemonade mix Stir vigorously so every glass gets equal flavor Place the pitcher in your refrigerator for at least one hour if you have the time The cold melds the flavors
- Prepare the Frozen Kiwi Swirl (optional):
- Add the peeled and cut kiwis plus sugar to your clean blender Blend until it turns bright green and silky Smooth out any lumps by running it an extra minute Pour this puree into a shallow dish and freeze for one to two hours until spoonable
- Serve:
- Fill glasses with the watermelon lemonade mixture If using the kiwi swirl scoop a generous spoonful on top of each drink This frozen kiwi adds a fun textural contrast and a hit of tartness right at the top Serve immediately
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Watermelon is by far my favorite summer fruit It makes this lemonade taste like pure sunshine Some of my happiest family memories are sharing pitchers of this after we get too hot running around all day
Storage Advice
Store any leftover lemonade in the fridge in a tightly covered pitcher It will keep for two days at peak freshness If you want to prep ahead blend the watermelon a day before and keep it chilled blending the kiwi the morning of
Swap It Up
You can swap frozen lemonade with limeade for a tangier flavor Or add a handful of fresh mint to the watermelon while blending for a cooling burst If watermelon is not in season strawberries work in a pinch though the texture will be slightly more dense
Ways to Serve
I love pouring this into tall glasses with big ice cubes and a wedge of watermelon for fun Presentation matters little drink umbrellas or a rim dipped in sugar make this really party ready For adults a splash of vodka or rum takes it to a whole new place
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This recipe is a burst of summer joy for your table make it as colorful as your parties!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use bottled lemonade instead of frozen?
Yes, bottled lemonade works well. Adjust taste and sweetness to your preference before mixing.
- → Is it necessary to add sugar?
No, sugar is optional. If your watermelon or lemonade is sweet enough, feel free to skip it.
- → How do I make the kiwi topping?
Blend peeled kiwis with sugar if desired, then freeze the mixture to create a slushy topping for your drink.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can blend and refrigerate the mixture in advance. Add the kiwi topping just before serving for best texture.
- → Are there other fruits I can use?
You can experiment with berries, pineapple, or citrus to vary the flavors and add color to your lemonade mix.