Description
A refreshing, budget-friendly spiked watermelon lemonade perfect for summer gatherings. This easy-to-make cocktail stretches further than you think, using simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a festive drink that tastes like a high-end resort beverage.
Ingredients
- 6–8 cups cubed watermelon (from 2 large or 1 extra-large watermelon)
- 1 to 1.5 cups fresh lemon juice (from 6–8 medium lemons)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 1.5 to 2 cups vodka or white rum
- 1–2 cups water (to adjust strength)
- Ice (lots of it)
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves or thin lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the watermelon, cut off the rind, slice the flesh into chunks, and remove large black seeds.
- Place watermelon chunks into a large blender and blend on high until completely smooth. Do this in batches if making a large quantity.
- Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 2-3 minutes). Let the simple syrup cool completely.
- Cut lemons in half and squeeze them to extract 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice.
- In a large pitcher (holding at least 2-3 quarts), combine the watermelon puree, fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and vodka or rum.
- Stir well and taste. Adjust sweetness with more simple syrup, tartness with more lemon juice, strength with more spirits, or dilution with water as needed.
- Refrigerate the pitcher for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice in glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
For a thicker, slushier texture, freeze watermelon cubes before blending. To prevent watering down, use watermelon ice cubes instead of regular ice. The drink can be made ahead by preparing the puree and lemon base up to 24 hours in advance, adding alcohol just before serving. If you dislike seeds or pulp, strain the watermelon puree through a fine-mesh sieve before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 1/1
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 1
Keywords: watermelon lemonade, spiked watermelon drink, budget-friendly cocktails, summer drinks, labor day recipes, easy family drinks, gluten-free cocktails, vodka watermelon punch