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Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing glass of Homemade Watermelon Juice. Made with just a handful of fresh ingredients, this naturally sweet drink is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Add a splash of your favorite alcohol and turn a mocktail into a cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, relaxing by the pool, or looking for a refreshing drink to pair with grilled favorites, this easy watermelon juice recipe is sure to become a seasonal staple.
Another great refreshing summer drink is this Brazilian Lemonade. It’s tangy, sweet with a hint of bitterness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Made with fresh, simple ingredients.
- Naturally sweet and incredibly refreshing.
- Perfect for summer parties, BBQs, and picnics.
- Easy to customize with herbs, fruit or alcohol.
- Great as a mocktail or cocktail mixer.
- A fun way to use up extra watermelon.
Ingredients needed to make Homemade Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon: the star of the recipe! Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon that’s deep red in color and feels heavy for its size.
- Lime: freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the sweetness of the watermelon while adding a refreshing citrus finish.
- Soda: Club soda or sprite for some carbonation and extra liquid.
- Mint: optional but highly recommended especially for the cocktail version. It adds a cool, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with watermelon and lime.
- Sugar: muddle sugar with mint to release the essential oils on the herb.
- Alcohol: vodka, whiskey, rum or tequila are all perfect choices to elevate this simple homemade juice into a delicious and light cocktail.
The BEST way to make Homemade Watermelon Juice
This Homemade Watermelon Drink is simple and easy to make. I usually make a huge batch that is enjoyed by both kids and adults.
When shopping for a watermelon, make sure to get the seedless melon.
Start by slicing the watermelon in half and then into half-moons. Cut off the thick skin and cube up the meaty red watermelon.
Drop the cubed up watermelon into a food blender and blend until it becomes a thick watermelon slushy.
For a smoother juice, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
Add freshly squeezed lime juice and honey. Mix the ingredients togethers.
To serve as a mocktail, pour the homemade watermelon juice over some ice, add sparkling water or Sprite, mix and serve.
Recipe Tip
- Taste before adding honey.
- Blend just until smooth to preserve the fresh flavor.
- Freeze leftover juice into popsicles or ice cubes.
- Serve immediately for the brightest taste and color.
How to make a Spicy Watermelon Cocktail
This Homemade Watermelon Juice recipe is the perfect base for a refreshing summer cocktail.
For this drink, I used the new Absolut with Tabasco as my choice of alcohol. Adds a nice kick to the smooth and refreshing watermelon juice.
Start by rimming the glass with some lime juice. I used my buddies Cajun Honey seasoning as the coating. Another great alternative is Tajin.
Add some mint and sugar into an empty glass and muddle them together. This will help release the refreshing minty oils from the herb.
Next, our an ounce of Absolut over ice. Add the homemade watermelon juice 3/4 of the way and finish off with a splash of club soda.
Dad’s Seasonings
Must have grillin seasonings!
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Watermelon Juice is one of the easiest and most refreshing recipes you’ll make all summer. With its naturally sweet flavor, vibrant color, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect drink for backyard BBQs, pool parties, picnics, and warm afternoons on the patio.
Serve it ice cold as a refreshing mocktail, dress it up as a cocktail for entertaining, or pair it with your favorite grilled recipes for the ultimate summer meal. Once you taste how fresh homemade watermelon juice can be, you’ll never look at store-bought juice the same way again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir or shake before serving, as natural separation is normal.
Not at all. Straining creates a smoother consistency, but leaving the pulp in adds extra texture and fiber.
Try more delicious desert recipes:
Dessert
Panettone Bread Pudding
Dessert
Brazilian Lemonade
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Mini Apple Pies
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Maple Bourbon and Bacon Dip
If you tried this Homemade Watermelon Juice or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!
Homemade Watermelon Juice
Ingredients
- 1 Seedless watermelon
Mocktail Version
- 2 Limes- freshly squeezed juice
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1/2 can Sprite or club soda
Cocktail Version
- 1 oz Vodka, tequila, whiskey or rum
- 4-5 Mint leaves
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 3 oz Club soda
Instructions
- Start by slicing the watermelon in half and then into half-moons. Cut off the thick skin and cube up the meaty red watermelon.
- Drop the cubed up watermelon into a food blender and blend until it becomes a thick watermelon slushy.
Mocktail Version
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice and honey.
- Finish off with a splash of sprint or club soda. Mix and enjoy!
Cocktail Version
- Start by rimming the glass with some lime juice. Coat with a Cajun or Tahin seasoning.
- Add some mint and sugar into an empty glass and muddle them together.
- Pour an ounce of Absolut over ice. Add the homemade watermelon juice 3/4 of the way and finish off with a splash of club soda. Mix and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a seedless watermelon.
- Taste before adding more honey.
- Blend just until smooth to preserve the fresh flavor.
- Freeze leftover juice into popsicles or ice cubes.
- Serve immediately for the brightest taste and color.
