Ingredients
Mint Simple Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- Fresh mint leaves (1oz package or a few sprigs)
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
- 1 medium watermelon
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- Mint simple syrup (from above)
Instructions
- Make the mint simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the fresh mint leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Steep the mint: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the mint leaves steep in the syrup for 30 minutes to 1 hour to infuse their flavor.
- Strain the syrup: After steeping, strain the syrup to remove the mint leaves and reserve the fragrant mint simple syrup for later use.
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into small pieces that fit into your food processor, discarding the rind. Process the watermelon pieces until smooth and smoothie-like in consistency.
- Strain the watermelon juice: Pour the watermelon puree through a strainer into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp. You may need to do this in batches depending on the watermelon size.
- Combine lemonade: Add 2 cups of fresh lemon juice and the reserved mint simple syrup to the pitcher with the watermelon juice. Stir thoroughly to mix all the flavors.
- Serve: Pour the watermelon mint lemonade over ice and enjoy it chilled for the best refreshing taste.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the mint simple syrup depending on your preference.
- To make the drink less sweet or more tart, adjust the amount of lemon juice accordingly.
- If you prefer your lemonade chilled immediately, refrigerate the mint syrup while preparing the watermelon.
- For an adult version, adding a splash of vodka or rum pairs well with this lemonade.
- Store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and stir before serving as separation may occur.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
