Nothing says summer quite like a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot day. Just the other afternoon, I took a seat on my patio with a vibrant Italian pasta salad on one side and a pitcher of homemade watermelon water on the other. What a delightful contrast! The pasta salad was bursting with flavor—a medley of fusilli noodles, chickpeas, and fresh veggies tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing.
If summer were a food, this salad would be its poster child. But let me tell you, when paired with watermelon water, it made for a refreshingly balanced meal. My taste buds danced as I alternated between bites of the salad and sips of the light, hydrating beverage. Now, let me walk you through creating your own watermelon water—a drink that is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Watermelon water is simply a refreshing drink made from juicing fresh watermelon and mixing it with water. The result is a lightly flavored, hydrating beverage that will quench your thirst and cool you down on scorching summer days.
Best of all, it’s bursting with nutrients and hydration. It’s a sweet escape that’s perfect for serving at gatherings or sipping solo.
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather what you need. The ingredients are simple, yet the result is amazing:
6 cups fresh, juicy watermelon, diced: The star of the show. Choose ripe watermelon for the best sweetness.
2 cups chilled, filtered water: This will help dilute the watermelon flavor and make it more refreshing.
A pinch of sea salt: This enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon.
Sweetener of choice (optional): Consider using agave, honey, or granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: A splash of acid brightens the flavor.
Ice cubes: Essential for serving and improving the drinking experience.
Fresh mint leaves or wedges of lime (optional): For garnish and an extra burst of flavor.
Making watermelon water is quick and simple. It involves juicing the watermelon and combining it with other refreshing elements. Are you ready to whip up this deliciously hydrating drink? Let's get started!
Start with a ripe watermelon. It's crucial to choose one that is heavy for its size and has a uniform shape with a creamy spot on one side. Use a sharp knife to slice the watermelon in half. From there, cut each half into quarters.
Tip: To make it easier, you can scoop out the flesh using a spoon or slice it into chunks.
Once you have the diced watermelon, toss it into a high-speed blender. Blend until it's smooth and liquid. It should take about 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your blender.
Note: You should have around 4 to 5 cups of watermelon juice depending on the ripeness of the fruit.
If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain the watermelon juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. This step will remove any pulp, leaving you with pure liquid delight.
Next, pour the strained or unstrained watermelon juice into a large pitcher. Add 2 cups of chilled, filtered water to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
Incorporate a pinch of sea salt and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you have a sweet tooth, now's the time to add your sweetener of choice; start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Finally, if you're not drinking it immediately, refrigerate the watermelon water for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the watermelon water over them. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges if desired.
Here are some valuable tips to enhance your watermelon water experience:
Use the Ripe Watermelon: Opt for a fully ripe and sweet watermelon for the best flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with a small amount of sweetener if you choose to add it; you can always add more.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding ginger or cucumber for a unique twist.
Keep It Cool: Serve over ice; it enhances the drinking experience during hot days.
Blend in a Few Fruits: Consider adding strawberries or mint leaves directly to the blender for additional flavor profiles.
Store any leftover watermelon water in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice any separation (which is natural), simply give it a good stir before pouring.
Here's what you can expect nutrition-wise per serving (1 cup) of this delightful beverage:
Calories: 50
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Fat: 0g
This drink is a great way to hydrate without too many calories. It's naturally low in fats and high in vitamins C and A.
When it comes to serving watermelon water, you have plenty of options to make your refreshment more exciting:
Picnic Companion: Pairs well with grilled chicken or light salads. The coolness of the watermelon water complements savory dishes beautifully.
Cocktail Alternative: Use as a mixer for cocktails. Combine with vodka or rum, add ice, and you've got a refreshing cocktail perfect for summer nights.
Hydrating Sports Drink: Ideal for post-workout recovery. The natural sugars and electrolytes in watermelon make this a great rehydrator after exercise.
Brunch Beverage: Serve alongside brunch or breakfast foods. Watermelon water goes well with pancakes or yogurt.
Kid-Friendly Drink: Kids love it! It’s a fun and healthy beverage choice for kids at summer parties.
If watermelon isn’t available or if you want to mix it up, try these substitutes:
Honeydew Melon: Sweet and similar in texture. It can be blended and mixed in a similar way.
Cantaloupe: Another melon that works great. It offers a different flavor profile but maintains the refreshing qualities.
Berries: Raspberries or strawberries can be blended into a refreshing drink. They add vibrant color and flavor.
Pineapple: Offers a tropical twist. It’s juicy and pairs wonderfully with other sweet fruits.
Peaches: Deliciously sweet and juicy. Blend with water for a slightly different fruit experience.
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making watermelon water! This refreshing drink is simple, versatile, and a joy to serve, especially under the sun. The sweetness of the watermelon combined with a hint of lemon creates a symphony of flavors that quenches thirst in the best way possible.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a picnic or just relaxing at home, watermelon water is a delightful addition to your summer routine. So gather your ingredients, blend away, and savor every delightful sip! Cheers to hydration and summer fun!
Nothing says summer quite like a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot day. Just the other afternoon, I took a seat on my patio with a vibrant Italian pasta salad on one side and a pitcher of homemade watermelon water on the other. What a delightful contrast! The pasta salad was bursting with flavor—a medley of fusilli noodles, chickpeas, and fresh veggies tossed in a homemade zesty Italian dressing.
If summer were a food, this salad would be its poster child. But let me tell you, when paired with watermelon water, it made for a refreshingly balanced meal. My taste buds danced as I alternated between bites of the salad and sips of the light, hydrating beverage. Now, let me walk you through creating your own watermelon water—a drink that is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Here are some valuable tips to enhance your watermelon water experience:
Use the Ripe Watermelon: Opt for a fully ripe and sweet watermelon for the best flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with a small amount of sweetener if you choose to add it; you can always add more.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding ginger or cucumber for a unique twist.
Keep It Cool: Serve over ice; it enhances the drinking experience during hot days.
Blend in a Few Fruits: Consider adding strawberries or mint leaves directly to the blender for additional flavor profiles.
Willie Regan is a registered dietitian and passionate home cook, inspired by the comforting, traditional recipes passed down from his grandmother. Based in Worcester, Willie shares wholesome, heartwarming dishes through his blog Grandma’s Tasty Recipes, blending nostalgic flavors with modern dietary insights. His mission is to bring people together through food, fostering a love for cooking and creating cherished memories around the table.