Balance the juicy sweetness of watermelon with tart tanginess of fresh lemons to create a refreshing non-alcoholic, watermelon lemonade drink. It’s low enough in calories and sugar to be an ideal summer treat or mocktail for a healthy night out on the town. Serve it over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lemon wedge for an eye-pleasing and satisfying beverage.
This delicious beverage is low in calories, but still sweet thanks to the natural sugars in watermelon. It is a source of antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene, which may help to boost immune function, support skin health, and reduce inflammation. Watermelon and lemons supply vitamins and potassium, which can increase hydration and enhance heart health and muscle function.
Enjoy this revitalizing mocktail as a guilt-free treat at any gathering or as a tasty way to stay hydrated and refreshed.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- For an herbal twist, add a few fresh basil and/or rosemary leaves to the blender or as a garnish.
- For a sweeter drink, add a packet of stevia.
- Swap out the water for sparkling water for a bubbly treat.
- Add a splash of lime juice for extra tartness.
- Freeze the watermelon ahead of time and enjoy a frozen blended margarita-like drink.
- If you have crushed ice, serve this mocktail in a clear glass for an aesthetically pleasing beverage.
- Include edible flower petals like hibiscus or pansies for an elegant touch.
- Pair with light appetizers like mixed berry salad, cucumber-tomato bruschetta, parsnip salad, and hummus wraps.
Recipe for Sweet and Tart Watermelon Lemonade Mocktail
Makes 4 1-cup servings
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of cubed, seedless watermelon
- 1 cup of cold water
- ½ cup of fresh lemon juice, about 3 or 4 lemons
- 1-2 teaspoons of liquid stevia, or to taste
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Optional: fresh mint leaves and lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the watermelon, water, and lemon juice into a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid stevia, tasting and adjusting for sweetness, as desired.
- Place ice cubes into glasses.
- Pour the mixture over the ice cubes.
- Add a few fresh mint leaves and a lemon slice for garnish, if desired.
Nutrition information: 35 calories; 0 grams of fat; 0 mg of cholesterol; 5 mg of sodium; 9 grams of carbohydrates; 8 grams of sugar; 0.5 grams of fiber; 0.5 grams of protein
Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES