Ingredients
-
The Fruit Base: 3 cups watermelon (seeded and diced).
-
The Citrus: 4 large lemons (freshly squeezed to yield about ½ to ⅔ cup of juice).
-
The Sweetener: ½ cup white granulated sugar.
-
The Liquid: 8 cups water (divided into 2 cups and 6 cups).
Instructions
-
Puree the Fruit: Place the 3 cups of diced watermelon into a blender or food processor. Pour in 2 cups of the water. Blend on high speed until the fruit is completely liquefied and smooth.
-
Combine in Pitcher: Pour the blended watermelon mixture directly into a large, 3-quart beverage pitcher.
-
Mix & Dissolve: Add the remaining 6 cups of water, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the ½ cup of sugar to the pitcher. Whisk vigorously for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can no longer see the sugar granules at the bottom of the container.
-
Chill & Serve: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled, or serve immediately over glasses packed tightly with ice cubes.
Notes
-
The Pulp Secret: If you prefer a crystal-clear, texturally smooth lemonade without any floating fruit fibers, pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth directly into your pitcher to trap the pulp.
-
Controlling Sweetness: Depending on how ripe and naturally sweet your watermelon is, you may want to adjust the sugar. Start with ⅓ cup of sugar, taste it, and add more if you prefer a sweeter profile.
-
Herbal Upgrades: To elevate the flavor profile for an elegant gathering, smack a handful of fresh mint leaves or sweet basil sprigs against your hand to release their aromatic oils and drop them straight into the pitcher to infuse.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian