Easy Melon Lemonade (Just a Few Ingredients)
A delicious and simple recipe for melon lemonade that is the epitome of summer.
Do you have lots of watermelon around and simply don’t know what to do with it? That’s where this watermelon lemonade comes in. You can use any melons that you like.
But there’s something about summer and summertime that just screams watermelon. Along with the watermelon I added some basil. I’m a huge fan of adding fresh herbs to beverages and this easy watermelon lemonade recipe is no different.
Of course, basil has a ton a health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Just imagine yourself sipping on this fruity lemonade on a hot day. There’s nothing like it. If you want to try another spin on lemonade, you could also try my blueberry thyme lemonade too which has a raging fan club of it’s own.
I like the flavor of a little vanilla extract (not vanilla essence) in lemonade, so I added some to this recipe.
To sweeten, use some organic cane sugar. But, here’s the thing…you don’t have to use sugar in the lemonade if you want to. You can also use sucanat sugar. Just keep in mind, that it will color the lemonade a bit.
How to Store Fresh Summertime Lemonade
When it comes to storing melon lemonade, it’s really important that you store the lemonade in the fridge. Use a lidded glass pitcher so that other flavors from the fridge or any plastic don’t mix into the juice.
I found this glass pitcher with a stainless steel lid that works great. It also works like a charm, if you have any leftover seeds that were missed while you were juicing.
You’ll find that this watermelon lemonade tastes best when enjoyed within 1-2 two days.
Note this lemonade doesn’t last long at my house. It probably won’t last long at yours.
For the quintessential summer meal pair the melon lemonade with picnic potato salad and sticky barbecue chicken.
Easy Melon Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon rinds and seeds removed & chopped
- 5 lemons (large lemons)
- 6 cups water reserve 1 cup for making simple syrup
- 3/4 cup cane sugar (use organic cane sugar or sucanat sugar)
- 1/4 cup basil (fresh chopped basil)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Juice watermelon in a blender.2 cups watermelon
- In a small saucepan heat 1 cup water, sugar and basil on medium low heat to make simple syrup.3/4 cup cane sugar, 1/4 cup basil
- Allow to dissolve for about 5 minutes while stirring consistently.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and let cool.1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- To pitcher add juice of watermelon, simple syrup, lemon juice and remaining water.
- Stir until combined.
- Serve over ice.
- Garnish with slices of fresh watermelon and/or lemon wedges..
Notes
Nutrition
Tulsi Basil Strawberry Lemonade
Original: September 2, 2020
Updated for content and clarity August 11, 2026
