The most refreshing summer drink, my frozen watermelon lemonade recipe is a sweet, refreshing beverage that’s given lots of depth with a rosemary-infused simple syrup. Serve it as-is, or add vodka for a summer cocktail!
Table of contents
I first discovered watermelon lemonade after a visit with my friend Gabi Moskowitz, a fellow food blogger, otherwise known as the BrokeAss Gourmet. She was the inspiration behind the ABC Family show Young & Hungry.
While grabbing lunch in Los Angeles, we stopped at Lemonade, a restaurant known for its unique seasonal lemonades. One sip of their watermelon lemonade, and I was hooked. I went home and made my own slushy-style take using blended watermelon, lemon, ice, and simple syrup with a hint of rosemary.
This frozen take on watermelon lemonade has become a summer favorite in my home. A flavorful, refreshing summer drink, it’s my go-to for barbecues and parties, and pairs wonderfully with lemon pasta salad and my grilled vegetable salad.
Recipe Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!
- Sugar – I use granulated sugar for this recipe; agave or coconut sugar will also work well. I wouldn’t recommend honey or maple syrup, both of which might detract from the fresh, fruity flavor.
- Watermelon – Make sure to use fresh, seedless watermelon that is nice and chilled. For the best flavor, look for watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a field spot on it (a yellow-looking spot where it rested), and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Lemon Juice – You can’t have lemonade without lemon juice! For the best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not the bottled varieties.
- Rosemary Sprigs – These are optional, but they add such a lovely herbal flavor to the drink. Make sure to use fresh sprigs! Dried rosemary won’t have the same effect.
- (Optional) Vodka – I often like to add vodka for an adult drink with a little kick. You could also use club soda at the end to add a little fizz to the mocktails.
How to Make Frozen Watermelon Lemonade
- Boil. Combine water, sugar, and optional rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Then reduce the heat, and simmer to combine. Set aside to cool and steep.
- Blend. Transfer the cooled rosemary syrup, watermelon chunks, and lemon juice to a blender. Purée until smooth and frothy.
- Enjoy! Pour the drink into a large pitcher. Or, divide it between chilled glasses, and add watermelon slices or lemon slices to the rim for a special touch.
Tori’s Tips and Tricks
- Pour the rosemary syrup through a fine mesh strainer. This will remove any large herb chunks from making their way into your drink.
- Adjust the consistency. Add ice cubes to the blender a few at a time, blending in between until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Sweeten. Give your watermelon lemonade a taste test before pouring, and add more sweetener or lemon juice to taste.
Frozen Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar, or more to taste (you may substitute agave or your favorite sweetener to taste)
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- 2 pounds chilled seedless watermelon chunks (about 5 cups)
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice or more to taste
- 20-30 ice cubes
- 1/3 cup vodka optional – use more to make it more “tipsy” if you like!
NOTES
Instructions
- In a small saucepan combine 1 cup of water, sugar, or sweetener, plus the rosemary sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture return to room temperature, letting the rosemary steep as it cools. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the rosemary sprigs and any stray pieces of herb.
- In a blender, combine cooled rosemary syrup, chilled watermelon chunks, and lemon juice. Blend until well combined and frothy. Add ice cubes a few at a time and continue blending until the texture is slushy, like a blended margarita. The amount of ice cubes you'll need to achieve this texture varies from batch to batch; just add until it feels right. Blend in the vodka if you want to make it "tipsy." Taste; add additional sweetener or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve in chilled glasses and enjoy!
Nutrition
tried this recipe?
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FAQs
Yes! You can make the rosemary syrup and blend the watermelon in advance. Store the syrup in the fridge for up to a week and the blended watermelon in the freezer. For the best texture, blend everything together just before serving so it stays cold and slushy.
Absolutely! Omit the rosemary for a simple watermelon lemonade. Swap rosemary for fresh mint leaves or basil for a different herbal twist. You can also add strawberries for strawberry lemonade, as well as raspberries or pineapple to the watermelon for extra fruit flavor. Or, if you’re going the cocktail route, swap the vodka for gin, tequila, or white rum!
And after 5 you can turn it into a daiquiri!
Sounds good
BAG was an awesome guest on the Read It And Weep podcast.
Looks delicious! What a fun idea for a show. Can’t wait to tune in!
Watermelon and a squeeze of ginger (from a tube) blended with a bit of crushed ice makes a very refreshing drink. I keep it in my fridge like iced tea. No sugar, no fuss!
that sounds good also..like the no sugar version for health