I’m going to keep this short, ’cause I know ya’ll have grilling to do.
Or is that just me? Am I the only one on vacation sporting a “Kiss the Cook” apron?
At least that’s what I think it says; otherwise I’m totally wearing the wrong apron.
Anyway, I’m on vacation. I’m grilling stuff. Everything that goes into my mouth these days is coming off the grill.
And it’s hot.
Ouch…
Pardon me while I cool off my tongue with a dope ass watermelon lemonade.
OK – I’m a recipe hoarder. I spent all last summer drinking watermelon lemonade. Did I share the recipe?
No…
Why?
Because I’m a hoarder. And I forgot.
There. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.
I hoard recipes. And clothes. And shoes. And… OK – I’m not ready to talk about this yet.
What I am ready to talk about is this lemonade. It’s the ish.
All this is – Is watermelons, lemons, water, sugar, seltzer, and ice. Too many commas here, right?
What makes this watermelon lemonade give other watermelon lemonades a Hulk Smash? A watermelon simple syrup. It doesn’t take much – Just a cup and a half of watermelon, some sugar and some water. You’re left with this mildly watermelon flavored syrup, which you add to pureed watermelon and freshly squeezed lemon juice. I find the syrup helps elevate the watermelon flavor.
It’s fresh, hot pink (like those summer pumps you just bought!) – And the best part? It is truly sweet -n- tart! We all know how truly difficult it is to achieve a sweet-tart balance without one flavor overpowering the other.
I did it, folks.
No need to thank me.
OK… Thank me…
AND!
Bring this watermelon lemonade to your next picnic.
To your next rooftop party (Ooh, can I come?! PLEEEEAASSE!!??)
To your next barbecue.
Just BRING.IT.
[purerecipe]
Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
Watermelon Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cup diced watermelon
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Watermelon Lemonade
- 6 heaping cups diced watermelon
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice strained (from about 6-7 lemons)
- Watermelon simple syrup
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar optional
- seltzer water
- Ice
Instructions
Make the simple syrup:
- In a small saucepan combine the watermelon, cold water, and sugar. Stir to combine, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium/low and cook until the mixture is slightly syrupy and the watermelon pieces have somewhat softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, strain over a small bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and set the liquid aside to cool.
Make the watermelon lemonade:
- Combine the cold water and diced watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth. You can also use a hand blender, combining the watermelon and water in a large bowl, then puree until smooth. Strain the watermelon mixture into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and additional sugar, if using. Stir to combine and adjust the flavors as needed.
- To and 8 oz. glass, add ice, about 6 oz of watermelon lemonade, and top with seltzer water.
- Enjoy.
- Makes about 7 pints of lemonade.
