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On a hot summer day, there's nothing like this Watermelon Mint Lemonade! It's refreshing, delicious, easy and make-ahead.
A couple of weeks ago, I took my granddaughter Annie, to Chick-fil-A for lunch. I was scanning the menu and my eyes stopped at Watermelon Mint Lemonade. Maybe it's been on the menu for a long time but, not being a frequent fast-food consumer, it was the first time I'd noticed it.
"Annie, would you like to try the Watermelon Mint Lemonade?" I thought she might think it was a strange combination, but she didn't hesitate for a minute. "Sure!" she replied.
When our food arrived I was curious and asked if I could try a sip of her drink. Oh my goodness! I loved it and so did Annie. I knew right away I was going to have to figure out how to make this wonderfully refreshing drink.
It seems we're all in a hurry these days, so I decided to start with a can of frozen lemonade. That made things simple, as all I had to play around with was the watermelon and mint. A couple days later, I bought a beautiful seedless watermelon and a big bunch of mint and was ready to roll.
How to add lots of watermelon and mint flavor?
It was surprising how much watermelon it took to actually arrive with a distinct watermelon flavor. I started with around 4 cups of diced watermelon and was finally happy with the recipe at 8 cups (about ½ of a medium size seedless watermelon).
I pureed the watermelon in the blender along with some of the frozen lemonade. Watermelon drinks can be a bit "pulpy" though, which is great for a smoothie or slushie, but I didn't want that for my lemonade. Straining the pureed mixture with a fine mesh strainer took care of that problem easily.
Along with the watermelon, the Chick-fil-A lemonade also had a distinct mint flavor. I decided to achieve that with muddling and steeping. What's muddling? It's simply bruising herb leaves in order to release the oils which contain their wonderful flavor. I don't have a muddler so I used the blunt end of a large wooded spoon to crush or "bruise" my mint. It worked like a charm!
Allowing the muddled mint to steep in the lemonade for about 15 minutes was all it took to get lots of bright, fresh mint flavor. The muddled mint was then discarded and when I served my watermelon mint lemonade, I used beautiful fresh mint sprigs for garnish along with pretty yellow lemon slices. I couldn't wait to let Annie try it. I let her be the official "taste-tester" and the smile on her face after the first sip was a huge thumbs up!
Make it ahead and freeze
In the process of getting this recipe "just right" I made several batches and had quite a "stash". I decided to try freezing it so I could serve it for the 4th of July. I used a large Rubbermaid container and just pulled it out a few hours before our guests arrived. It tasted like it was freshly made!
Is the summer heat is getting to you? It's been in the mid 90's here in Carolina for quite a string of days now. Just looking at these pictures make me want another a batch of this Watermelon Mint Lemonade. Try it! I think you'll find too, that it's the perfect way to beat the heat!
- 1 12- ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate thawed
- 8 cups diced seedless watermelon
- 5 cups water
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves packed, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs for garnish
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Combine frozen lemonade and watermelon in a blender container. Blend for 1 minute until smooth.
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Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Pour lemonade/watermelon mixture into strainer and allow to drain. Stir occasionally until almost all of the liquid is strained into the bowl.
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Combine lemonade/watermelon mixture with the water and stir well.
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Place mint leaves and sugar in a small bowl. With a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon or other kitchen utensil, crush (or bruise) the mint leaves a bit to release the oils.
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Add crushed mint leaves to the lemonade and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Remove mint leaves and discard.
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Serve lemonade chilled over ice with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs for garnish
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Sandra L Garth says
I'm so happy that you and Annie had that lunch date because now we get to enjoy this pretty summer dirnk.
Susan says
Goodness, that looks refreshing, Chris! I think you did a great job of replicating a delicious and perfect-for-summer beverage!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Such a nice summery drink! And it's gorgeous -- as are the pictures. This is a winner -- thanks.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
So perfectly refreshing and beautiful! We are still waiting for the big Summer heat here. It's been nice enough, but we have yet to string together a bunch of hot days in a row. I'm sure they're coming, so I'll be prepared with this refresher 🙂
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
That looks like the best 116 calories I've ever had 🙂 Our temps are hitting 3 digits this week, so you are right on time with this refreshing lemonade, thanks Chris!
Liz says
I'm hanging out with my sisters up in Northern Minnesota and a pitcher of this fabulous lemonade would be welcomed on the dock! What a wonderful, refreshing summer beverage!!
Monique says
You girls and your lemonades!!:) Porch swings..lattice pies..lemonades♥
Lovely posts ladies.And Scott:)
cheri says
Wow! does this watermelon mint lemonade refreshing , love the color. Annie sounds like a wonderful taste terster. My grandsons love chick-fill-a too.
Ginny Hartzler says
Yes, it has been very hot here, too. Watermelon and lemonade weather, and you have combined them both! I declare that you can copy anything you taste, and make it even better! It is beautiful, and I can almost smell the mint. and now that your grandchildren are living so much closer, I know you will be turning them into excellent cooks!
Dianne says
I have the watermelon and mint but only fresh lemons on hand. I will try it with fresh lemons and add more sugar.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Diane,
I would just go with a classic lemonade recipe and then add the watermelon and mint as in this recipe. Enjoy!!!!
Tricia @ Saving Room for dessert says
Wow -this looks sooooooo refreshing! Absolutely gorgeous color and the flavors are perfect. I recently enjoyed a mint and watermelon salad so I know I'm going to love this! Thanks for the link love - sharing, pinning and wishing I had a glass right now! Stay cool 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Sounds like you and Annie had a nice lunch together Chris. This lemonade sounds absolutely refreshing and PERFECT for summer! I love the addition of the mint!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Mary Ann, it is a treat on a hot summer day, for sure!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I would probably need a whole pitcher!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha Angie! It is quite addictive!