Fresh Watermelon Juice Recipe

Main

1. 1

   Prepare watermelon

   Cut the watermelon into manageable wedges. Remove rind and white pith, then cut the red flesh away from seeds (if any) and chop into roughly 1-inch pieces until you have about 6 cups of cubed flesh.

2. 2

   Blend

   Place the 6 cups of chopped watermelon into a blender. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon coarse salt. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds. Pause and scrape down the sides once if needed.

3. 3

   Adjust consistency

   If the juice seems very thick, add up to 1 cup cold water and pulse once or twice to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more sugar (add 1/2 teaspoon at a time) or brightness with more lime (1/2 tsp to 1/2 tbs).

4. 4

   Strain (optional)

   For a silkier juice, pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, using a spoon to press the pulp and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard remaining solids or save for smoothies.

5. 5

   Chill and serve

   Add 2 cups of ice cubes and the mint leaves to the pitcher (or serve ice in individual glasses). Stir gently to chill and infuse mint for 1–2 minutes. Pour into glasses, garnish with additional mint sprigs and a small lime wedge if desired. Serve immediately.