Watermelon Limeade Recipe
Make Watermelon Limeade Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Watermelon base
Sweetener
Finish & garnish
Method
Watermelon base
- 1
Prepare watermelon
Place 6 cups of cubed seedless watermelon in a blender in batches if needed. Pulse/blend until smooth and liquidy, about 30–45 seconds per batch. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or bowl to remove pulp and any remaining solids. Use a spatula to press solids to extract as much juice as possible. You should yield roughly 4–5 cups of watermelon juice.
- 2
Add lime and water
To the strained watermelon juice add 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6–8 limes) and 2 cups cold water. Stir to combine. Taste for balance — the mixture should be bright and slightly tart.
Sweetener
- 3
Make simple syrup
In a small heatproof container combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup hot water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup. Let it cool slightly (2–3 minutes).
- 4
Incorporate sweetener
Gradually pour simple syrup into the watermelon-lime mixture, stirring and tasting as you go. Depending on watermelon sweetness, you may use all or part of the 1 cup sugar—stop when the limeade reaches your preferred sweetness. Chill the combined limeade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Finish & garnish
- 5
Serve
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour watermelon limeade over ice. Garnish each glass with a lime slice and a sprig of fresh mint. Optionally, muddle a mint sprig lightly in the bottom of the glass before adding ice for extra aroma.
- 6
Storage
Store leftover limeade covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake before serving, as separation may occur. Do not freeze in glass containers.