This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Mama needs some moula to keep this lil blog a truckin’ so thank you for your support. Xo.
Watermelon juice is the ultimate refreshing drink. And it couldn’t be any easier to make. All you need to do is chop up a watermelon, squeeze in some citrus juices, and add in a dash of sweetness. No need to strain the juice, pulp is your friend – trust me.
This juice is inspired by a local hot pot restaurant in Victoria called Laila Laila Hot Pot. The refreshing juice is perfect in combination with hot bubbling soup. When our hot pot pals introduced us to Laila Laila, we fell in love with not only the amazing hot pot but with this unassuming Watermelon Juice. The first time I tried it I noticed that the juice was pulpy and obviously not strained. And it blew my mind. Why had I been straining my watermelon juice this whole time?? Straining juice is time consuming and messy and I had been missing out on the lovely pulpy texture. I think you’re going to love it too.
Simple syrup is a staple.
The reason I use simple syrup in cold drinks is that the sugar has already been dissolved so you don’t have to worry about your drink having granules of sugar floating around. I always have a small jar of simple syrup in my fridge. It can be used in so many different ways. Some common ways I use it is in cocktails, iced coffee, and to soak cake layers. To make simple syrup, take equal parts water and sugar and either microwave for 1-2 minutes stirring halfway or combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and boil just until sugar is dissolved. Done!
Cocktails, anyone?
This recipe can easily turn into a cocktail if the mood strikes. Vodka, gin, and tequila are great choices for this cocktail. Add 1-2 oz of alcohol to a glass, top with watermelon juice, a sprig of mint and ice and you’ve made yourself a perfect summer cocktail.
Pro tip: Watermelon is a favourite fruit in our household and I’ve gotten pretty good at choosing a good one (see here for tips on how to pick a watermelon) but sometimes all the tips in the world don’t prevent a mealy, watery watermelon from being chosen. Don’t be disappointed, instead, blend it up to make this juice! No wasted watermelon allowed.
Watermelon Juice
Ingredients
Juice
- 1 mini seedless watermelon
- juice from 1 lemon
- juice from 1 lime
- ⅓ cup simple syrup or to taste, recipe follows
- several mint sprigs (optional0
Simple Syrup*
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, place sugar and water in a measuring cup, place in the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Stir syrup and microwave for 1 more minute. Stir again until sugar is dissolved and set aside to cool. Alternatively, you can combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar has dissolved.
- Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the insides using a spoon, straight into a blender.
- Add in the juices and simple syrup and blend on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
- Let juice chill in the fridge until cold. Or if you're impatient and don't mind warm juice, just go for it.
- I like to serve this with a sprig of mint in each drink for extra freshness. Squeeze the mint leaves in your hand first to release the oils, then pop it in the glass and top with the watermelon juice. YUM.
