Time: 10

This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for more information. Advertisements displayed do not reflect endorsements or recommendations made by Entirely Elizabeth.

This homemade Watermelon Limeade recipe is sweet, tart, and the perfect drink for warmer weather. It’s just 4 ingredients, fresh watermelon, limes, sugar, water, and maybe a sprig of mint as a garnish.

Serve your limeade with a platter of veggies and my high protein Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip.

Jar of Watermelon Limeade with a watermelon slice sitting on top and a red and white striped straw. There is a pitcher of more limeade in the background, limes, and watermelon slices.

I don’t know if you can relate, but every summer I stand in my kitchen staring at a container of spoiled watermelon. I always get frustrated with myself for letting perfectly good fruit go to waste. That’s when I decided to turn my watermelon problem into a refreshing solution.

This vibrant Watermelon Limeade transforms surplus watermelon into something truly special – a perfect balance of sweet and tart that screams summer. Plus, it’s an incredible way to stay hydrated.

You might also want to try my Watermelon Lime Slushies. They’re creamy, sweet, and brightened up with Ginger Ale, so yummy. I love to make this Watermelon Salad too.

Watermelon Limeade Ingredients

Here’s everything you will need to make this recipe and a few important notes too. Keep reading!

Fresh Watermelon:
Limes: Fresh is the way to go because we need both the zest and freshly squeezed lime juice. In a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice and forget about the zest, but just keep in mind it is more tart and you may have to add additional sugar.
Granulated Sugar: This is what balances out the tart limes. Depending on the sweetness of your watermelon, you may want to add more or less sugar.
Water: You’ll want to use lukewarm water so it dissolves the granulated sugar all the way.
OPTIONAL Garnish: Sprig of fresh mint, lime slice, or even a small watermelon wedge.

Ingredients needed. Cubed watermelon, lime juice, water, granulated sugar, and lime zest.

How to Make Watermelon Limeade

Here’s a quick summary of the steps so you can see how easy it is to make. You’ll also want to grab a large drink pitcher, blender or food processor, and a fine-mesh strainer.

1. VIGOROUSLY STIR together the lukewarm water, lime juice, and granulated sugar until all the sugar has dissolved. Place pitcher in the freezer to chill while you move onto the next step.

2. BLEND the watermelon chunks and lime zest until completely liquified. Grab your pitcher from the freezer and place the fine-mesh strainer over the top of your pitcher. Pour the watermelon juice into the limeade and discard the pulp.

3. STIR AND SERVE chilled or with ice. It’s best enjoyed within 5 to 7 days.

Find the complete recipe instructions with measurements below.

Pitcher of Watermelon Limeade ready to pour into jars and serve.

4 Must Read Tips!

Troubleshoot your Watermelon Limeade. If it’s too sour, add an additional tablespoon of granulated sugar. If it’s too sweet, add an additional tablespoon of limeade.
Get the most juice from your limes by rolling them back and forth with a little pressure on your countertop. This causes more juice to release from the flesh.
For an extra boost of lime flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lime zest. Just be careful and avoid the white pith because that can actually make your limeade bitter.
Wash your limes! Because we are using zest it is even more important to wash the skin of your limes. I recommend spritzing them with white vinegar and allowing them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before lightly scrubbing and rinsing multiple times with cool water.

Make This Recipe Your Own!

ADD A SPLASH OF SPIRITS (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Tequila, vodka, and rum taste best with the watermelon and lime combination.

TURN IT INTO A SLUSHIE. Just freeze your watermelon chunks and swap the water for ice cubes. Then blend everything in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.

MAKE IT SUGAR FREE OR REDUCED SUGAR. Allulose is my favorite sugar alternative for drinks and syrups. To reduce the amount of sugar you can use whatever amount you want and then the remaining amount regular sugar. Or ditch the sugar all together and only use allulose.

More Lime Drink Recipes To Try

Thanks for dropping in! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter for fun NEW CONTENT and CONVERSATION delivered to your inbox. If you love this recipe save it now so you can find it later. Thank you for your support!

Watermelon Limeade

Never waste watermelon again with this Watermelon Limeade recipe. It's refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for staying hydrated on hot days.

Save Print

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Author Elizabeth Swoish

Course Beverage

Servings cups

Calories 139 kcal

EQUIPMENT

glass pitcher
fine mesh strainer
blender or food processor

INGREDIENTS

6 cups watermelon - cubed (should equal 4 cups of juice when blended)
1 lime - zested
1 cup lime juice - freshing squeezed
1 cup granulated sugar - or allulose for sugar free lemonade
4 cups water - lukewarm

INSTRUCTIONS

To a large pitcher add the lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir vigorously until the granulated sugar has dissolved completely.
In a blender or food processor, add the fresh cubed watermelon and lime zest. Blend until it becomes a juice. There should be 4 cups of watermelon juice.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over the top of the pitcher. Pour in the watermelon juice and press to extract all the juices. Stir together until combined, and discard the pulp.
Chill prior to serving or pour into glasses over ice. Feel free to garnish with a sprig of mint, lime slice, or a mini wedge of fresh watermelon like I did.

RECIPE NOTES

MAKE IT SUGAR FREE OR REDUCED SUGAR. For sugar free, use 1:1 allulose sugar in place for granulated sugar. For reduced sugar, use half allulose and half granulated sugar.