Watermelon Juice
A wonderfully refreshing and naturally sweet beverage, Watermelon Juice is made from fresh, ripe watermelon, offering a pure, hydrating, and subtly sweet taste, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Prep Time
5 min
ABV
0% ABV
Servings
Flavor Profile
What is this drink?
Watermelon Juice is perhaps the most elemental of summer drinks — nothing more than blended fresh watermelon, which is over 92% water by composition, resulting in a naturally sweet, beautifully pink juice that requires almost no effort to produce. Cultures across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas have long celebrated watermelon's thirst-quenching properties. The optional lime brightens it into something extraordinary.
Why you'll love it
The flavor is pure, clean watermelon sweetness with a refreshing lightness that makes it impossible to drink slowly. Its gorgeous blush-pink color and delicate fragrance make it one of the most visually appealing fresh juices you can serve.
When to serve
This is the perfect summer refreshment — ideal for outdoor parties, beach gatherings, picnics, and hot afternoons. It also pairs wonderfully with spicy foods as a cooling counterpoint.
Pro tip
Use seedless watermelon and do not add water before blending — the fruit's natural liquid content is more than sufficient, and adding water only dilutes the intense, pure watermelon flavor you want to preserve.
Seedless Watermelon
The entire drink — watermelon's extraordinary water content means it blends into juice effortlessly, with a natural sweetness that needs no enhancement.
Fresh Lime Juice (Optional)
A tablespoon of fresh lime juice brightens the flavor considerably, cutting through sweetness with acidity and giving the juice a more complex, lively character.
Fresh Mint (Garnish)
Mint garnish adds an aromatic cooling contrast that complements watermelon's clean sweetness without competing with it.
Swap Options
Blend watermelon with fresh strawberries for a deeper red color and more complex berry flavor. Add a small piece of fresh ginger for a spicy kick. Mix with coconut water instead of serving over ice for an electrolyte-rich hydration drink. Freeze the juice in ice cube trays to use as flavorful ice cubes in other beverages.
Directions
Step 1
Prepare watermelon
Ensure you have 2 cups (300g) of cubed seedless watermelon. Remove any visible seeds if not using a seedless variety.
Pro Tip
- →Choose a ripe watermelon for the best flavor; it should feel heavy for its size and have a dull spot (field spot).
Step 2
Blend watermelon
Place the cubed watermelon in a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. No additional water is usually needed due to watermelon's high water content.
Pro Tip
- →Blend thoroughly to break down all solids. If your blender struggles, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to help it along.
Step 3
Strain (optional) and serve
For a smoother, pulp-free juice, pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass, pressing gently on the solids. Discard the pulp. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice if desired. Pour into a glass with 1 serving of ice (optional). Garnish with 1-2 fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip
- →Straining is optional; some prefer the slight pulp. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor. Serve well-chilled.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Watermelon Mint Juice
Blend watermelon flesh with a generous handful of fresh mint leaves before straining for a cooling, herby variation. The mint amplifies watermelon's natural freshness and transforms the juice into something that feels genuinely spa-like. Serve over crushed ice for maximum refreshment on a hot day.
Watermelon Strawberry Blend
Combine equal quantities of watermelon and fresh strawberries in the blender for a deeper ruby-red juice with a richer, more complex berry sweetness. The strawberries add body and a pleasing tartness that balances the mild watermelon beautifully. Excellent chilled or frozen into lollies.
Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca
Blend and strain the watermelon juice, then add a squeeze of lime and top with chilled sparkling water for a light, effervescent version. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt at the end accentuates the sweetness dramatically. This is the ideal drink for warm outdoor gatherings and summer parties.
Tools that make this drink come together
High-Powered Blender
A powerful blender is the most practical tool for watermelon juice, processing large chunks of flesh into smooth liquid in seconds. Watermelon is mostly water, so it blends effortlessly — simply remove the rind and seeds before adding to the jug.
Fine-Mesh Strainer or Muslin Cloth
After blending, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove fibre and any remaining seeds, producing a smooth, vibrantly clear juice. For an even cleaner result, line the sieve with muslin cloth and allow to drain slowly without pressing.
Large Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
A whole watermelon requires a sturdy, large cutting board and a sharp, long knife for safe and efficient preparation. Halving the melon and scooping the flesh into the blender is quicker than trying to cut it into small pieces first.
Can't Find These?
A centrifugal juicer handles watermelon beautifully if you have one. Without any equipment, purchase pre-cut watermelon from a supermarket and use a fork and bowl to mash and squeeze juice through a sieve — slower but perfectly effective.
The right glass makes a real difference
Tall Tumbler or Mason Jar
A tall, clear tumbler or mason jar is perfect for watermelon juice, letting the beautiful deep-pink or red colour shine through and making the drink as visually appealing as it is delicious. The generous capacity accommodates plenty of ice, which is essential for keeping this summer drink refreshingly cold throughout drinking.
Alternatives
A wide-mouthed pint glass works well for larger servings. A stemless wine glass adds an elegant touch for brunch presentations, and a Kilner jar with a straw is charming for outdoor picnics.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Feta and Watermelon Salad
The classic pairing of watermelon and salty, crumbly feta translates naturally here. A plated salad with rocket, cucumber, and good olive oil alongside chilled watermelon juice creates a beautifully cohesive, summery spread.
Grilled Halloumi Skewers
Squeaky, golden halloumi with its satisfying chew and salty bite is an excellent partner for fresh watermelon juice. The drink's cooling sweetness provides perfect contrast to the hot, well-charred cheese fresh from the grill.
Prawn Tacos with Mango Salsa
Light, citrusy prawn tacos with fruity mango salsa share watermelon juice's tropical sensibility. The drink's mild sweetness complements the heat of any chilli in the salsa without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavours.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A well-assembled board of cured meats, olives, mild cheeses, and crusty bread pairs wonderfully with fresh watermelon juice. The drink's sweetness offers a pleasing contrast to the salty, savoury elements while keeping palates refreshed between bites.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Blend and Refrigerate
Blended and strained watermelon juice keeps well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavour remains excellent, though some separation will occur — simply give it a thorough stir or shake before serving. Prepare a large batch the day before a gathering.
Freeze as Cubes or Lollies
Pour strained watermelon juice into ice cube trays or lolly moulds and freeze solid. The cubes are brilliant for chilling drinks without dilution, and the lollies make an impressive, healthy summer treat. Both keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Pre-Cut Watermelon
Prepare the watermelon flesh up to two days ahead — remove the rind and cut into chunks, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, the blending and straining step takes under five minutes, meaning fresh juice is always close at hand.
Make a Simple Watermelon Cordial
Reduce strained watermelon juice by half in a saucepan over low heat, add a little sugar to preserve, and bottle in a sterilised jar. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Dilute to taste with still or sparkling water when serving for effortless, concentrated watermelon flavour.
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