If you are looking for a refreshing and tasty non-alcoholic drink that also offers excellent health benefits, sparkling watermelon limeade should be on your list of beverages to try.
Watermelon contains carotenoids and potassium. Research has indicated that carotenes, such as lutein and lycopene, may aid in the prevention of some forms of cancer. At the same time, potassium contributes to efficient nerve signals, muscle contractions, and regulated heartbeats and blood pressure. Limes offer lots of vitamin C and antioxidants, so that you can enjoy this beverage and know it’s also healthy.
Made with natural ingredients, the marriage of lime and watermelon provides the perfect balance of a sweet yet tart taste, and the sparkling water adds a little kick. This drink is a must in your beverage repertoire, perfect for any occasion, from summer barbeques to brunches to mocktail hour.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
To create your perfect watermelon limeade, you’ll need to have:
- fresh limes
- fresh or freshly pressed watermelon juice (freshly pressed can be found at grocery stores)
- club soda or sparkling water
- syrup or sugar water
You’ll also want some fresh lime slices and watermelon pieces for garnish to dress up your creation.
How Do I Make Watermelon Juice?
Prepare your watermelon in pieces the correct size for your blender. Place the watermelon pieces and ½ cup of water in your blender and puree until the mixture is lump-free. This will probably require preparing several batches.
Once the watermelon has been pureed, prepare a very fine mesh sieve and place it over a pitcher or similar that has at least a four-cup capacity. Pour the juice prepared over the mesh sieve to strain it further. Discard any excess fibers remaining and set aside your watermelon juice.
What Syrup Should I Use?
You can make your simple syrup using water and sugar. Monk fruit sweetener powder or agave can be used as an alternative to sugar. Simple syrup can also be purchased. You’ll want to adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener you use according to taste and ensure that it dissolves entirely if you prepare the syrup.
To make the syrup, place the cup of water and sugar or sweetener in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove the saucepan from the stove and stir in the cup of ice to facilitate its complete cooling before mixing with the other ingredients.
Simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for approximately five days. Try freezing it so that you have the needed amount on hand.
Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener you use based on how sweet your watermelon is. If it is very sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup.
How To Prepare Watermelon Limeade
Making watermelon limeade is simple and requires very little time. You blend and strain watermelon, squeeze limes, buy or prepare simple syrup, and combine. Stir in your favorite sparkling water or club soda, chill, and serve.
To mix up eight servings, prepare:
- Six cups of watermelon, diced
- 2/3 cup of lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 cups of sparkling water* or club soda
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ice
- Extra ice for serving the beverage.
- various garnishing
To make your drink:
- Pour the simple sugar syrup into a large pitcher, whether prepared at home or purchased.
- Add the freshly squeezed lime juice, watermelon juice, and sparkling water into the pitcher.
- Stir well and serve your watermelon limeade over ice.
- Garnish your beverage with watermelon pieces and lime slices or wedges as desired.
* Sparkling water may be a favorite brand such as S. Pelligrino or Perrier or you may want to use sparkling watermelon water.
Watermelon Limeade Garnishing
Consider a pretty presentation if you prepare this beverage for a special occasion. Place a freshly cut lime wedge or a slim lime slice on the rim of the glass. A small piece of watermelon will add extra color, as will small watermelon cubes in the glass. Finally, a vivid green sprig of fresh mint offers a colorful contrast while complimenting the drink’s flavor.
Can This Recipe Be Used For A Cocktail, Slushie, Or Other?
Yes, this recipe can also be used as the base for a delicious cocktail. Add four to six shots of your favorite spirit, such as vodka, gin, or tequila, when mixing your watermelon limeade. You may prefer prosecco instead of sparkling water for more limited spirits as part of the ingredients.
You can add enough chopped ice to make a tasty watermelon limeade slushie or consider substituting the sparkling water with regular water and making delicious frozen popsicles.
