Incredibly refreshing, this Watermelon Juice is so easy to make in 10 minutes or less! I like to think of this recipe like nature’s ‘Gatorade’. Watermelon is 92% water, and we find the fruit sugar combined with a touch of lime juice to be wonderfully hydrating. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and tastes like a treat on a hot day!
This recipe has been my go-to for the hottest days of summer for 8 years running! It’s simple to make and incredibly refreshing. The inspiration for this recipe started with my Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie.
We love to make that smoothie all summer long and it’s extra refreshing after time outdoors. But one day I went to make it and discovered I was out of frozen strawberries.
So instead, I put cubed watermelon in the blender with some fresh lime juice I had, and the rest was history. Rather than turning out like a smoothie, watermelon has so much water content in it that it’s more like ‘juice’ when you blend it.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Watermelon – any size of watermelon works in this recipe. You can also use yellow watermelon as well. Seedless is ideal for this recipe.
- Limes – freshly squeezed lime juice lifts the flavor of the sweet watermelon and adds a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. I’ve made blended watermelon juice without lime juice when I haven’t had limes, but it’s way better with some lime! You can also use lemon juice for a similar effect and slightly different flavor.
- Mint – is completely optional and a matter of personal preference. Tyler prefers his watermelon juice without it, but I love it. If you’re unsure, you can pour a little watermelon juice into a glass and mash a
How to make this recipe step by step
Step 1: Start by removing the rind and cubing up the watermelon.
Step 2: Add the cubed watermelon to a blender container along with the freshly squeezed lime juice.
I use a glass citrus juice reamer to quickly juice the limes.
Step 3: Blend until smooth. You can add ice cubes if desired to make it colder, but it does ‘water’ down the flavor a bit.
Step 4: If desired, add the mint sprigs and mash/macerate them against the side of the blender container with the back of a spoon. This adds a subtle mint flavor that is really nice in this watermelon juice.
You can also add 2-3 mint leaves and blend briefly, just be careful that the mint doesn’t overwhelm the watermelon flavor.
Ways to serve this
- Chill this watermelon juice for a few hours in the fridge, or serve over ice with fresh mint leaves and lime slices for a garnish.
- For smoother juice, pour the juice through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer to strain out the pulp.
- We like to freeze this watermelon juice in our water bottles to take hiking, to the beach, or pretty much anywhere outdoors. Just be sure to leave room for expansion and use a freezer-safe container. As we hike, the frozen watermelon juice melts and makes for the perfect frosty mid-day rehydration.
- Serve this juice in a pitcher with plenty of ice at your next brunch, bridal shower, or baby shower. It’s bright, colorful, and always a hit!
FAQ’s
Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice adds nice depth to watermelon juice. I always include it, otherwise watermelon juice has a ‘flat’ flavor.
Watermelon has a high percentage of water and fruit sugar which are both good for some after a workout. We like to add lime juice for flavor but also sea salt to replenish the salt lost while working out. For the ultimate hydration, follow my ‘gatorade’ version below and in the recipe notes. It adds coconut water for potassium.
Storing leftovers
- To store – pour any leftover watermelon juice into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This juice does taste the best the 1st day, but it will keep pretty well. The flavor just begins to taste ‘flat’.
- Make ahead – you can make this ahead up to 2 days in the fridge, or follow the freezing instructions. My favorite make-ahead tip is to cube the watermelon and refrigerate it for 1 day before blending. That way you can make watermelon juice in less than 5 minutes!
- To freeze – pour the juice into a freezer-safe container, leaving plenty of room for expansion and freeze for up to 1 month.
Watermelon ‘Gatorade’ – 1:1 coconut water + watermelon juice + pinch of sea salt
Tips & Tricks
- If it’s a good watermelon, you won’t need any added sugar. But if your watermelon is underripe, try adding sweetener to taste.
- Cut the watermelon into smaller cubes to fit more in the blender. Or you can also make 2 batches.
- Try freezing some or all of the cubed watermelon for a ‘frosty’ version of homemade watermelon juice.
More Drink Recipe Inspiration
I really hope you enjoy this fresh Watermelon Juice recipe! If you do get a chance to make it, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Watermelon Juice
INGREDIENTS
- 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon - 2 1/2 pounds
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice - from 3 limes
- 4 sprigs of fresh mint - 1/8 ounce or 6 grams
- optional pinch of sea salt per serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the cubed watermelon in a blender, and blend until smooth. Add the lime juice and blend to combine.
- Place the mint sprigs in the blender container, and mash them against the side with the back of a spoon to release the flavor. Remove the mint sprigs, and stir to disperse the mint flavor.
- Serve the watermelon juice over ice, or chill for 2+ hours before serving.
- You can keep this in the refrigerator for 4 hours ahead of time. After a half a day, it doesn’t taste quite as fresh anymore, but it’s still good.
NOTES
nutrition facts
This recipe was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2024 with new photos, more tips, and more information.
Have you tried freezing the drink. Then when you get ready you can put it in the blender and have it like a freeze and make summer last a little longer.
That sounds like a good idea because I’m always a little sad when watermelon season finally ends!
Omg I NEED THIS! Besides, watermelon is my absolute favorite fruit
Me too! We go through 3 big watermelons a week during the summer because it’s just so good!
Love drinking this in the summer! I’m a lil more lazy in the way I make it, just blend the mint right together with the other two ingredients.
P.s. use only 6-12 mint leaves if you blend it with the watermelon as it releases more flavor.
Sometimes I blend the mint in too, but you have to drink it faster because it doesn’t seem to keep very well. 🙂