Watermelon Limeade (With Fresh Mint)

The taste and feel of summer in a glass. A perfect combination of watermelon, lime, and mint creates a cool, refreshing drink. Say hello to watermelon limeade.

Easy and fun to make⎯ a healthy refreshment for the warm summer days.

Nothing says summer quite like watermelon. And this delicious, red fruit, when pureed, creates a tasty drink⎯ especially when paired with fresh mint.

Watermelon Limeade Health Benefits

Making your own fruit drink at home will save you calories from added sugar and money. Plus, store-bought fruit drinks usually contain artificial colors and flavors. Skip the chemical cuisine and whip up this easy refreshment at home.

Watermelon is full of vitamin C and potassium. And with watermelon consisting of 90% of water, it’s no wonder it’s a refreshing fruit. When you throw in lime and mint, you’ll add more antioxidants. And mint helps aid in digestion.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WATERMELON

Unless you decide to double this recipe, I usually go with the personal (or mini) watermelons. These tend to be on the smaller side. I found that a 3- pound watermelon makes 5 cups chopped.

Whether you get a miniature or full-size watermelon, the same tips apply when it comes to selecting the perfect one. Look and feel for the following:

• Firmness- The watermelon should not feel squishy but rather firm to the touch.
• Symmetry- Find one that has a nice shape and is symmetrical.
• Heavy for size- If it feels heavier than it looks this is a good sign of juicy flavor.
• Yellow spot on the underside- This is where the watermelon was resting on the ground. Try to find one that is more yellow than the others. If you see a very pale or white color, this indicates the watermelon was picked too early and may not be ripe.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to picking the perfect watermelon.

Watermelon Limeade Recipe

Watermelon limeade consists of four ingredients ⎯ watermelon, mint, lime, and honey.

• Seedless Watermelon- You’ll need 5 cups chopped (2 inches) this is about a 3-pound watermelon. If you purchase one that is bigger you can either double the recipe or save the remaining watermelon for an afternoon snack.
• Mint- Measure out 1/3 cup of loosely packed mint leaves or about 10 large mint leaves.
• Lime- Go with fresh lime juice. The acidity of lime amplifies the overall flavor of the watermelon and mint. Don’t skip the lime. One lime or (2 tablespoons of lime juice) will do the trick.
• Honey- Raw and local honey is the way to go. This can be tailored to your taste buds. Start with one tablespoon and add more if desired about one teaspoon at a time.

In a high-powered blender add all of the ingredients. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Pour in a cup over ice, add additional mint, and enjoy!

DON’T HAVE FRESH MINT?

You can still create a delicious watermelon limeade sans the mint. Simply use watermelon, lime, and honey as the recipe calls. The lime juice is the most critical as it provides some acidity that helps lift the flavor.

WANT A SMOOTHER DRINK?

Watermelon doesn’t contain as much pulp as other fruits but if you prefer your watermelon limeade super smooth you can strain the drink through a mesh strainer. Just know the pulp is where many of the nutrients lie. Puree the watermelon first before adding any of the other ingredients, strain, and put back into the blender.

You can also turn this into an agua fresca and add two to three cups of purified water to create a thinner consistency. This comes down to personal preference.

ADDITIONAL FRUIT RECIPES

Give these other fruit-filled recipes a try:

• Protein-Packed Acai Bowl Recipe
• Healthy Recipe for Oatmeal Bars (Strawberry Filled)
• Black Bean, Peach, & Mango Salsa (Fresh & Delicious!)