There are few things easier or more refreshing than a glass of homemade watermelon juice. It takes only a few simple steps, and there is no need for a juicer or any special equipment. A blender is all you need to turn a sweet, juicy watermelon into a cool drink that is perfect for warm days.
I like making watermelon juice at home when I have a ripe watermelon that needs to be used. The fruit already has plenty of natural sweetness and moisture, so there is no need to add sugar. The result is light, fresh, and naturally refreshing.
A little lime juice can also be added if you enjoy a slightly tangy flavor. It gives the watermelon a nice zing without taking away from its natural sweetness.
Why Make Watermelon Juice at Home?
- Watermelon is already made up of a lot of water, which makes it a natural choice for a refreshing drink. When blended, the fruit turns into a smooth, flavorful juice in less than a minute.
- One of the best things about making it at home is that you can decide how you want the texture. If you use a seedless watermelon and like a little pulp in your drink, you can pour the blended juice straight into glasses. For a smoother drink, simply strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- There is also no complicated preparation involved. Once the watermelon is cut open, most of the work is simply scooping the fruit into the blender.
Choosing a Good Watermelon
- The watermelon you start with makes a big difference in the finished juice. Since there are only two ingredients, the flavor of the watermelon is especially important.
- When choosing a watermelon, look for one that feels heavy for its size. A heavier watermelon usually has plenty of water inside, which is exactly what you want when making juice.
- The watermelon should also look round and dark with a dull surface rather than a very shiny one. Another useful thing to check is the field spot. This is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing. A yellow field spot is generally a good sign when choosing a ripe watermelon.
- Most importantly, choose a watermelon that looks ripe and sounds right when you check it. A sweet, juicy watermelon will give you naturally sweet juice without needing any additional sweetener.
Preparing the Watermelon
- Start by placing the watermelon on a sturdy cutting board. Slice it in half using a large, sharp knife.
- Once it is cut, use a large spoon to scoop the watermelon flesh away from the rind. You can scoop out manageable chunks and place them directly into the blender.
- There is no need to make the pieces perfectly even. The blender will do the work of breaking them down.
- Discard the rind and continue scooping until you have enough watermelon for the recipe.
- If your watermelon contains seeds, keep in mind that you may want to strain the juice later. Seedless watermelon makes the process even easier, especially if you prefer to drink the juice without straining it.
Blending the Watermelon
- Add the watermelon chunks to the blender. Put the lid on securely and blend until the watermelon is completely pulverized.
- This usually takes less than a minute. There is no need to keep blending once the watermelon has turned into a liquid.
- The watermelon contains so much natural moisture that you do not need to add water to help the blender along. Simply let the fruit blend on its own.
- Once it is blended, take a quick taste. If the watermelon is ripe and sweet, the juice may already taste exactly right.
Adding Lime
- If you want a little extra brightness, add the juice of one small lime to the blender.
- The lime is optional, so you can leave it out if you prefer the pure taste of watermelon. I like the small amount of acidity because it balances the sweetness and gives the drink a fresher finish.
- After adding the lime juice, blend for a few more seconds to combine everything.
To Strain or Not to Strain
- Whether you strain watermelon juice is completely up to you.
- If you have used a seedless watermelon and do not mind a little natural pulp, you can skip straining. Simply pour the juice from the blender into glasses filled with ice.
- For a smoother drink, pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher. This is especially helpful if the watermelon was seeded or particularly pulpy.
- Pour the mixture slowly through the strainer and allow the liquid to pass through. You can gently help it along if needed.
- Once strained, you will have a lighter, smoother watermelon juice ready to serve.
Serving Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon juice tastes best when it is cold and freshly made. I like pouring it into glasses filled with ice and serving it right away.
- You can also make a pitcher ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This makes it convenient when you want something refreshing ready to drink.
- Because watermelon juice is made from fresh fruit, it may naturally separate while sitting. This is completely normal. Before serving, simply give the juice a good stir with a spoon to bring everything back together.
- If you are serving the juice for a gathering, making a pitcher in advance can save time. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to pour it.
How Long Does Watermelon Juice Keep?
- Homemade watermelon juice can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
- The juice may separate during storage, so do not be concerned if it looks different after sitting for a while. A quick stir will recombine the juice.
- For the freshest flavor and texture, I prefer drinking it soon after making it, but keeping it refrigerated gives you the option of preparing it ahead.
A Simple Drink With Natural Sweetness
- One of the nicest things about this recipe is that it does not require added sugar. A ripe watermelon provides plenty of natural sweetness on its own.
- The small amount of lime juice is optional and is mainly there to add a bright, slightly tangy flavor. If your watermelon is especially sweet, the lime can help keep the drink from tasting too heavy.
- On the other hand, if you love the pure flavor of watermelon, leave the lime out and enjoy the juice as it is.
Other Ways to Enjoy It
- Watermelon juice is delicious served simply over ice, but it can also be used in a few different ways.
- For another melon drink, the same blending method can be used with cantaloupe. The process is just as simple: prepare the fruit, blend it, and strain it if necessary.
- Watermelon juice can also be frozen into popsicles. Pour the juice into popsicle molds and freeze until completely solid. This is a simple way to turn the same refreshing drink into a frozen treat.
- If you are making the juice specifically for popsicles, you can use the same watermelon juice recipe without changing the ingredients.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Juice
- Use a Sweet Watermelon
- The flavor of the finished juice depends heavily on the watermelon. Choose a ripe, sweet watermelon whenever possible.
- Do Not Add Extra Water
- Watermelon already contains plenty of liquid, so there is no reason to dilute it. Blending the fruit on its own gives you a flavorful juice.
- Taste Before Serving
- Always taste the juice after blending. If you like the natural watermelon flavor, you can serve it immediately. If you want a brighter taste, add the optional lime juice.
- Strain for a Smoother Texture
- Straining is not required, but it is useful if the watermelon is seeded or you prefer a less pulpy drink.
- Stir Before Serving
- Fresh watermelon juice naturally separates as it sits. A quick stir is all it needs before serving or pouring into glasses.
Keeping It Refreshing
- For the best experience, serve the juice chilled or pour it over ice. If you are preparing it ahead of time, transfer it to a covered pitcher and refrigerate it.
- Since watermelon juice is so quick to make, it is also easy to prepare just before serving. This is especially convenient during hot weather when you want something cold without spending much time in the kitchen.
Description
- Fresh homemade watermelon juice made by blending sweet watermelon until smooth. It can be served as-is or strained for a smoother texture. A squeeze of lime adds an optional bright, tangy flavor.
Duration
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Blend Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: About 6 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 small sweet watermelon (a 6-pounder will do)
- 1 small lime, juiced (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the watermelon in half. Use a large spoon to scoop the watermelon flesh into a blender. Discard the rind.
- Blend the watermelon until completely pulverized, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- If using lime, squeeze the juice of one small lime into the blender. Blend for a few seconds to combine.
- Taste the juice. If you like the texture as it is, pour it directly into glasses filled with ice.
- For smoother juice, especially if the watermelon is seeded or very pulpy, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher.
- Serve chilled or over ice.
- If storing, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The juice may separate as it sits, so stir well before serving.
Notes
- Watermelon selection: Choose a watermelon that is heavy for its size, round, dark, and dull rather than shiny. A yellow field spot is also a good feature to look for.
- Straining: Straining is optional. Skip it if you are using a seedless watermelon and do not mind a little pulp.
- Lime: Lime juice is optional and adds a fresh, slightly tangy flavor.
- Storage: Keep the juice covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and stir before serving.
- Variation: Cantaloupe juice can be made using the same method.
- Frozen option: Pour the watermelon juice into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mexica
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 184 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 6 mg
- Potassium: 681 mg
- Vitamin A: 90% DV
- Vitamin C: 38% DV
