17 Cooling Watermelon Beverages for Summer Thirst Relief
Nothing beats the sweet, juicy taste of fresh watermelon when summer heat strikes. These refreshing drinks transform this beloved fruit into cooling beverages perfect for hot days.
From creamy milkshakes to boozy cocktails, these watermelon drinks offer something special for every occasion and taste preference.
01. Creamy Watermelon Milkshake
A smooth and creamy blend of fresh watermelon with milk and sugar. This naturally sweet milkshake delivers cooling refreshment with every sip.
Ingredients: 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 cup ice cubes, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt.
How To Make Creamy Watermelon Milkshake
1. Cut your watermelon into small cubes, removing any seeds you find. I recommend using the sweetest part near the center for the best flavor in your milkshake.
2. Add watermelon cubes to your blender first, followed by milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. This order helps the blender work more efficiently and creates a smoother texture.
3. Blend on high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth and frothy. The mixture should be light pink and creamy without any visible watermelon chunks.
4. Add ice cubes and pulse 10-15 times until ice is crushed and incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then serve immediately in chilled glasses for the best experience.
02. Fresh Watermelon Mojitos
Classic mojito ingredients get a fruity upgrade with fresh watermelon puree. White rum, lime, and mint create the perfect balance with sweet watermelon flavors.
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed watermelon, 8 fresh mint leaves, 4 ounces white rum, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, club soda, ice cubes, lime wedges for garnish.
How To Make Fresh Watermelon Mojitos
1. Puree watermelon cubes in a blender until completely smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp. You should have about 1 cup of smooth watermelon juice.
2. In two tall glasses, gently muddle 4 mint leaves in each glass with a muddler or wooden spoon. Press just enough to release the oils without tearing the leaves completely.
3. Fill each glass with ice, then add 2 ounces rum, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup to each glass. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Pour half the watermelon juice into each glass and stir again. Top with club soda to your desired strength, garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs.
5. Serve immediately with straws, adjusting the club soda amount based on how strong you prefer your mojitos to taste.
03. Frozen Watermelon Lemonade Slush
Frozen watermelon chunks blend with strawberry lemonade mix for an icy summer treat. This slushy drink offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen watermelon chunks, 1 packet strawberry lemonade drink mix, 2 cups cold water, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 cup ice cubes.
How To Make Frozen Watermelon Lemonade Slush
1. To freeze watermelon properly, cut fresh watermelon into 1-inch cubes and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
2. In a large blender, combine cold water with strawberry lemonade mix and sugar. Blend for 30 seconds until the powder completely dissolves and no lumps remain.
3. Add frozen watermelon chunks to the blender and blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and slushy with small ice crystals throughout.
4. Add fresh lemon juice and ice cubes, then pulse 15-20 times until you reach your desired slush consistency. The texture should be thick enough to drink through a straw.
5. Pour into tall glasses and serve immediately with wide straws. If the slush becomes too thick, add a splash of cold water and stir gently.
04. Vodka-Infused Whole Watermelon
Transform an entire watermelon into a boozy summer centerpiece by infusing it with vodka. This party favorite requires advance planning but creates unforgettable results.
Ingredients: 1 small whole watermelon (8-10 pounds), 1 bottle (750ml) vodka, wooden skewers, plastic wrap, large cooler with ice.
How To Make Vodka-Infused Whole Watermelon
1. Choose a ripe watermelon that sounds hollow when tapped and has a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground. Wash the outside thoroughly and pat completely dry.
2. Use a long wooden skewer or knife to create a deep hole in the top of the watermelon, making it just wide enough for the vodka bottle neck to fit snugly inside.
3. Insert the vodka bottle neck-first into the hole, creating a tight seal. If needed, use plastic wrap around the bottle neck to prevent leaking during the infusion process.
4. Place the watermelon upright in a large cooler surrounded by ice to keep it cold. Let it sit for 24-48 hours, allowing gravity to slowly pull the vodka into the fruit.
5. Remove the empty bottle and refrigerate the watermelon for at least 4 hours before serving. Cut into wedges and enjoy responsibly, as the alcohol content will be significant throughout.
05. Watermelon Rosé Frosé
Frozen rosé wine cubes blend with watermelon and basil simple syrup for an elegant frozen cocktail. This Instagram-worthy drink requires advance preparation but delivers stunning results.
Ingredients: 2 cups frozen rosé wine cubes, 2 cups frozen watermelon cubes, 1/4 cup basil simple syrup, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, fresh basil leaves, lime wedges for garnish.
How To Make Watermelon Rosé Frosé
1. One day ahead, pour your favorite rosé wine into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Also freeze watermelon cubes on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags.
2. Make basil simple syrup by combining 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 10 fresh basil leaves in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, then cool completely and strain out basil leaves.
3. In a high-powered blender, combine frozen rosé cubes and frozen watermelon cubes. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly before blending.
4. Add basil simple syrup and lime juice, then blend on high speed until the mixture reaches a smooth, sorbet-like consistency. Scrape down sides as needed during blending.
5. Pour into chilled wine glasses and garnish with fresh basil leaves and lime wedges. Serve immediately with spoons or thick straws for the perfect frosé experience.
06. White Wine Melon Sangria
Fresh watermelon and cantaloupe soak in white wine with orange liqueur and mint syrup. This light sangria offers refreshing fruit flavors perfect for summer entertaining.
Ingredients: 3 cups cubed watermelon, 2 cups cubed cantaloupe, 1 bottle white wine, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup orange liqueur, 3 tablespoons mint simple syrup, fresh mint leaves.
How To Make White Wine Melon Sangria
1. Cut watermelon and cantaloupe into bite-sized cubes, removing all seeds and rind. Choose the ripest, sweetest melons you can find for the best flavor infusion.
2. In a large pitcher, combine cubed melons with white wine, orange juice, and orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine without mashing the delicate fruit pieces.
3. Add mint simple syrup and several fresh mint leaves to the pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Before serving, stir the sangria gently and taste for sweetness, adding more mint syrup if desired. The fruit should be well-infused and slightly wine-colored.
5. Serve over ice in wine glasses, making sure each serving gets plenty of the wine-soaked fruit. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs for an elegant presentation.
07. Blush Watermelon Margaritas
Fresh watermelon puree combines with white tequila and lime for beautiful pink margaritas. Sugar-rimmed glasses make these cocktails extra special for summer celebrations.
Ingredients: 3 cups cubed watermelon, 6 ounces white tequila, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, coarse sugar for rimming, lime wedges, ice cubes.
How To Make Blush Watermelon Margaritas
1. Puree watermelon cubes in a blender until completely smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp. You should have about 1.5 cups of smooth watermelon juice.
2. Prepare your glasses by running a lime wedge around the rim, then dipping in coarse sugar spread on a small plate. Set rimmed glasses aside while you make the margaritas.
3. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine watermelon juice, white tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
4. Fill your prepared glasses with fresh ice, then strain the margarita mixture over the ice, being careful not to disturb the sugar rim on the glasses.
5. Garnish each margarita with a lime wedge and serve immediately. The beautiful blush color makes these perfect for summer parties and special occasions.
08. Traditional Watermelon Agua Fresca
Pure watermelon juice strained to crystal clarity creates this traditional Mexican refresher. The name means “cool water” and perfectly describes this translucent, naturally sweet drink.
Ingredients: 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 2 cups cold water, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, pinch of salt, ice cubes for serving.
How To Make Traditional Watermelon Agua Fresca
1. Cut watermelon into chunks, removing any seeds and rind. Use the sweetest, ripest watermelon you can find since this drink relies entirely on the fruit’s natural flavor.
2. Blend watermelon chunks with cold water on high speed for 2 minutes until completely liquefied. The mixture should be smooth without any visible chunks or pulp.
3. Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, pressing the solids gently to extract maximum liquid. Discard the pulp that remains.
4. Stir in lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to enhance the watermelon’s natural sweetness. The liquid should be clear and translucent with a beautiful pink tint.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving over ice in tall glasses. Stir before pouring since natural separation may occur during storage.
09. Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca
Simple watermelon and lime juice create this customizable refresher that’s perfect for all ages. Add vodka for adults or serve as-is for a family-friendly treat.
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cups cold water, ice cubes, lime slices for garnish, vodka optional.
How To Make Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca
1. Blend watermelon cubes until completely smooth, about 2 minutes on high speed. The mixture should be liquid with no visible chunks remaining in the blender.
2. Add fresh lime juice, honey, and cold water to the blended watermelon. Blend again for 30 seconds to ensure everything is well combined and the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey if needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will become more pronounced when served over ice and well-chilled.
4. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave unstrained for a more rustic agua fresca with natural watermelon pulp throughout.
5. Serve over ice with lime slices for garnish. For adults, add 1-2 ounces of vodka per glass and stir gently before serving.
10. Herbal Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
Fresh rosemary simple syrup adds aromatic herbal notes to sweet watermelon lemonade. This sophisticated drink combines familiar flavors with an unexpected botanical twist.
Ingredients: 3 cups cubed watermelon, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup rosemary simple syrup, 3 cups cold water, fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon slices, ice cubes.
How To Make Herbal Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
1. Make rosemary simple syrup by combining 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 4 fresh rosemary sprigs in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, then cool completely and strain.
2. Puree watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp. You should have about 1.5 cups of clear watermelon juice.
3. In a large pitcher, combine strained watermelon juice with fresh lemon juice and rosemary simple syrup. Stir well to ensure the syrup is evenly distributed throughout.
4. Add cold water and stir again. Taste and adjust the rosemary flavor by adding more simple syrup if you want a stronger herbal note in the finished lemonade.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving over ice. Garnish each glass with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices for an elegant presentation that highlights the herbal flavors.
11. Quick Watermelon Pink Lemonade
This single-serving recipe uses fresh lemon and watermelon for instant pink lemonade. Scale up easily to make multiple servings for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients: 1 cup cubed watermelon, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 cup cold water, ice cubes, lemon wheel for garnish.
How To Make Quick Watermelon Pink Lemonade
1. Add watermelon cubes to a blender and puree until completely smooth. For the clearest lemonade, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
2. In a tall glass, combine the watermelon puree with fresh lemon juice and honey. Stir vigorously until the honey completely dissolves into the mixture.
3. Add cold water and stir again to combine all ingredients. The drink should have a beautiful pink color from the watermelon with a perfect sweet-tart balance.
4. Fill the glass with ice and stir one more time to chill the lemonade thoroughly. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired with more honey or lemon juice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim and serve immediately with a straw. To make multiple servings, simply multiply all ingredients by the number of glasses needed.
12. Triple Summer Fruit Lemonade
Watermelon, strawberries, and lemon create the ultimate summer refresher. Freeze the strawberries beforehand for an instant slush-like texture that’s extra cooling.
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed watermelon, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 cups cold water, ice cubes, strawberry slices for garnish.
How To Make Triple Summer Fruit Lemonade
1. Hull the strawberries and cut larger ones in half. For a slush-like texture, freeze the strawberries for at least 2 hours before using in this recipe.
2. In a blender, combine watermelon cubes and strawberries (fresh or frozen). Blend on high speed for 2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3. Add fresh lemon juice and honey to the fruit mixture. Blend again for 30 seconds to ensure the honey is fully dissolved and incorporated throughout the drink.
4. Pour in cold water and pulse the blender 5-6 times to mix without over-blending. The drink should maintain its beautiful red-pink color from the combined fruits.
5. Serve immediately over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and serve with straws. If using frozen strawberries, the drink will have a naturally thick, slush-like consistency.
13. Creamy Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
Watermelon and strawberries blend with yogurt and orange juice for a rich, creamy smoothie. This protein-packed drink works perfectly for breakfast or post-workout refreshment.
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed watermelon, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 cup ice cubes.
How To Make Creamy Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
1. Hull and halve the strawberries, then add them to your blender along with the watermelon cubes. The combination of these fruits creates a beautiful color and balanced sweetness.
2. Add vanilla Greek yogurt and orange juice to the blender. The yogurt provides creaminess and protein while the orange juice adds bright citrus notes that complement both fruits.
3. Drizzle in honey and add ice cubes to the blender. Start with less honey since you can always add more after tasting the finished smoothie.
4. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed to ensure even blending.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey if desired. Pour into glasses and serve immediately with thick straws. The smoothie should be thick but pourable with a lovely pink color.
14. Pure Watermelon Refresher
Sometimes simple is best – fresh watermelon, ice, and honey create this basic yet perfect summer drink. This recipe showcases watermelon’s natural sweetness at its finest.
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 cup ice cubes, pinch of salt, fresh mint leaves for garnish.
How To Make Pure Watermelon Refresher
1. Choose the ripest, sweetest watermelon you can find since this drink relies entirely on the fruit’s natural flavor. Remove any seeds and cut into uniform cubes for even blending.
2. Add watermelon cubes to your blender and puree until completely smooth, about 2 minutes on high speed. The mixture should be liquid with no visible chunks remaining.
3. Add honey and a pinch of salt to enhance the watermelon’s natural sweetness. The salt helps intensify the fruit flavor without making the drink taste salty.
4. Add ice cubes and blend until they’re completely crushed and incorporated. The drink should be cold, smooth, and slightly thick from the crushed ice throughout.
5. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, stirring gently if any separation occurs.
15. Chilled Watermelon White Wine Sangria
Fresh watermelon transforms traditional white wine sangria into a summer masterpiece. Allow four hours for chilling so all the flavors can develop and meld together perfectly.
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon, 1 bottle white wine, 1/2 cup white grape juice, 1/4 cup brandy, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 1 sliced lime, fresh mint sprigs.
How To Make Chilled Watermelon White Wine Sangria
1. Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes, ensuring all seeds and rind are removed. The fruit will absorb wine flavors while infusing the sangria with natural sweetness.
2. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, white grape juice, and brandy. Stir gently to blend the alcohol components before adding the fresh fruit pieces.
3. Add watermelon cubes, simple syrup, and lime slices to the wine mixture. Stir carefully to avoid mashing the delicate watermelon pieces while mixing.
4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better. This allows the watermelon to absorb wine flavors while infusing the sangria.
5. Before serving, add fresh mint sprigs to the pitcher and stir gently. Serve over ice in wine glasses, ensuring each serving gets plenty of wine-soaked watermelon pieces.
16. Cucumber Watermelon Agua Fresca
Cool cucumber joins sweet watermelon in this ultra-refreshing agua fresca. Choose the sweetest watermelon you can find for this simple yet incredibly satisfying summer drink.
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon, 1 large cucumber, 3 cups cold water, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, ice cubes, cucumber slices for garnish.
How To Make Cucumber Watermelon Agua Fresca
1. Peel the cucumber and cut into chunks, removing any large seeds. The cucumber adds a cooling element that perfectly complements the sweet watermelon in this refreshing combination.
2. In a blender, combine watermelon cubes and cucumber chunks. Blend on high speed for 2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3. Add cold water, lime juice, and honey to the blended fruit mixture. Blend again for 30 seconds to ensure the honey dissolves completely and all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a completely smooth agua fresca, or leave unstrained for a more rustic texture with natural fruit pulp.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving over ice. Garnish with thin cucumber slices and serve in tall glasses. Stir before pouring as natural separation may occur.
17. Spicy Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita
Fresh watermelon meets spicy jalapeño slices in this bold margarita variation. The fruity sweetness balances perfectly with the heat for a thoroughly refreshing summer cocktail experience.
Ingredients: 3 cups cubed watermelon, 6 ounces silver tequila, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons agave nectar, 2-3 jalapeño slices, coarse salt, lime wedges, ice cubes.
How To Make Spicy Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita
1. Puree watermelon cubes in a blender until completely smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp. You should have about 1.5 cups of smooth watermelon juice.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño slices gently to release their heat. Start with fewer slices and add more based on your spice preference – you can always add heat but can’t take it away.
3. Add watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker with the muddled jalapeños. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
4. Rim glasses with coarse salt by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping in salt. Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with lime wedges and a thin jalapeño slice for those who want extra heat. The drink should have a perfect balance of sweet watermelon and spicy jalapeño heat.
Final Thoughts
These watermelon beverages showcase the fruit’s incredible versatility in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. From simple agua frescas to elaborate cocktails, there’s something perfect for every summer occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just cooling off on a hot day, these refreshing recipes will keep you hydrated and satisfied all season long.
