Stay cool on a hot summer day with my easy watermelon juice recipe! Made with fresh watermelon and no added sugar, this homemade watermelon juice is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, and it'll hydrate you on even the steamiest days.
Whether you're serving it at a backyard BBQ or just cooling off after a long day, this simple watermelon juice is the perfect hydrating summer beverage; naturally sweet, beautiful in color, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients needed:
You only need a handful of simple ingredients. No fancy juicer required! Just a blender and a fine mesh strainer! If love watermelon in the summer as much as I do, you are going to want to make my recipe for feta cheese and watermelon and my other summer favorite, cantaloupe and prosciutto!
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Ingredient notes:
Let's talk about what makes a truly great glass of fresh watermelon juice because your ingredients matter more than you think!
How to Choose the Best Watermelon for Juicing
The secret to great juice starts at the store. Here's exactly what to look for:
- Look for sugar spots: Those small, rough, dark patches on the rind are where sugar has seeped through from the inside. That's a very good sign.
- Look for a uniform shape: A-symmetrical watermelon without lumps or bumps means it grew evenly and is less likely to have soft spots or off flavors.
- Check the field spot: Flip it over and look for a creamy yellow or orange patch. That's where it rested on the ground, and a deep yellow color means it ripened naturally on the vine!
- Tap it: Give it a knock with your knuckles. A hollow sound means it's full of juice. A dull thud? Keep looking.
- Lift it: A ripe watermelon is heavy for its size. Compare a few of the same size and pick the heaviest one.
How to make watermelon juice
Making fresh watermelon juice at home is easier than you think and no juicer is needed! All you need is a ripe watermelon, a blender, and a fine mesh strainer.
Cut and prep the watermelon
Cut the fruit into quarters, then slice off the rind. Discard the peel and cut the flesh into rough cubes...no need to be precise here.
Blend it
Add the cubes and water to your blender. Blend on high until completely smooth.
Strain the juice
Pour the blended pulp through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing lightly to extract all the juice.
Is straining needed?
This step removes the pulp and gives your watermelon juice that beautiful, clear color.
Chill and serve
Transfer the juice to the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Watermelon juice variations
Once you have mastered this basic recipe, the fun really begins! I have prepared for you a few flavor-packed variations that are easy to make and perfect for switching things up all summer long.
Watermelon Mint Juice Recipe
This bright, cooling juice is like a sip of summer in a glass. The fresh mint adds a crisp, herby twist to your classic drink - it's incredibly refreshing served over ice.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the fruit, fresh mint leaves, lime juice and water.
- Blend until smooth.
- If desired, strain the juice through a sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Pour the juice into glasses and serve immediately over ice.
Watermelon Orange Juice Recipe
This vibrant juice is a vitamin C powerhouse that's perfect for breakfast or as a hydrating afternoon pick-me-up on hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the watermelon and orange juice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and add honey if desired.
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes and pour the juice over them.
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
Watermelon Ginger Juice Recipe
This bold, zesty juice is a flavorful way to boost your energy and support your immune system. The fresh ginger gives this homemade watermelon drink a satisfying kick you'll love.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- ½ cup water
- Juice of 1 lime
- Honey or agave nectar (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the watermelon, grated ginger, lime juice and water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste and add honey or agave nectar if desired.
- Strain the juice through a sieve to remove any pulp.
- Pour the juice into glasses over ice and serve immediately.
How to choose a good watermelon for juicing
By following these simple tips, you can choose a delicious and juicy watermelon perfect for making refreshing juice!
- Look for a uniform shape: Choose a melon that is symmetrical and free of lumps or bumps. This indicates that the fruit has grown evenly and is less likely to have soft spots or inconsistencies in flavor.
- Check the field spot: The field spot is the area where the melon rested on the ground while growing. Look for a creamy yellow or orange color, which indicates that the watermelon is ripe and naturally sweet.
- Tap it: Give the outside a tap with your knuckles - it should sound hollow. A dull thud may indicate that the melon is underripe or even overripe.
- Lift it: It should feel heavy for its size - this means they are full of fruit juice! Lift several of similar size to get an idea of what feels heavy.
- Check for sugar spots: Sugar spots are small, dark, rough patches on the rind where sugar has seeped through from inside the fruit. These indicate that the fruit is sweet and ripe.
How Long Will Watermelon Juice Last?
Fresh watermelon juice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. That said, juice is at its absolute best within the first 24-48 hours. After that, it starts to lose its fresh flavor and some of its nutritional value.
You can also freeze your juice in ice cube trays or souper cubes and use the cubes in smoothies or drinks later. A great way to cut down on waste!
How to Keep Watermelon Juice from Oxidizing
Here's how to keep that gorgeous red color intact:
- Use an airtight container - Transfer your fresh juice to a glass jar or sealed pitcher immediately after making it. Limiting air exposure slows oxidation significantly. I use the same container to store my rum punch recipe.
- Refrigerate right away - Don't leave it sitting on the counter. Cold temperatures slow down the process that breaks down color and flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon or lime juice - The natural citric acid acts as a preservative and helps maintain that vibrant red color. Bonus: it brightens the flavor too!
Perfect for storing juice!
Juice Pitcher with Lid
The wide mouth also makes it easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
Yes, you can blend the rind, but keep in mind it has a slightly bitter, tougher texture than the flesh. (I am not a big fan.) If you do use it, wash it thoroughly, cut it into smaller pieces, and consider adding lemon or ginger to balance the flavor. Most people prefer to remove the rind for the cleanest-tasting juice.
These are just a few ideas on how you can utilize leftover pulp after juicing so that nothing goes to waste!
Compost it: it is biodegradable and can be added to your compost bin or pile. It's a great way to add organic matter to your soil and reduce waste.
Use it in smoothies or recipes: You can use it in smoothies or other recipes that call for pureed fruit. For example, you could mix it with other fruits, yogurt, and ice for a refreshing smoothie.
Freeze it for later: You can freeze it in an ice cube tray then use these cubes later on to add flavor to smoothies or drinks.
Ingredients
- 1 (1) watermelon 4-5 lbs
- 1 Cup (236 ⅗ ml) Water
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into quarters. Then remove the peel all around. Discard the peel.1 watermelon
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and put them in the blender.
- Add the water to the blender.1 Cup (236 ⅗ ml) Water
- Blend until smooth.
- Using a strainer, strain the juice and pour it in a pitcher.
- Keep refrigerated.
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