Nothing beats the cooling, naturally sweet taste of watermelon juice made right in your own kitchen. In this article, you’ll learn how to make watermelon juice step by step, whether you’re using a blender, juicer, or even just a spoon and strainer. We’ll cover tips to get the most juice out of a watermelon, delicious flavor pairings, and whether blending or juicing is better for you. If you’ve ever wondered what goes with watermelon to make juice amazing, or how to create that perfect summer sip in minutes, this guide is your go-to starting point for every version of watermelon juice.
Why Watermelon Juice is a Whitmore Family Favorite
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Why Watermelon Juice is a Whitmore Family Favorite
A memory soaked in watermelon juice
We’re Mary and Andre Whitmore, food lovers, parents, and partners both in life and in the kitchen. Our love for cooking started in a small bookstore café in Austin, where our first watermelon juice recipe came together on a hot July afternoon. Now we live in Santa Fe, where Liam, our six-year-old, races around the kitchen while Coco, our curious pup, watches every move. On especially hot days, we whip up a quick batch of watermelon juice, sometimes blended, sometimes strained, always cold and satisfying.
For us, making watermelon juice is more than just quenching thirst, it’s a little family ritual. We chop the melon as a team, let Liam drop in fresh mint or a hint of ginger, and pour it all into chilled mason jars with a splash of lime.Every batch brings new energy to the day, whether we’re heading to a park or winding down at sunset. We’ve tested every version of this recipe. If it can’t be made quickly or enjoyed by a thirsty six-year-old, it doesn’t make the cut.
This guide is all about how to make watermelon juice that works for your life. Whether you want simple hydration, a naturally sweet mocktail, or a creative twist with flavor boosters, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started with the steps that make it all come together.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Watermelon Juice
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How to Make Watermelon Juice: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Naturally sweet, hydrating, and ready in minutes, this fresh watermelon juice is our family’s go-to summer drink. It’s made with only real ingredients, and you can adjust the flavor with lime, mint, or honey.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon chunks (seedless or deseeded)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into chunks and remove any black seeds.
- Place the chunks into a blender, filling up about ¾ of the jar.
- Add optional flavor boosters like mint, lime juice, or honey.
- Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother texture (optional).
- Pour into a glass with ice and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a very ripe watermelon for maximum sweetness.
Skip straining if you like pulp and want more fiber.
You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
For a fizzy version, top with sparkling water.
Double the recipe easily for a crowd or a summer party.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Simple steps to perfect watermelon juice every time
Figuring out how to make watermelon juice at home is easier than you think. You don’t need any fancy appliances, just a ripe watermelon, a blender, and a few spare minutes. The key is to pick a melon that feels firm and sounds hollow when tapped, which usually means it’s full of juice.
The first step in learning how to make watermelon juice is prepping the fruit properly. Slice the watermelon in half, then cut each half into manageable chunks. Remove the rind and take out any seeds if it’s not a seedless variety.
Once you’ve chopped the watermelon, place the pieces into your blender. For best results, fill the container about three-quarters full so the blending stays smooth and consistent.
To continue with how to make watermelon juice, blend the contents on high speed for roughly 30 to 60 seconds until it turns into a smooth liquid.
If you enjoy a thinner drink, you can strain it through a mesh sieve to remove the pulp. This step isn’t required, but it’s a good option depending on your texture preferences.
Once your juice is ready, place it in the fridge to cool or pour it over a glass filled with ice. That’s how to make watermelon juice that’s perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy.
You can skip straining if you like a pulpy, fiber-rich drink. For a smoother sip, straining makes a difference. This method keeps it quick, clean, and doable even with a kid tugging at your sleeve. We’ve done it plenty of times that way.
Best tools and tricks for juicing watermelon
If you don’t have a blender, an immersion blender works just as well. You can also mash the watermelon in a bowl and strain the juice through a fine sieve. It takes more time but still works.
For storage, use a glass bottle or mason jar with a tight lid. Fresh watermelon juice stays good in the fridge for 2–3 days. Always shake or stir before drinking since natural separation is normal.
Add a pinch of sea salt to bring out the sweetness, or a squeeze of lime if your watermelon isn’t at peak ripeness. These little changes turn basic juice into something vibrant.
Flavor Boosters and Variations for Watermelon Juice
What goes with watermelon to make juice unforgettable
Plain watermelon juice is refreshing on its own. But with just a few simple additions, you can elevate it to something even more exciting. These ingredients blend perfectly with watermelon’s natural sweetness and give you options for every taste.
Try any of these pairings:
| Add-In | Flavor Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lime juice | Brightens and balances sweetness |
| Fresh mint | Adds cool, herbal freshness |
| Ginger | Provides gentle spice and warmth |
| Cucumber | Makes it extra hydrating and crisp |
| Honey | Sweetens mild watermelon without overpowering |
| Sea salt | Enhances flavor and reduces bitterness |
For a citrus twist, squeeze in some lemon or orange juice. If you like a little fizz, mix the juice with sparkling water or club soda. It becomes a bubbly mocktail that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
We often let Liam choose his add-in his favorite is mint with a drop of honey. It’s fun to watch how a single change can turn the same watermelon juice into something totally new.
Mocktail Ideas Using Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice is a perfect base for refreshing mocktails. Just pour it over crushed ice, add a splash of sparkling water, and finish with a sprig of mint or a squeeze of lime. You’ve got yourself a fizzy watermelon refresher that’s perfect for all ages.
For a bold twist, try muddling fresh basil or cucumber into the glass before adding the juice. A few slices of jalapeño and lime can also add a gentle kick without overwhelming the flavor.
No matter how you mix it, these watermelon mocktails are hydrating, fun, and packed with summertime vibes.
How to Make Watermelon Juice: Should You Blend or Juice It?
Is it better to blend or juice a watermelon?
If you’re wondering how to make watermelon juice, there are two main methods: blending and juicing, each with its own advantages.
Blending is the most popular method. It’s quick, easy, and retains the fruit’s natural fiber, helping you stay full longer. The result is a slightly thicker juice with a rich, fresh flavor. This is actually how we usually make watermelon juice at home, it’s simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
Juicing, on the other hand, removes the pulp to create a smoother, lighter drink with higher water content. It’s an ideal choice when you’re craving something ultra-refreshing. However, juicing typically requires a juicer, which can be costly, and it removes most of the fiber.
No matter which method you choose, knowing how to make watermelon juice lets you enjoy one of the most hydrating and delicious drinks of summer.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Blending | Keeps fiber, quick cleanup, simple | Thicker texture, optional straining |
| Juicing | Smoothest result, no pulp | Removes fiber, more equipment needed |
Think about your goals. Want hydration and simplicity? Go for blending. Prefer a refined drink for guests? Use a juicer if you have one.
Our final take: what works best in real life
In our home, blending wins almost every time. It’s fast, requires no special gear, and the cleanup is minimal. Plus, we like that it keeps all the good stuff in the juice, especially when we’re serving it to Liam after soccer practice. If the texture ever feels too thick, we strain it with a fine sieve or just stir in a bit of cold water.
So if you’re wondering how to make watermelon juice that fits into everyday life, we say blend it. It’s the simplest, most flexible option for busy kitchens and busy families.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to make watermelon juice that’s fresh, flavorful, and completely customizable. Whether you’re blending it in five minutes or adding bold twists with lime, mint, or ginger, this simple drink delivers pure refreshment. It’s fast, kid-approved, and perfect for busy families like ours. In our home, it’s more than a recipe, it’s part of our summer rhythm and a go-to for beating the heat.
Craving more refreshing, alcohol-free drinks? Explore our complete collection of healthy mocktails, from fruity blends to fizzy herb-infused creations, each recipe is full of flavor and 100% family-friendly. No alcohol, all the fun!
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Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Watermelon Juice
How to make watermelon juice step by step?
Cut the watermelon into chunks, blend until smooth, and strain if desired. Chill and serve cold.
How to get juice out of a watermelon?
Use a blender or juicer. You can also mash chunks by hand and strain through a sieve.
What goes with watermelon to make juice?
Great pairings include lime, mint, ginger, cucumber, sea salt, and honey. For mocktails, add sparkling water.
Is it better to blend or juice a watermelon?
Blending keeps fiber and is easier. Juicing gives you a smoother texture but removes the pulp. Choose based on preference.