I love a refreshing watermelon flavored drink in the summer, and since this watermelon vodka lemonade is so easy to make, it’s a regular in my rotation! All you need is watermelon juice, lemonade, and vodka to make it, so it’s no fuss and all delicious summer sipping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, tart, and refreshing. Juicy watermelon and bright lemonade create the perfect balance of flavors!
- Made for summer. This cocktail is ideal for warm-weather sipping, from pool days to backyard barbecues
- Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing drink in no time
- Beautifully fruity. Watermelon adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous color
- Perfect for parties. It’s easy to make a single serving or scale up for a pitcher
- Light and easy to drink. The combination of fruit and citrus keeps the cocktail refreshing rather than heavy
- Customizable. Adjust the sweetness, add sparkling water, or garnish with fresh herbs to make it your own
- A great way to use fresh watermelon. Especially handy during peak watermelon season (though equally good with prepared watermelon juice for convenience)!
- Looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant pink color makes it a standout drink for entertaining
- Pairs with almost any summer menu. From grilled foods to fresh salads, this cocktail fits right in!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces watermelon vodka
- 2 ounces prepared lemonade (such as Simply Lemonade)
- 2 ounces watermelon juice (store bought, or freshly blended and strained)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of watermelon flavored vodka, you can use plain or citron flavor instead. I’m using Western Son brand, but Ciroc and Smirnoff also make watermelon vodka. For an alternative, try white rum or tequila!
- Any prepared lemonade you like is fine, including homemade. Strawberry lemonade also pairs really well with watermelon, or you can use a watermelon lemonade and omit the additional watermelon juice. For a less sweet option, use 1 ounce lemon juice instead
- I use Simply Watermelon prepared watermelon juice but any brand is fine. You can also blend and strain a fresh watermelon instead and use that juice
- For a pitcher (serves 5-6), use 2 cups of each ingredient instead!
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice (a thin highball like a Collins or a rocks glass works well)
- Add in the watermelon juice, watermelon vodka, and lemonade, and gently stir to combine
- Garnish with a lemon wheel, wedge of watermelon, or a sprig of fresh mint or basil if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Watermelon vodka lemonade is sweet, citrusy, fruity, and refreshing, making it a perfect companion for summer foods, light appetizers, and backyard barbecue favorites.
Cookout Favorites
- Burgers: The bright citrus helps balance rich, juicy burgers
- Grilled chicken: A versatile pairing that lets the watermelon flavor shine
- Pulled pork sandwiches: Sweet and smoky flavors work beautifully together
- Hot dogs and brats: A classic summer combination. Try any of my amazing Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes!
Main Course
- Fish tacos: Citrus and watermelon pair naturally with seafood.
- Grilled shrimp skewers: Light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather.
- Chicken kebabs: Great for cookouts and patio dinners. Try my Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs!
- Turkey sliders: A lighter option that complements the fruity cocktail
Summer Sides
- Watermelon feta salad: Echoes the watermelon flavor while adding a salty contrast.
- Cucumber salad: Cool and refreshing alongside the citrus notes.
- Pasta salad: A picnic favorite that pairs well with summer cocktails.
- Corn ribs: Sweet corn and watermelon are a surprisingly delicious match!
Appetizers & Snacks
- Goat cheese crostini: Tangy cheese complements both the watermelon and lemonade
- Charcuterie board: Fresh fruit, mild cheeses, and crackers work especially well
- Chips and salsa: A simple crowd-pleasing option
- Caprese skewers: Fresh and colorful for summer entertaining!
Desserts
- Lemon bars: Bright citrus flavors make an easy pairing.
- Fruit pizza: Fresh fruit and a sweet base fit the summer theme. My Air Fryer Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is a great option!
- Strawberry shortcake: Light and fruity without being too heavy. Try my quick Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake!
- Sugar cookies: A simple dessert that won’t compete with the cocktail.
Best Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for cookouts, pool parties, beach days, Fourth of July celebrations, brunches, and summer happy hours when you want something bright, refreshing, and easy to enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
What Mixes Well With Watermelon Vodka?
Watermelon vodka pairs well with lemonade, lime juice, club soda, sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, iced tea, and other fruit juices like pineapple or cranberry. Fresh mint and basil also make great additions.
Can I Make A Mocktail Version?
Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka and replace it with additional watermelon juice, lemonade, or sparkling water. You’ll still get the sweet, refreshing watermelon-lemon flavor without the alcohol.
How To Make Fresh Watermelon Juice?
Blend cubed seedless watermelon chunks until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a smoother texture. Fresh watermelon juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and works perfectly in cocktails, mocktails, and lemonades.
Tips For the Best Watermelon Vodka Lemonade
- Since watermelon is naturally sweet, this drink is on the sweet side. If you prefer a less-sweet drink, cut it with some lemon or watermelon flavored unsweetened sparkling water, or use half fresh lemon juice in place of the lemonade
- As written, the drink is well balanced strength wise, but you can make it stronger by adding more vodka, or reduce strength by using less
- For a frozen lemonade variation, add your watermelon vodka lemonade ingredients plus about 1 cup of ice to a blender and pulse to create a slushie consistency!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store leftover cocktail mixture (or make a batch in advance) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed pitcher or airtight container
- Wait to add ice and garnish until serving. This prevents the drink from becoming watered down, and keeps things fresh
- Stir before serving. Fresh watermelon juice can naturally separate as it sits
Serving Tips
- Serve well chilled. This cocktail is at its most refreshing when ice cold!
- Serve in a clear, tall glass. Highball or Collins glasses work especially well for this cocktail
- Freeze watermelon cubes for ice. They keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor!
Final Thoughts
This watermelon vodka lemonade is sweet, smooth, refreshing, and perfect for summer! With just 3 ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make, whether by the glass or by the pitcher for serving at your cookout, BBQ and more.
Sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with sweet tart lemonade and smooth vodka, for a crowd-pleasing drink. It’s easy to customize with different ingredients as well to adjust sweetness, or check out my Vodka Lemonade Cocktails for different flavors!
A watermelon vodka lemonade is a perfect drink for relaxing by the pool, cooling down in the summer heat, or enjoying alongside some fresh watermelon slices at the patio table. For more great sips using this gorgeous summer melon, check out all of my Watermelon Vodka Drinks!
Watermelon Vodka Lemonade
Equipment
- Highball glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces watermelon vodka
- 2 ounces prepared lemonade
- 2 ounces watermelon juice (store bought, or freshly blended and strained)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass (or similar) with iceIce cubes
- Add in the watermelon juice, watermelon vodka, and lemonade, and gently stir to combine2 ounces watermelon vodka, 2 ounces prepared lemonade, 2 ounces watermelon juice
- Garnish with a lemon wheel, wedge of watermelon, or a sprig of fresh mint or basil if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of watermelon flavored vodka, you can use plain or citron flavor, or substitute white rum or tequila!
- Any prepared lemonade you like is fine, including homemade. Strawberry or watermelon-flavored lemonades are great options as well. For a less sweet drink, use 1 ounce lemon juice instead, or top with unsweetened sparkling water to dilute
- I use Simply Watermelon prepared watermelon juice but any brand is fine. You can also blend and strain a fresh watermelon instead
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
