Last family BBQ of the season?  I wish I had posted this recipe as a season opener so that we could have had enjoyed this drink throughout the summer, but at least it is posted in time for the last BBQ of the season. So kiss the summer good-bye with a glass of this Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade!

This is a summery, refreshing drink that’s lightly bubbly. No artificial colors, no artificial flavorings, no preservatives; just all natural ingredients! And it will use up all of that H-U-G-E watermelon you just bought! 

You could easily use this recipe and make a watermelon concentrate to freeze for future use. Just mix the watermelon puree, the lemon juice, and the simple syrup, stir to blend. and then freeze—a quart Ziploc bag would work fine.  When ready to serve, remove concentrate from freezer, defrost, add water and sparkling water, and stir until blended; easy peasy!

The kids are going to love this.  Better to serve them good-for-you Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade than a can of fizzy artificial flavorings and colorings 🙂

This recipe has a long pedigree. I found it at Tracey’s Culinary Adventures—she has a much better picture—where it was adapted from a recipe posted at Smitten Kitchen, who adapted it from Bubby’s NYC restaurant, who gets credit for the picture above.

I added the recipe for 8 servings—why not make a pitcher-full?—and changed the ratio of bubbly water to straight water. You could make either version—all still water, or all bubbly water. Do what suits 🙂

Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade

INGREDIENTS

For Two Servings:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice—usually one lemon
• ½ cup fresh watermelon purée
  • Put cubes of seedless watermelon in a blender and whirl until smooth. Strain to remove seeds and pulp.
• 3-4 tablespoons simple syrup—recipe below, make first and let cool!
• ½ cup cold water
• ¼ cup sparkling water

DIRECTIONS

1. First make simple syrup—recipe below—and let it cool!
2. Add all of the ingredients to a small pitcher and stir to combine, then divide between two glasses and serve over ice!

For Eight Servings:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice—4-5 lemons
• 2 cups fresh, strained watermelon purée—about ½ a medium watermelon
• 1 cup simple syrup (recipe below, make first and let cool!)
• 1½ cups cold water
• 1½ cups sparkling water

1. Add all of the ingredients to a small pitcher and stir to combine.  Pour into ice filled glasses and serve!

For Simple Syrup:

• Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally—¼ cup of sugar and water for 2 servings, 1 cup of sugar and water for 8 servings.
• Continue simmering until the sugar has dissolved.
• Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
• Leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today!  Fingers crossed I’ll be back cooking up a storm tomorrow!  I’ll see you then!