Pink Lemonade: the ultra-refreshing recipe for a perfect non-alcoholic summer drink

Pink lemonade is the ultimate summer drink. It's refreshing, delicious, and will help keep you cool on a hot day. It's made with fresh watermelon (which puts the pink in the pink lemonade), freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sugar.

This effortless pink lemonade is refreshing, free from artificial colors, and tastes amazing. You'll want to make it all summer long! Serve your homemade pink lemonade at picnics, barbecues, and summer parties to keep your guests cool. You can even add a slug of booze for the adults!

What is Pink Lemonade?

As its name suggests, pink lemonade is pink-colored lemonade. Most store-bought pink lemonade is artificially colored. This version is completely natural, thanks to the addition of watermelon, which also adds a delicious summery flavor.

There are many origin stories for pink lemonade, but the most widely accepted version is that this wonderful drink was first created by Henry Allot, a Chicago-based man who ran a circus in the early 1920s. He accidentally dropped red cinnamon candy into regular lemonade and decided to sell it as it was. It was a massive hit, and pink lemonade has been a popular drink ever since.

What Makes Pink Lemonade Pink?

While some pink lemonade gets its color from food coloring, this version is naturally pink, thanks to fresh diced watermelon. When blended with the water, lemon juice, and sugar, the watermelon imbues the lemonade with a beautiful pink color.

How to Make Pink Lemonade

To make the best homemade pink lemonade, simply put 1 cup of water, lemon juice, sugar, and watermelon into a blender. Blend everything until it's smooth, then strain the lemonade into a large serving pitcher. Stir in the rest of the water, then pour the pink lemonade over ice and enjoy! If you're adding alcohol, add it in with the rest of the water, don't blend it in.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Pink Lemonade

Make your pink lemonade as sweet or as tart as you prefer.

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice – the taste is a million times better than bottled lemon juice.

Instead of sugar, you can use honey, agave nectar, simple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.

You can make pink lemonade a few days in advance. Don't forget to give it a quick stir before serving.

Add vodka, blanco tequila, gin, or white rum to make spiked pink lemonade.

How to Store Pink Lemonade

Store your homemade pink lemonade in a pitcher without ice. Cover it, and place it in the fridge. When it's time to serve, pour it into an ice-filled glass.

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Instructions

Pour 1 cup of water, lemon juice, sugar, and watermelon into a blender.

Blend well until smooth.

Pour the mixture through a strainer into a large serving pitcher.

Pour the remaining water into the pitcher. Stir well.

Serve over ice.

Notes

For best results, use fresh watermelon.