On a hot summer day, few drinks beat a tall glass of ice-cold watermelon juice. This watermelon juice recipe takes about five minutes, needs only two main ingredients and tastes like pure summer.
Watermelon is more than 90% water, so it turns into juice almost on its own. Here’s what we’ll cover: how to make watermelon juice in a blender or juicer, how to pick a sweet melon, how to customize the flavor, how long it keeps and what the real benefits are.
Contents
- Why You Will Love This Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon Juice Recipe
- How to Pick the Best Watermelon for Juice
- Tasty Watermelon Juice Variations
- Watermelon Juice Benefits
- How Much Watermelon Do You Need?
- How to Store Watermelon Juice
- Tips for the Best Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon Juice Nutrition at a Glance
- How to Cut a Watermelon for Juice
- Watermelon Juice for Parties and Kids
- Avoid These Slip-Ups
- When Is Watermelon in Season?
- Watermelon Juice vs Watermelon Smoothie
- What to Do With the Leftover Rind and Pulp
- Best Juicer for Watermelon Juice
- Questions Readers Ask
- Where to Go From Here
Why You Will Love This Watermelon Juice
- Only two ingredients: Watermelon and lime.
- Fast: Ready in about five minutes.
- No juicer needed: A blender works perfectly.
- Naturally sweet: No added sugar needed with a ripe melon.
- Kid-friendly: Bright pink and sweet.
- Hydrating: A refreshing way to drink more fluids on hot days.
Watermelon Juice Recipe
Keep this in mind for the best watermelon juice recipe.
Ingredients (Makes 2 Glasses, About 24 oz)
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1/4 of a large melon)
- Juice of 1 lime (or 1/2 lemon)
- Ice for serving
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional, makes it taste sweeter)
Equipment
- Blender or juicer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Large bowl or pitcher
Instructions (Blender Method)
- Cut the watermelon. Slice off the rind and cut the red flesh into 1- to 2-inch cubes. If your melon has seeds, pick out the black ones.
- Blend. Add the cubes and lime juice to a blender. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. You do not need water.
- Strain (optional). Pour through a fine mesh strainer for smooth juice. Press gently with a spoon. Skip this step if you like a little pulp.
- Taste and adjust. Add more lime if you want it brighter, or a pinch of salt to boost the sweetness.
- Serve. Pour over ice and top with mint.
Instructions (Juicer Method)
- Cut watermelon into strips or chunks that fit your juicer chute.
- Juice slowly. Watermelon is very soft, so a slow juicer works best. Centrifugal juicers work too, but may foam.
- Juice a peeled lime at the end.
- Stir, pour over ice and serve.
Some people juice a small amount of the white rind too. It is mild and adds a cucumber-like taste. Wash the outside well first.
A ripe, heavy watermelon needs nothing but a squeeze of lime. Let the fruit do the work.
How to Pick the Best Watermelon for Juice
Get this right and your watermelon juice recipe turns out great every time.
The sweeter your melon, the better your juice.
- Look for a field spot. The yellow spot where the melon sat on the ground should be creamy yellow, not white.
- Lift it. A ripe watermelon feels heavy for its size.
- Check the rind. A dull rind is often riper than a very shiny one.
- Tap it. A deep, hollow sound usually means it is juicy.
- Look for webbing. Brown, web-like lines can be a sign of more sugar.
Pre-cut watermelon works too, but it may be less fresh. Look for bright red flesh with no mushy spots.
Tasty Watermelon Juice Variations
Watermelon Mint Juice
Add a small handful of fresh mint leaves before blending. Cool and refreshing.
Watermelon Lemonade
Add the juice of 2 lemons and 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup. Perfect for parties.
Watermelon Ginger Juice
Blend in a 1/2-inch piece of peeled ginger for a spicy kick.
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Add 1 small cucumber. Light and spa-like. We also share a watermelon cucumber cooler recipe on the site.
Watermelon Strawberry Juice
Add 1 cup strawberries for a berry twist. Try our strawberry watermelon combo too.
Watermelon Orange Juice
Mix equal parts watermelon juice and fresh orange juice. See our orange watermelon drink for inspiration.
Watermelon Coconut Water
Mix 2 parts watermelon juice with 1 part coconut water for an extra-refreshing drink after exercise.
Sparkling Watermelon Juice
Top a half glass of juice with sparkling water for a light, fizzy drink.
Watermelon Juice Benefits
Watermelon juice is light, sweet and refreshing, and it offers some nutrients too. You can find detailed nutrition data for watermelon in USDA FoodData Central.
- Hydration: Watermelon is mostly water, which makes it a tasty way to drink fluids.
- Vitamin C: It provides some vitamin C. Learn more on the NIH vitamin C fact sheet.
- Vitamin A precursors: Watermelon contains beta-carotene, which your body uses to make vitamin A.
- Lycopene: The red color comes from lycopene, a plant pigment also found in tomatoes.
- Citrulline: Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that researchers study for exercise and blood flow.
Watermelon juice still contains natural sugar and less fiber than whole watermelon. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, and remember that the Dietary Guidelines recommend getting most of your fruit from whole fruit.
How Much Watermelon Do You Need?
| Juice amount | Cubed watermelon | Approx. melon size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 glass (12 oz) | 3-4 cups | About 1/8 of a large melon |
| 2 glasses (24 oz) | 6 cups | About 1/4 of a large melon |
| 1 pitcher (64 oz) | 14-16 cups | About 1/2 to 2/3 of a large melon |
A whole large watermelon can make about 1 gallon of juice, depending on its size and juiciness.
How to Store Watermelon Juice
- Fridge: Store in a sealed glass jar for up to 2 to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving, because it separates.
- Freezer: Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Use the cubes in smoothies, cocktails or lemonade.
- Popsicles: Pour into molds with a few pieces of fruit for easy summer treats.
Fresh juice is not pasteurized. Keep it cold and wash the outside of the melon before cutting, as the FDA recommends.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Juice
- Chill the melon first. Cold watermelon makes cold juice with less ice.
- Do not over-blend. A short blend keeps the juice bright and fresh.
- Add a pinch of salt. It brings out the sweetness.
- Use seedless melons. They save time.
- Strain lightly. Keep a little pulp for more body.
- Make it ahead for parties. Store in a pitcher and stir before serving.
Watermelon Juice Nutrition at a Glance
Here is roughly what you get in one cup (8 oz) of fresh, unsweetened watermelon juice. Values vary with the melon, so check USDA FoodData Central for exact data.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount per cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | About 70 to 90 |
| Natural sugar | About 15 to 20 g |
| Vitamin C | A good source |
| Vitamin A (from beta-carotene) | A moderate amount |
| Potassium | A moderate amount |
| Fat | Almost none |
Because the juice is mostly water and natural sugar, it is light and refreshing. It is a good swap for soda on hot days.
How to Cut a Watermelon for Juice
Cutting a big melon can feel tricky. Here is the easy way:
- Wash the outside of the melon and dry it.
- Cut a thin slice off both ends so it stands flat.
- Stand it up and slice the rind off from top to bottom, following the curve.
- Cut the peeled melon into thick slices, then into cubes.
- Store extra cubes in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Watermelon Juice for Parties and Kids
Watermelon juice is a crowd-pleaser. Here is how to serve it for groups.
Watermelon Juice Pitcher (Serves 8)
- 1 medium seedless watermelon (about 14 to 16 cups cubed)
- Juice of 3 limes
- 1 large handful mint
- 2 cups sparkling water (optional)
Blend the watermelon in batches, strain it into a large pitcher, then stir in lime juice and mint. Add sparkling water just before serving so it stays fizzy. Serve with ice and lime wheels.
Watermelon Juice Bar Idea
Set out a pitcher of watermelon juice with small bowls of toppings so guests can mix their own drinks:
- Mint and basil leaves
- Lime and lemon wedges
- Fresh berries
- Cucumber slices
- Sparkling water or coconut water
Kid-Friendly Tips
- Serve watermelon juice in small cups or freeze it into popsicles.
- Mix it with a little water for a lighter drink.
- Let kids help cube the melon with a safe kid knife or a melon baller.
Avoid These Slip-Ups
- Using an underripe melon. Pale, white-pink flesh makes bland juice. Pick a ripe one.
- Adding too much ice in the blender. It waters down the flavor. Chill the melon instead.
- Blending the rind’s green skin. It can make juice bitter. Remove it first.
- Leaving juice out on a hot day. Keep it cold, especially at outdoor parties.
- Skipping the acid. A splash of lime or lemon makes watermelon juice taste brighter and sweeter.
When Is Watermelon in Season?
In the U.S., watermelon season peaks from about June through August, with good melons often available from May into September. Summer melons are usually the sweetest and cheapest, which makes them perfect for juicing. Out of season, look for heavy melons with a creamy field spot, or buy pre-cut fruit with deep red flesh.
Watermelon Juice vs Watermelon Smoothie
Both are delicious, but they are not the same.
| Factor | Watermelon juice | Watermelon smoothie |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Thin, smooth | Thick, creamy |
| Fiber | Low (if strained) | Higher |
| Ingredients | Watermelon, lime | Watermelon, banana, yogurt or ice |
| Best for | Hydration, parties | Breakfast, snacks |
If you want more fiber and fullness, skip the straining step or blend in banana and yogurt for a smoothie.
What to Do With the Leftover Rind and Pulp
- Pulp: Stir it into smoothies, freeze it into popsicles or mix it into yogurt.
- Rind: Pickle it, add it to stir-fries or blend small amounts into juice.
- Compost: Any extra rind is great for compost.
For more ideas, read our post on what to do with juice pulp.
Best Juicer for Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is soft, so almost any juicer works. A slow juicer gives less foam. A blender plus strainer is the quickest option. If you are shopping for a juicer, read our masticating juicer guide.
Questions Readers Ask
Do I need to add water to watermelon juice?
No. Watermelon has so much water that it turns into juice on its own. Adding water will make the juice taste weaker.
Can I make watermelon juice without a juicer?
Yes. A blender is the easiest way. Blend cubed watermelon for 20 to 30 seconds, then strain if you want smooth juice.
How long does fresh watermelon juice last?
It tastes best the day you make it, but it keeps for 2 to 3 days in a sealed jar in the fridge. Stir before drinking.
Can I juice watermelon seeds?
It is best to remove large black seeds. Small white seeds in seedless melons are soft and fine to blend.
Is watermelon juice good for you?
Watermelon juice is hydrating and provides vitamin C, beta-carotene and lycopene. It also has natural sugar, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why does my watermelon juice separate?
Separation is normal. The pulp and water split over time. Just stir or shake the juice before you pour it.
Where to Go From Here
This watermelon juice recipe is one of the easiest and most refreshing drinks you can make. Pick a heavy, ripe melon, blend it with a little lime and serve it over ice. Then have fun with mint, ginger, lemonade or sparkling water twists.
Make a pitcher this weekend and see how fast it disappears. For more summer drinks, browse our juicer recipes or try our fresh green juice recipe.
