We appear to have a summer tradition on the Allons-Eat! blog. Once the sweltering heat takes hold, as if on cue, we feature a watermelon-based drink. It all began with a watermelon version of the French 75 Cocktail in 2016, followed by our Watermelon Moscow Mule in 2017. For the summer of 2018 we have the tart and refreshing Watermelon Limeade.
Fresh watermelon has definite thirst quenching powers. With the endless stretches of the hot & humid summer days, the flavor of watermelon really hits the spot.
Kyle used Emeril Lagasse’s recipe, which he discovered on Epicurious, based on its simple ingredient list – watermelon, lime and sugar! With only a minor tweak to Emeril’s recipe – he used the blender to incorporate the sugar into the watermelon puree instead of whisking it together. Sometimes whisking does not completely dissolve the sugar into the liquid. In the end you can be left with a weird sludge with half-dissolved sugar at the bottom of the pitcher – using the blender helps avoid this issue.
Kyle definitely enjoys his drinks on the tart end of the spectrum. Due to his tartness love, he reduced the amount of sugar called for in the recipe. By eliminating a bit of the sugar – which is an ingredient that can cause thirst- he was hoping to quench one’s thirst, not add to it. If the level of tartness in this drink is a bit too much for you, just add a bit of water (1/4 to 1/2 cup should do) to dilute the acidic pop of the lime juice. This is a better solution than just adding more sweetener to balance the sour notes from the lime.
The drink is a slightly sour, barely sweet, but incredibly refreshing summer beverage. The Watermelon Limeade is so simple from its ingredient list to its preparation, it is a win-win recipe.
I am sure you have noticed that the Watermelon Limeade does not have any alcohol on the ingredient list. However, there is no reason you can’t add it. Emeril recommends adding a silver tequila, turning the beverage into a Watermelon Margarita. In the end, rum, vodka, or gin would all make a delicious combination with this recipe. It is most definitely alcohol-friendly.
Kyle’s favorite addition to this drink is gin – no surprise there! Just add equal parts of the limeade and tonic water to a shot of gin. This creates the ultimate summer G&T cocktail. Cheers!
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse via Epicurious.
- 8 cups cubed watermelon (seeds removed), or 1 quart watermelon juice
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 6 to 8 limes)
- Lime slices, for garnish (optional)
- Place the watermelon cubes and sugar in a blender and process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl; discard the solids. You should end up with about 1 quart of watermelon juice.
- Add the lime juice to the watermelon juice and sugar mixture. Taste, and add ¼ to ½ cup of water if the mixture is too tart. Transfer the limeade to a nonreactive pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve over ice, with lime slices for garnish.
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