Yesterday evening, I made a pitcher of sweet, refreshing watermelon juice to keep me hydrated while I packed up my house.
It took me back to San Pedro Island, where I sipped watermelon juice under the shade of a palm tree earlier this month.
We walked down the beach from Sunbreeze, where we were staying, to Estel’s, where we enjoyed a leisurely, traditional Belizean breakfast—scrambled eggs, refried black beans and fry jacks, complete with watermelon juice. It was a good start to a very good day.
How to Make Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice couldn’t be easier to extract. You don’t need a fancy-schmancy juicer, just a blender.
Scoop the watermelon into the blender, blend for about thirty seconds, and ta da! You’ve made watermelon juice.
Taste your juice straight from the blender. If you like it as is, you don’t need to strain it.
If your watermelon had seeds in it, or you want your juice to be less pulpy, pour it through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. Easy!
If your juice separates as it sits, give it a little whirl with a spoon. If you’re thinking about adding a splash of tequila or white rum… I can verify that that is indeed a good idea.
Watermelon Juice Nutrition
As you would expect, watermelon juice is good for you. It’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. It’s about 92% water, so it’s plenty hydrating, too (nutrition source).
I thought my juice was perfectly sweet without any added sugar, but I added a squeeze of lime juice for that extra zing.
Watermelon Juice Recipe
- Author:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mexican
Refreshing, naturally sweet watermelon juice couldn’t be easier to make in a blender. Yield will vary based on the size of your watermelon, but my 6.5-pound watermelon yielded about 5 cups of juice.
Ingredients
- 1 small sweet watermelon (a 6 pounder will do)
- 1 small lime, juiced (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the watermelon in half. Using a big spoon, scoop chunks of sweet watermelon into the blender. Discard the rind.
- Blend the watermelon until it is totally pulverized. This shouldn’t take more than a minute. For extra flavor, squeeze the juice of one small lime into the blender and blend for a few seconds.
- If your watermelon is notably pulpy or seeded, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. If not, you can pour it directly into glasses filled with ice. Watermelon juice will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. The juice will separate over time; stir it with a spoon to recombine.
Notes
- Watermelon juice inspired by my trip to Belize for the launch of Flavors of Belize, the cookbook.
- Your juice will only be as good as your watermelon, so find a good one at a farmer’s market or health store.
- You can make cantaloupe juice using the exact same method!
- You might also like my melon cocktails—try the watermelon cucumber cooler or cantaloupe fiesta cocktail.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Angela
Mmmmm I love watermelons! Your photos are beautiful, Kate. Last week watermelon was on sale at my nearest grocery store for $3.77, and call me crazy, but I demolished 7 of them in a week. Yes, 7, and they were by no means mini ones. As you can imagine, watermelon babies grew in my belly and I looked about 6 months pregnant all week, but it was just so freakin’ good. Your pitcher (with the hole in the middle) is awesome! Where is it from?
PS. Congrats on the move and the new place! Sounds like an exciting adventure ahead!
Kate
That is a lot of watermelon! I’m glad you’re getting your fill of them. The pitcher is from Crate and Barrel! I love it!
Amanda
Isn’t it amazing how a food or drink can almost immediately transport us to a past vacation or fond memory? I had the best watermelon juice on vacation in Hawaii. Its about time I make myself a glass and remember watching the waves roll in and out!
Kate
So true! It’s fun to find local ingredients and try to make those travel favorites at home.
Heidi @foodiecrush
OMG, my husband is going to die over this one. Watermelon is his FAVE and he goes through several a week as he snacks through the day. He doesn’t even cut them up, just scoops out the innards. Can’t WAIT to see/hear/experience the move. So excited for your new adventure. Liquor store heist, hee hee. That made me laugh.
Kasey
Watermelon juice is one of my favorite things. It’s so refreshing (probably because watermelon is packed with water!). I’m so excited for you and the big move. I’ve heard great things about KC and I’m sure you’re new apartment is just gorgeous. Can’t wait to see pics and follow your new life there. Have a great weekend!
Kate
Thanks, Kasey! If you ever have an excuse to come visit KC, please do!
Shanna
Ah! So exciting, Kathryn — looking forward to hearing about the adventures ahead!
Eileen
Watermelon juice sounds like the most refreshing drink ever for long sultry summer days. Love it!
Angela
I love watermelon juice! First time making some a few weeks ago and I’m hooked.
Goodluck with your move. Having just been through a big one in the spring, I feel your pain! The reward is always worth it though. Enjoy getting settled in your new place.
Kate
Thanks, Angela! Moving seems daunting now but I’m sure it will be worth the effort! Wish I could fast forward to my neat and organized new apartment…
Nico
Moving is fun! Well, once you’re all moved. I hope you enjoy your new scenery, everyone needs a change once in awhile.
Autumn
YUM! Sounds so refreshing!!!! Good luck with your move! Can’t wait to hear more about it and see pics of your new place! Hope you’re getting a bigger kitchen :) ….. Also, I have that Crate & Barrel pitcher too, it’s one of my favs!!! I just think it’s so cool! hehe
Kate
Thanks, Autumn! Maybe I’ll post a few photos once I have everything in order in my new place. I got that pitcher for Christmas, LOVE it!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Love your pitcher! Yes please to the lime and rum additions :). Congratulations on the move – hope you’ll share pictures of your new space!
carmen
hello kate, this is my first post. i’m a recent reader of your blog. though i haven’t crossed over from blog- and cookbook-reading to actually cooking/baking/mixing … i’m getting closer :)
about this watermelon juice, have you tried adding beet juice? i recently had watermelon-beet-tangerine juice and it was perfection. fresh, sweet and a little tang. the beets were the secret, though, adding something extra.
Kate
Hope you’re inspired to try one of my recipes soon, Carmen! No, I haven’t tried adding beet juice. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to raw beets (they make my throat scratchy), so I don’t think drinking beet juice would be a good idea! I bet it would add lovely color, though.
Cathy @ Noble Pig
My obsession with watermelon loves this post! Gorgeous juice and good luck with the move!
ax
Was just browsing articles on punchfork and i of course as a Belizean had to drop in to say hi and glad you enjoyed your stay in Belize!
greenthyme
I’ve always said I wanted to make watermelon juice in the summer. I do have a juicer and it would be so easy. Thanks for the reminder. Love your pitcher. I have the same one. I got it as a housewarming gift a few years ago from my best friend. Isn’t it the perfect size?
Kate
It’s so perfect, I love that pitcher!
ItalianGirlCooks
Inviting, pretty and I’m sure ultra-refreshing looking…can’t wait to make it. Thanks!
Holly
I put my watermelon chunks in the freezer and blend them with a touch of water and frozen limoncello. It turns into the most gorgeous pink slush that’s so refreshing after a hike or exercise in the summer.
Kate
That sounds fantastic! Yum.
Kirsten
yummmmm.
Ashley
I wish you were moving to NYC!! Good luck with all the hustle and headaches that moving naturally brings. This watermelon juice looks insanely good, and so so refreshing!!
Kathryn
Love the colour of this, so bright and vibrant (and your photos really do it justice!). Good luck with the move :)
Pinch and Swirl
I’m so glad you don’t strain your juice. Why bother, right? This looks so refreshing.
Excited for you and your new digs. Look out Kansas City!! :)
Kimberley
This sounds perfect. Good luck with your move, lady!
Katrina
This sounds awesome! Love it!
Roz
Wow, I’m so loving this refreshing watermelon juice drink! I’ve never thought of squeezing or juicing a watermelon…..brilliant Kate and totally irresistible when watermelon is so sweet! Pinned it and printed it too! Thank you!
★★★★★
Leanne @ HP
If it makes you feel any better, when we move, we have Depends boxes. You know, adult incontinence products? Ya… my Mom used to work at a nursing home and when I first moved out of their house, it’s all the boxes they had. I was so embarrassed at 17 moving out of my parents house and having to explain to the movers that the boxes weren’t mine. The one guy was so cute, too! Enjoy the move :)
Kate
Ha! That’s hilarious. My apartment still looks like a liquor store, slowly but surely I’m disposing of those liquor boxes…
Melissa
Love that pitcher! Watermelon juice is so yummy, but my favorite summer watermelon treat has to be watermelon popsicles.
Margarita
good luck with the move kathryne! that sounds very exciting! :) a house with vintage charm and a sunroom sounds like my kind of house…
that pitcher is sooooooooo beautiful! where did you get it???
Kate
Thanks, Margarita. The pitcher is from Crate and Barrel, I love it!
Heidi @ Food Doodles
Yummy! Love the color of this!
Kelsey
So happy for you, pretty lady.
Kate
Thank you, K. :)
sarah
I’m terribly excited about this drink. The Farmer’s Market I go to sells water with watermelon and basil in it, but it just tastes like … water with hints of watermelon and basil. I’ve been wanting something that tasted like it was supposed to. I think this might just be the thing. :)
Sarah
Well, perhaps we’ll wait for you to get settled in for our Skype date. That way I can see the new digs! Watermelon and lime is one of my favorite combinations. Add a sprinkle of salt, so good.
erin @ yummy supper
Hey there Kathryne,
Ooooh I love watermelon juice! And it just feels good for you, doesn’t it?
And that pitcher of yours is a stunner:)
xxoo
E
Kate
I’m not a big juice drinker, but watermelon juice is quite an exception. Can’t get enough of it! Hope you’re well, Erin.
basalevolution
What a terrific idea! Simple recipes are the best! Couldn’t get any easier than this! Can’t wait to try it out- great blog!
SanPedroScoopp
Love that it takes you back to our island. And I LOVE watermelon juice. Great post.
Riley
Ooh this looks so refreshing!
Alissa
So excited for your big move!!!! Can’t wait to see your new place.
Kate
Come see it! I almost have all the boxes put away.
ally
watermelon is my favourite! my mother used to live off the stuff when I was little :)
Cant wait to make this for her when she next comes to visit! good luck with the move, look forward to your next post!
www.amazine.com The Online Magazine
autumn
Congratulations! This sounds like the most refreshing thing ever. I got a small watermelon in my CSA this week, so your timing is perfect. Happy packing!
Elizabeth
I have a deep love of all things watermelon and never thought to puree the stuff–brilliant! There’s something so hopeful about moving, everything is so full of possibilities. Good luck with the transition!
Yoshi Blue
Watermelon juice seems like a healthy substitution to all those juices with a lot of sugar. Thanks for the simple drink idea.
Jenny
hi Kate! I’m going to miss seeing you walk cookie in my neighborhood park. good luck in Kansas city! I will, of course, keep an eye on the blog :)
Kate
Thank you, Jenny! :)
Tiffany
I just found this, but I have been looking for a recipe like this for a while. I use to get this drink in PI, Thailand, and etc when I was in the Navy on deployment and I loved it. Now, back in the US they don’t serve drinks like this anywhere I know. So, thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Steve
Instead of discarding the rind, I like to make watermelon rind pickles. Another option if you have a juicer is to juice the rinds, add lime juice and maybe a little salt and drink.
G-Fred :)
Oh, dreaming of summer as I read this… :) I look forward to trying this and adding mint!! Mint and watermelon = tastebud heaven!
Darshita
This is refreshing drink.
This is my Favorite fruit in summer.
★★★★★
Anonymous
Thanks so much for this recipe!! I look forward to trying it- yumm. Also, I have been looking at your other recipes and they also seem deeelicious!!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you! I hope you’ll give one of my recipes a try soon.
david
wow! you left okc, Anyway I love the information about watemelon juice any other good ideas give me a call i am getting over a stroke
Tom
We just got back from Belize, ourselves, where our sons fell in love with having watermelon juice with their breakfast. I was just Googling the “recipe” to see if seeds were included and your site came up! The fry jacks were a close second, especially topped with locally produced “Marie Sharps” mango jam!
Kate
Tom, glad you found my post! I don’t think I tried Marie Sharp’s mango jam (bummer!) but I brought some of her hot sauce home with me. Love that stuff.
Fabia
I just pinned one of your photos. They are beautiful and the juice looks even better!!!
I cannot say anything else about the juice because I just discovered your site and I haven’t tried it yet. :-)
Kate
Thank you for pinning my recipe, Fabia! Hope you try one of my recipes soon.
Showshannah
I was just thinking about watermelon juice from back home in Bze and said let me google and see if it is as simple as I think. As I always bought it, or mom or Grans made it, i never made it myself while growing up . The first link I clicked on was yours and where did your inspiration come from but back home in Bze. Making me homesick but thank you about to make a pitcher for the family now. Only thing missing will be the Caribbean sun and the cool seabreeze and sounds.
Kate
Showshannah, I’m glad you found my recipe! Hope you get a chance to make your own watermelon juice sometime. Sipping watermelon juice on the beach in Belize was really lovely.
Jim
I first tried watermelon juice when I was in Belize, too! And it is amazing!!!
★★★★★
Garrick @Juicing with G
I love juice recipes that don’t use any processed sugar, very yummy and healthy as well.
★★★★★
Kd
Thanks Kate for this recipe!. I came across it yesterday and i already had frozen watermelon at home. Couldn’t wait to do this. It was very refreshing, quick and simple to do. Now i would be buying some more watermelon before the end of the season.
Kate
Thanks, KD! I never thought to make the juice with frozen watermelon. Glad you liked it!
Kd
This is a tried recipe and taste really good
★★★★★
Bunty Gujarati
Very refreshing and healthy drink, I can’t stay without it during summer.
Thanks for sharing this recipe. :)
★★★★
Vivek
Really great presentation…..thumbs up..to this :)
Anonymous
Hi,
Your recipe sounds very refreshing and am going to try it. Can you please explain why do we need to add lime juice. Can this be optional?
Kate
Hi! The lime juice is optional. I just felt like the lime enhanced the watermelon flavor, but you can skip it!
Taunya
Great recipe! I like that you removed the sugar and added lime. I learned how to make watermelon juice in a small Belize village where I have just opened a small restaurant and sugar is always added. I think our guests will like it better this way. Especially based on how sweet watmelon is here in Belize. Thanks!!
Doris
GREAT IDEA..YOU CAN EVEN USE THOSE WITH SEEDS..JUST USE A POTATO MASHER OR USE YOUR HANDS OVER A STRAINER,,YOU DON’T NEED A BLENDER WITH THIS METHOD…LOVE, MOMMA DORIS..KEEP SENDING GREAT RECIPES..THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS…
★★★★★
Molly
You sure it is called Estel’s and not “Elvie’s”?
Jon
How long will it last?
Bridget @ Juicer.Guru
Watermelon is my passion. Thanks for this recipe. It’s awesome tasty and healthy)
Bella Schwatz
Thanks! I had no idea that it is that simple to make watermelon juice.
★★★★★
Mary yoder
Can you can watermelon juice?
Kate
Sorry, I don’t think so.
Rebecca
wonder how it would come out if you poured in ice cube tray froze and then blend….
Kate
Ooh, let me know if you try that, Rebecca.
Chris
Just made this for my daughter who is a cheerleader. It drives me crazy that she wants a Gatorade at all her competitions. I am thinking this could be a perfect replacement! :-)
Thanks for sharing.
Kate
I hope so, Chris! That’s a great idea.
JAY
This is my first time making a watermelon juice and this is the perfect recipe! I bet leaving the watermelon as it is brings out a sweeter and more refreshing juice. Thanks!
Kate
Thanks, Jay!
Edward
3 pitchers of watermelon juice later
a) straight as your recipe
b) added 1/4 cup black sambucca
c) added 1/4 cup B&B
All 3 versions were great for our party goers
none who knew what was in the mix.
I did tell them that ALL 3 versions had some
alcohol content
★★★★★
Kate
Sounds like a great party, Edward! Thanks for commenting.
Deborah
Hi Kate!
Have you ever frozen any of your watermelon juice to use at a later date when watermelons are out of season? I was just wondering is it would still be good and safe to drink?
Thanks,
Deborah
Frances Angle
I am gluten free have been since 71 am 79 So like only gluten free receipts my hubby cooks so we do exchange regular noodles for gf
Colleen
Looks wonderful! Do you know how long it might last in a ball jar in the fridge? Thank you!
Kate
Hey Colleen! I’d say about 4 to 5 days. That’s about standard for homemade recipes. Hope that helps!
Francis
Great recipe suggestions, Thanx for the Watermelon Juice Recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!
Christina
Ohh! Watermelon is one of my favorite items. Nice to hear that you are a Vegetable enthusiast. Really I’m also a vegetarian. I love any planet based juice recipe. Really planet based item is so essential for human food because of we are destroying our eco-balance to be fulfilled our demand. Day by day are decreasing our animal sector. That’s why all are should more publish & share this type of recipe, food to increasing public awareness. Thanks & keep it up.
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for the review, Christina!
rose
I sometimes buy a watermelon that taste good but has that bad texture I just put it in the blender and drink it I use to just throw them out but now I drink it very refreshing drink.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!
flgirl
I saw watermelon juice today at the farmer’s market selling for $4 a bottle. It looked so refreshing so I bought a whole watermelon instead for $4 and am making my own. Thanks, great recipe and great idea!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! How did it go?
E Harry Leland
Kate, why are you discarding the seeds?
The seeds are lovely on our colon, as well as nutritious in their own right.
Also too, I discovered by using my fancy pants nice juicer, the water that comes out at the end is easier to drink in large quanties if one is doing a cleanse.
I loved the story and hope your move was all you were looking for.
★★★★
Teri Cristobal
Had a small watermelon that was too soft to eat like normal… glad I found your post and made the juice. So yummy and refreshing! Made several versions… with squeeze of lime, with a shot of Limone gin, with a splash of lemonade – all good. Didn’t realize how delicious and simple this drink was. Love ×3!
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for your review, Teri!
Edward Foster
Beautiful color! I am intrigued by the book your recommended, adding it to my list of books to read! I can’t wait to try this juice. I love that your recipe . :)
Kate
Thank you, Edward!
Ellen
I made some watermelon juice from an organic melon purchased a few days before. When I take a drink, initially it’s delicious but has an icky aftertaste, like I’m drinking the rind (none of which went into the juice). Is it always like this or should I try again.
★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Ellen!
John
I just made some pickled watermelon rind and have all this flesh left over. If I make the entire melon into juice how long can it be kept if refrigerated or can it be frozen once blended with the lime juice? Could a lemon be used instead of lime?
★★★★★
Kate
Hi John! It should keep covered for a few days. It didn’t last that long for me. Let me know! I would judge by color and taste.
Donna Goodman
I am not clear how long I can keep it. I placed it in the blender, then place the watermelon juice in a jar. I went to add some to my smoothie and it appears to be separating and have a different taste? The bottle seems swollen? Is it bad
Rimmy
Your watermelon takes me back to the tropics party in the blue ocean. So fresh and hydrate juice!!!
★★★★
Ahimbisibwe Syson
how many lemons can you put in one water melon and what can you put in the juice to prevent it from separating in case you want to pack and market
Kate
I’m not sure, sorry!
Chris
Thanks for the recipe I will really go for and I get back to you for results.
Chris
Karen Masters
Beautiful day here in SC. Making watermelon juice with lemon instead of lime since we didnt have the lime. Si refreshing. Ty for the recipe
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Deborah Johnson
I love watermelon so much now i found a new way of using watermelon I’ll for now on and I’ll still eat it…… Thanks for sharing.
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Sheila
So easy and refreshing! I got a giant watermelon at Costco and wasn’t sure we’d eat it before it went bad…glad I found your recipe. We don’t have any tequila or rum on hand, but I did see a cocktail recipe with watermelon, whiskey, and ginger beer that might be worth trying…
★★★★★
Tashina
Made this (lime included) and it is DELISH!!!! So Yum!!!
★★★★★
Marvella
I bought an organic watermelon and although the watermelon wasn’t as sweet as I’d hoped, it was still really good!
★★★★★
Ginger
Can watermelon juice be frozen? Thank you
Kate
Hi! I haven’t tried it, but it may work. Let me know!
Lisa
I love watermelon. This juice is so good and refreshing. Also, extremely easy to make! Thanks again for another wonderful recipe Kate! Tell Cookie I said hey!!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Lisa! Thank you for your review.
Jane
What happens to the seeds in a Vita Mix??
Jane