This fresh, homemade watermelon lemonade is sweetened with a rosemary simple syrup that is perfect for summer gatherings. Also delicious spiked with tequila or vodka!

Jump to recipe

Have you ever made your own lemonade before? It might seem tedious to squeeze a bunch of lemons but I swear it’s the best lemonade you’ll ever have and you don’t need a whole lot of ingredients. Today’s version adds in rosemary and watermelon for something a little different.

Rosemary Watermelon Lemonade Ingredients:

• Seedless watermelon
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh rosemary
• Sugar
• Water
• Tequila or Vodka (optional)

First, you made a rosemary simple syrup. Then all you have to do is mix with a little more water, watermelon puree, and fresh lemon juice. Just like that you’ve made your very own rosemary watermelon lemonade that the whole family will love. But if you’re looking for a spiked version, add a little tequila or vodka. Mix up a Watermelon Mojito while you’re at it too.

Friday #LemonWeek Recipes

• Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls by Fresh April Flours
• Grilled Chicken Piccata by Palatable Pastime
• Creamy Lemon Smoothie Recipe by Blogghetti
• Gluten Free Lemon Bars by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Lemon Tarragon Salmon by Art Of Natural Living
• Meyer Lemon Vanilla Shortbread Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Lemon Poppy Seed Thumb Print Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Lemon Pasta by Devour Dinner
• Lemon Blueberry Cookies by Best Cookie Recipes
• Lemon Tea Bread by The Freshman Cook
• Homemade Lemon Cake by Simply Inspired Meals
• Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake by The Fresh Cooky
• Lemony Shrimp Pasta by A Day In The Life On The Farm
• Lemon Crumb Muffins with Lemon Glaze by An Affair From The Heart
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
• Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken by Jen Around The World
• Lemon Ice Cream by Lemon Blossoms
• Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake by Home Cooked Harvest
• Grilled Lemon Herb Flatbread by That Recipe
• Lemon Meringue Cheesecake by The Redhead Baker
• Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken and Gnocchi by Jonesin’ For A Taste
• Dragonfruit Lemonade by Magical Ingredients

ROSEMARY WATERMLEON LEMONADE

Print

Yield: 6 servings Prep Time: 35 Minutes Cooking Time: 5 Minutes 5 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 3 cups water, divided
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 3 springs fresh rosemary
• 3 cups pureed fresh seedless watermelon
• 1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 large lemons)
• 1 cup tequila or vodka, optional
• Thin lemon slices and rosemary, for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups of the water and sugar to a boil. Simmer until sugar has dissolved. Add the rosemary, remove from heat, cover. and let steep for 30 minutes.
2. Strain into a pitcher. Discard rosemary sprigs (or keep for garnish). Add remaining 1-1/2 cups cold water, watermelon puree, and lemon juice to a pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir in tequila, if using. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Pour into a glass filled with ice and garish with slice of lemon and rosemary..

Source; Adapted from my Homemade Strawberry (Vodka) Lemonade and Lavender Vodka Lemonade.

Did you make this recipe? I want to see! Tag @THESPIFFYCOOKIE on Instagram and hashtag it #THESPIFFYCOOKIE

Check out the amazing prizes you can win in our #LemonWeek Giveaway!

Prize #1: Rodelle Prize Pack

Rodelle Prize Pack includes:

• 2 count Gourmet Madagascar Vanilla Beans
• 2oz Almond Extract
• 4oz Natural Baker’s Extract
• 4oz Vanilla Paste
• 8oz Gourmet Vanilla Extract
• 25oz Organic Baking Cocoa

Prize #2: La Tourangelle Prize Pack

La Tourangelle Prize Pack includes:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Roasted Walnut Oil
• Regenerative Sunflower Oil
• 4oz Vanilla Paste
• Fleur de Sel Almond Butter

Terms and conditions: This #LemonWeek is sponsored by Rodelle and La Tourangelle which starts 5/23/2022 and ends 6/3/2022 at 11:59pm ET. Enter to win a prize pack from Rodelle or La Tourangelle that include baking and cooking ingredients. This giveaway is open to anyone 18 years or older in the United States. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Two (2) winners will be selected and sent prize packages directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #LemonWeek bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #LemonWeek posts or entry.

This refreshing and flavorful watermelon cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for BBQ and grilling all summer long.

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors, Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy, generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers.  However, all opinions are mine alone.

Jump to recipe

This salad might be the culmination of things my husband dislikes – watermelon and cucumber. Unfortunately for him, watermelon has no flavor (it’s predicted to be genetically linked). The same goes for cucumber but he’s all about pickles, and pickled anything for that matter. Meanwhile, I will only eat pickles if they are fried (aka frickles). So while he was a good sport and tried a little bit this watermelon cucumber salad was essentially just for me.

The first time I had a watermelon cucumber salad was at a restaurant called MELT Bar and Grilled in Ohio specializing in over-the-top grilled cheese. On one visit sampling their spring menu, I was introduced to their watermelon salad. Not something I would normally order but hot damn it was my favorite this of the day.

Fast forward to #BBQweek and I knew I had to recreate it as a side for my smoked burgers. This simple salad is easy to put together and is a light and refreshing side dish for any summer cookout. If you don’t like watermelons you could make a similar cantaloupe salad with feta instead.

If you’re looking for more ideas, check the list below and don’t forget to enter the giveaway using the widget located at the bottom of this post.

Wednesday #BBQWeek Recipes

Starters and Sides

• Cowboy Caviar from The Freshman Cook
• Garlic and Lime Grilled Corn from Jen Around the World
• Grilled Garlic Honey Boneless Wings from Blogghetti
• Marinated Green Beans from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Smoky Blackberry Grilled Fruit Salad from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Sweet and Smoky Jalapeno Poppers from A Little Fish in the Kitchen

Dinners

• Asian Ribs from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Blackberry Honey Grilled Salmon from Sweet Beginnings
• Grilled Buttermilk Chicken from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Grilled Chicken Caprese from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Grilled Tuna Steaks with Honey Vinaigrette from Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Desserts

• No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats from Art of Natural Living

WATERMELON CUCUMBER SALAD

Print

Yield: 6 servings Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

DRESSING

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch salt
• 1 tsp black poppy seeds
• 1 tsp Rainier Blackberry Smoky Honey Seasoning & Rub (optional)

WATERMELON CUCUMBER SALAD

• 2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups seedless watermelon cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup sliced and quartered English cucumber (about 1/2 of one)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. In a small bowl or jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and mustard and whisk/shake until emulsified. Season to taste with salt. Stir in poppy seeds and seasoning (if using). Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss all the salad ingredients. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and lightly toss. Season to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Source: Inspired by MELT Bar and Grilled, adapted from The Modern Proper.

Did you make this recipe? I want to see! Tag @THESPIFFYCOOKIE on Instagram and hashtag it #THESPIFFYCOOKIE

Watermelon, mint, lime juice and rum come together in this refreshing watermelon mojito. It is the perfect cocktail for the end of summer. 

Jump to recipe

The last day of summer is nearly upon us. Let us toast this second to last day with a cocktail that is nothing but summer – watermelon mojito! Watermelon and mint pair exceptionally well together, which I hadn’t discovered until my first sip of this beverage.

This cocktail was the perfect way to use up some watermelon that was starting to get a bit mushy, It is also just as delicious without the rum and would be a great family-friendly beverage along with cucumber mint agua fresca. Either would be most appreciated while watching some Saturday college football.

Speaking of football, what a great day for the Big Ten Conference yesterday especially Indiana. Unranked and beat #18 Mizzou! There were a few other exciting games that ended in upsets yesterday too and most of the other Big Ten Teams pulled off wins as well – 12 wins and only one loss (Michigan). Ohio State had a bye week but I still had a great time watching all the other games.

WATERMELON MOJITO

Print

Yield: 1 Serving

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped watermelon, seeded
• 1-1/2 fl. oz. white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda
• 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 1/2 Tbsp sugar, honey, or desired sweetener
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. In a blender, process watermelon until smooth. Stir in rum and club soda. Set aside.
2. In the bottom of a glass, place mint leaves, 3 lime wedges, and sugar. Crush with a muddler (or something blunt).
3. Add ice to the glass and pour in blended mixture. Serve with an additional sprig of mint and lime wedge.

Source: Adapted from my Strawberry Mojito.