Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend

Name: Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 small watermelon (about 4 cups); 1 small lime; 1 Honeycrisp apple; ½ of a beet, washed; 1 teaspoon of mint, washed

How to make watermelon juice with a juicer or blender—this watermelon, apple, beet, lime, and mint homemade watermelon drink blend is sweet, refreshing, and packed with nutrients!

completed Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend in a glass cut with another cup in the background

Summer Ready Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend

As the weather warms up and watermelons appear in stores, it's practically a must-have in my kitchen. They're sweet, super juicy, and so refreshing. Whether eating them in wedges, topping them with dairy-free yogurt and fruit for a simple watermelon' pizza,' or even combining the melon with a few other ingredients and transforming it into a must-try summer juice like this simple watermelon juice recipe!

Using just a knife and juicer or blender, you can prepare this fruity watermelon drink in just minutes. It's perfect to start your day or serve at picnics, BBQs, and parties, or enjoy poolside. If the weather is hot, this watermelon mint juice deserves to be in your hand!

Keep reading for several ways to adapt the flavor, too. It tastes so good, you'd be forgiven for not even realizing how good for you this watermelon juice recipe actually is.

Want to enjoy other simple homemade juice recipes this summer? You might like this apple orange carrot juice or simple strawberry juice!

What Are Watermelon Juice Benefits?

Did you know watermelons are made up of 92% water? While that means that watermelon juice is incredibly hydrating (while still low calorie), some assume it also means that it can't be highly nutritious.

However, that's not the case. This refreshing fruit not only contains high levels of the antioxidant lycopene (to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases) and carotenoids, but it also contains moderate levels of several vitamins and minerals, including:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Potassium

Watermelon also contains an amino acid called citrulline with positive benefits on blood pressure levels and heart health, as well as an anti-inflammatory pigment that helps protect joint health.

Combined with apples (which are packed with several micronutrients and antioxidants), nutritionally impressive beet, and immune-boosting lime juice, this watermelon mint juice blend is an impressive fruit juice option at any time!

The Juice Ingredients

I used five ingredients to create this delicious fresh watermelon juice blend.

ingredients for Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend against a light background

Watermelon: It's best to use seedless watermelon, but not 100% necessary.

How To Pick A Watermelon

When picking the best watermelon, the best looking one is actually often the worst for flavor. Instead:

Choose a melon with dull skin and a worn yellow patch (called a 'field spot' from where it's been resting on the ground as it grows) on one side for the sweetest, best flavor. If the spot is white, not yellow, avoid it, as it's likely been picked too early.

Naturally, the watermelon should also feel heavy for its size.

Apple: I used an organic Honeycrisp apple as it's wonderfully sweet. Fuji would also work, but feel free to experiment with different apples in this watermelon apple juice.
Lime: The tangy citrus flavor wonderfully balances the sweetness in the watermelon apple juice. Lemon juice will also work, though watermelon lime juice is my favorite.
Beet: While optional, beetroot adds color and extra nutrients to this fresh watermelon juice recipe.
Fresh mint leaves: The combination of watermelon and mint is delicious. However, omit it if you aren't a fan of mint or use basil instead.

You could also enjoy a basic watermelon juice recipe with just the melon, lime, and mint.

What Else Could I add?

This homemade watermelon juice recipe can be adapted and transformed In several ways. Below are some of my favorite potential additions to the fruity summer drink.

Cucumber: Watermelon cucumber drink is a simple, delicious, and refreshing option – adding extra nutrients and hydration without tons of flavor.
Other fruits: There are several delicious flavor combinations you can pair with watermelon juice. My top recommendations include:
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Guava
- Kiwi
- Oranges/ grapefruit
To dilute: Add coconut water or make sparkling watermelon juice with sparkling water/lemonade
Ginger: A small amount of ginger adds a slightly spicy depth to the homemade watermelon juice blend.
Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper will add a very subtle spice but also help to increase the absorption of certain minerals/vitamins in the watermelon apple juice blend.
Florals: A small amount of rose water or orange blossom water is a great way to add a subtle floral depth to the juice.
Cinnamon: Add to taste.

How to Make Watermelon Juice?

There are a couple of main ways to learn how to make watermelon juice, including with a juicer or blender. Luckily, both methods require just a few steps and are super simple. Note, for 'instant' chilled juice, refrigerate the ingredient overnight before juicing them.

Juicer Method

1) First, wash the apple and beet well. Then chop everything down into smaller pieces that will fit your juicer chute. For the watermelon, cut it down into spears, removing the rind.

There are several ways to cut watermelon. I like to start by cutting it in half. You can then either scoop out the flesh with a spoon or cut it down into wedges or spears.

2) Feed the ingredients through your juicer chute, then mix the juice and serve it immediately at room temperature or over ice- enjoy!

Blender Method

Even without a juicer, it's amazingly simple to prepare this watermelon apple beet juice with a blender. Here's how.

1) First, wash and chop the produce into small pieces and transfer them to a high-speed blender.

cut and peel ingredients for Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend alongside a juicer

process shot adding watermelon to juicer

Most of the time, when making blender juice, you'll need additional liquid to help blend the harder ingredients. That shouldn't be necessary for this watermelon apple juice recipe as the watermelon is so juicy. However, add a splash of water if needed.

2) Blend the mixture until fully pureed.

process shot showing juicer juice the ingredients for Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend

3) For a pulp-free juice, strain the blended watermelon mixture through several layers of cheesecloth, a fine-mesh strainer, or a nut milk bag. If you don't mind some pulp, then add some back into the juice. Then enjoy!

completed Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend in a glass cut with two cups and juicer in the background

When making a simple watermelon juice recipe with lime and mint, you could also use an immersion blender (either directly in the watermelon rind or transferred to a bowl first).

FAQs

How to use watermelon rind?

For years I thought of the rind as a 'waste product,' but then I came across a recipe for watermelon rind pickles and fell down a research rabbit hole. I discovered several watermelon rind recipes you could turn to, including candying the rind, turning it into a jam, or even adding it to stir-fries.

What to do with the leftover juice pulp?

There are several ways to make use of leftover juice pulp, including adding it to smoothies, mixing it into vegan yogurt bowls, and turning it into fruit leather.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

Use organic produce when possible: Juicing has you consume large amounts of produce in one go, so avoiding excess chemicals/pesticides by using organic produce (especially for the 'dirty dozen').
Adjust the ingredient ratio: Add more lime for tang, apple for sweetness, beetroot for earthiness, etc.
Pulpy vs. smooth: When using the blender method to prepare this watermelon mint juice, remove as much pulp as preferred. Keeping some in the juice will help to add extra fiber and nutrients.
When serving to a party: You could make a watermelon keg. To do so, cut off the top of the watermelon and scoop out the flesh (or use an immersion blender, then strain it). Make your juice. Meanwhile, use a drink tap and place it a few inches up from the bottom of the melon, and place the melon on a stand to keep it straight. Finally, pour the watermelon drink back into the melon and optionally top it up with extra herbs/ice. Enjoy!
Using leftover juice: This watermelon juice recipe also makes for great simple fruity popsicles, granita, or slushies.
For a slushy consistency: Use frozen watermelon when making the watermelon drink of your choice.

Storage Instructions

For maximum nutrients, consume the juice immediately. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to three days.

The juice may separate as it sits, so give it a shake or stir when needed.

Can You Freeze Watermelon Juice?

You can freeze this watermelon apple juice in a freezer-safe jar or in an ice cube tray. Leave space (around an inch) for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Then allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.

completed Fresh Watermelon Juice Blend in a glass cup

Other Drink Recipes

If you try this easy watermelon juice recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla