Tag Archives: watermelon mint lemonade

Watermelon Mint Lemonade

July 5, 2011

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

watermelon mint lemonade

I hope everyone had a super great 4th of July!!  I started my 4th off by the pool (laying out, eating turkey hot dogs, getting splashed by my pup) and ended it at the LA Galaxy game (again).  Even though the game wasn’t that exciting (score of 0 to 0), there were lots of nachos, beer, and fireworks and you pretty much can’t go wrong with that combination.

So I’ve mentioned my watermelon mint lemonade both here and here, and now I want to share the recipe!

Watermelon Mint Lemonade:

  • 2 cups pureed watermelon*
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 to 1.5 cups simple syrup
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 additional lemon to slice into the pitcher
  • a couple handfuls of torn mint leaves
  • a couple handfuls of ice

Basically, you add all of the ingredients to a pitcher, stir it up, and serve.  But here is a more in-depth, step-by-step process:

watermelon mint lemonade

Start by juicing 7-10 lemons.  I highly recommend using a juicer but if you don’t have one, squeezing them by hand will do just fine.

watermelon mint lemonade

Cut up about 1/4 to 1/2 of a large watermelon (depending on the size) and puree it in a blender.  Pour about 2 cups of pureed watermelon (you can pour through a strainer if you want, I usually don’t) into a pitcher.

watermelon mint lemonade

Then add about 1 cup of the lemon juice and 1 to 1.5 cups of simple syrup.  You can make your own simple syrup by adding equal parts water and sugar to a pot and simmering it on the stove until the sugar is dissolved.  Once the liquid is cooled, you have a lovely simple syrup that can be used in just about anything, from lemonades to ice teas to popsicles.

watermelon mint lemonade

Then add about 4 cups of water and a couple handfuls of torn mint leaves.  At this point, I do A LOT of taste testing.  If it’s too sour, I add more simple syrup.  If it’s too bland, I add a bit more lemon juice.  If you can’t taste enough of the watermelon, add some more pureed watermelon.  Once it tastes good, add a few lemon slices so people know it’s lemonade and a couple handfuls of ice cubes to keep it cold.  And then, you have yourself the most perfect summery drink.

watermelon mint lemonade

Enjoy with a pretty straw and lots of sunshine, preferably outdoors with lots of family and friends!

*by the way, you can swap out the watermelon for just about ANY fruit…sigh, I love fruity lemonade.

Planning a Perfect Summer Fete

July 1, 2011

Filed Under : DIY - EAT - INTERIORS - RECIPES - STYLE

Whether you’re planning a red-white-and-blue Independence Day bash or a small barbecue with loved ones, everyone loves a good outdoor party during the summertime.  I’m in the process of planning a dinner party this weekend for family (part 4th of July, part birthday party) and thought I would share some of my ideas for concocting a fun and easy summer gathering:

target string lights

I found these festive string lights on sale at Target.  Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they add a bit of texture to your decor.  I plan on stringing mine above an outdoor table and lighting them up as soon as the sun goes down.

watermelon lemonade

Nothing is better than a few homemade elements at a summer fete.  It can be as simple as muddling fresh fruit into a carafe of sparkling water to concocting a peach sangria with lemon and orange slices.  If you’re doing nonalcoholic, opt for a fresh-squeezed lemonade mixed with different fruits.  Try it with a combination of watermelon and mint (recipe to come soon!).  If you’re doing alcoholic, definitely make a big bowl of sangria or mix it up with a spicy-flavored margarita, like this cucumber-jalapeno version.

h&m skirt

I just bough this H&M skirt a few days ago and can’t wait to wear it to my soiree.  It’s bright, flowy, and loose; the perfect combo for a hot summer evening!  If you’re hosting a party, always wear something comfortable (no ass-bearing mini skirts and 7-inch heels puuhhhleaseee) because you know you’ll be running around a lot.  Keep it simple and add elements of pizazz to your outfit through color instead.

fruit crisp

Fruit crisps can bake in the oven for up to an hour.  Keep that in mind when you’re hosting a party!  The best thing to do is assemble your fruit crisps earlier in the day and store them in the fridge.  Make sure you store your topping separate from the fruit.  About an hour before you want to serve your crisps, sneak away and put them in the oven.  As they bake, your guests will start to smell the cinnamon-y goodness!

As a general rule, the “crisp” part of the fruit crisp is made up of flour, oats, sugar, butter, a little bit of salt, and cinnamon (some recipes, of course, may be different).  Once you have that down, you can pair it with any combination of fruit!  Here are some of my favorite fruit combos to make into crisps:

  • strawberry & rhubarb
  • blueberry & nectarine
  • apple & pear
  • blackberry & raspberry

Ok now go have yourself a fun, festive, and homemade summer fete! I know I’m super excited for mine!!  Have a great weekend lovelies! xo