Spicy Watermelon Lemonade and Cocktail

During the summertime, nothing beats the heat like a nice, cold glass of lemonade. The same could be said for a juicy wedge of sweet, crisp watermelon. This spicy take on a classic summer combo will quench your thirst and leave you with a kick!

This recipe also tastes great with a splash of tequila for a delicious, spicy cocktail!

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed watermelon
• 3/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/8 tsp to 1/2 tsp ground cayenne
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup ice (optional)

Additional ingredients for cocktail

• Tequila or alcohol of your choice
• Mint
• Salt
• Lime

Cut the watermelon into 1/2 inch cubes and, using a measuring cup, measure out 2 cups. Add to blender.

Measure out 3/4 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of water. Add both to the blender.

Note: If using ice, add ice with water and make sure they total to 2 cups

Measure out 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 tsp of ginger, and depending on how spicy you want your lemonade, add the following amount of ground cayenne pepper:

Mild: 1/8 tsp

Medium : 1/4 tsp

⚠️HOT⚠️: 1/2 tsp

Feel free to mess around with these measurements to achieve your desired level of spice!

Blend until combined and watermelon is thoroughly pureed (about 30 seconds, perhaps longer if using ice)

If desired, transfer the lemonade to a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Serve with ice and mint if you like and enjoy!

If you want to kick it up a notch, you can turn this spicy lemonade into a kickin' cocktail! Simply combine about 4 oz of the lemonade with a shot of tequila in a glass. Then, salt the rim, garnish with lime and mint, and you're off!