Boozy Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
Serve it over plenty of ice!
What you'll need: watermelon, gin, rosemary, sugar and lemon.
First step: make the rosemary-infused simple syrup.
The rosemary was lovely and tender -- straight from Amanda's windowbox!
You also need lots of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
And a ripe, juicy watermelon. Ours was perfect.
Cutting the melon into cubes makes it easier to whiz up in the blender.
Which we did next, with the lemon juice.
We then added some of the cooled rosemary syrup to taste.
Into a pitcher -- or in our case, a large Mason jar.
After we added the gin and a little water, we gave it a good stir.
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Author Notes: I came up with the recipe for the lemonade first and then discovered that it went amazingly with gin, making it a favorite summer drink in our house! - piccantedolce - piccantedolce
Food52 Review: This tart, pink cocktail is a burst of summer in a glass. You don't strain the watermelon puree, which gives the drink some texture, and we love that piccantedolce calls for gin instead of a more predictable spirit like vodka. The mineral quality of the gin is echoed in the rosemary infused syrup, which announces its presence clearly without hijacking the whole flavor profile. We recommend you serve this over plenty of ice in Mason jars. - A&M - A&M
Serves 6
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 1 cup lemon juice - fresh squeezed
- 7 cups watermelon - cut into a 1" dice - approx half a medium watermelon
- 8 ounces gin
- 1 lemon - thinly sliced
- Place sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan, add rosemary sprigs. Cook over medium heat stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved remove from heat, cover saucepan and let sit for at least an hour to infuse.
- In a blender combine the lemon juice with cubed watermelon. Add the watermelon in batches, blending in between each addition.
- Add in the rosemary simple syrup 1/4 cup at a time until the mixture is at your desired sweetness. I use about a cup.
- Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and add 1 cup of cold water, the gin and fill with the watermelon mixture. Stir to combine. Serve in jars garnished with a lemon slice and half of a rosemary sprig.
- Your Best Poolside Cocktail Contest Winner!
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14 days ago Jo El Snyder
This was FANTASTIC! The combination was really unique (although I added twice as much fresh rosemary when I infused the simple syrup.) I am going to make it for Mother's Day lunch!
6 months ago Sashinka
p.s. I used Hendrick's Gin as Mcraigclark suggested and it was the perfect choice,thanks for that! I may add cucumber next time as suggested, that sounds like it may work well in this fabulous recipe... Love this drink. :-)
6 months ago Sashinka
I love watermelon so much that I cube it and freeze it. I like the texture of frozen watermelon so i keep it on hand. So, imagine my pleasure at finding this recipe AND having the correct amount of watermelon on hand! I just made this and it's fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing such an interesting and delicious recipe! This is a keeper.
7 months ago haley.madsen.77
This was the most delicious drink we have ever made. It is so tasty and the rosemary is such a wonderful hint to the sweet watermelon. My boyfriend and I drank a whole pitcher over the course of the day and no hangover the next day either ha.
7 months ago haley.madsen.77
This was the most delicious drink we have ever made. It is so tasty and the rosemary is such a wonderful hint to the sweet watermelon. My boyfriend and I drank a whole pitcher over the course of the day and no hangover the next day either ha.
9 months ago Ms. T
I've been lusting after this recipe forever and finally had a chance to try it this weekend. Bravo! Equally enjoyed by pregnant ladies (with a splash of sparkling water) and the boozers (with gin or vodka), it was a huge hit all around. Like summer in a glass. Love the subtle hint of rosemary. I did end up straining the juice to remove most of the pulp and the little white seeds from the "seedless" melon. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
10 months ago EmilyC
Made this today without the booze -- it's fantastic! I used raw sugar for the rosemary simple syrup, sparkling water instead of still, and served it over lots of ice. So delicious.
10 months ago ihaventpoisonedyouyet
I used vodka and heavens! What a great way to add fruit to our diet! Best recipe ever!!!
12 months ago hmaier
Excellent! I made this for Memorial Day and got nothing but compliments for it!
over 1 year ago JackieP
this is seriously the best homemade cocktail i've made yet! it's sooooooo delicious! we've tried with vodka and bourbon, and oh my, nothing but delicious! the rosemary simple syrup is genius too! gonna try to concoct a few other drinks w/it come spring!
over 1 year ago hilary.ann.smith
Just made this tonight and it is AMAZING. I put the 8 oz in the pitcher and am letting people add more gin as their tast suits. Do you think this could be done with a fruit other than watermelon? (my boyfriend is allergic to melons--his loss).
over 1 year ago sygyzy
This drink was amazing. I am not sure if this was teh intention but you could barely taste the gin. I am not trying to make the drink taste like I am taking shots but really, 4 oz is barely anything. Next time I am going to boost it a bit. Used Citadelle gin.
over 1 year ago sexyLAMBCHOPx
The recipe calls for 8 oz of gin - not 4 oz.
over 1 year ago Aimless
I have an enormous jug of this again in my refrigerator. This time I cranked up the rosemary, doubled or tripled it, and minced it so the rosemary simple syrup was more potent and assertive. Was more judicious with sweetening too, and got it just right. It has been sustaining me nicely through the rigors of Irene.
almost 2 years ago Traci Thomas Peugnet
I agree that Hendricks would have been perfect in this cocktail, though I wish my watermelon were more in season and perhaps sweeter? Tasty enough for one drink and different than my usual G&T
almost 2 years ago Traci Thomas Peugnet
I agree that Hendricks would have been perfect in this cocktail, though I wish my watermelon were more in season and perhaps sweeter? Tasty enough for one drink and different than my usual G&T
almost 2 years ago sloppyjoe1
Looks fantastic! Perfect summer drink, as is anything with gin!
almost 2 years ago Bob Brown
Try my Cactus Margarita:
12 glugs of tequila
8 glugs of ruby red grapefruit juice
8 shakes of hot sauce
almost 2 years ago Bob Brown
Try my cactus margarita: 12 glugs of tequila; 8 glugs of ruby red grapefruit juice; and 8 shakes of hot sauce,
almost 2 years ago ErikChris
Can this drink be made a day ahead of the party and just store in the fridge till ready to be served, with the lemon and rosemary?
almost 2 years ago Bevi
Hi Erik,
I made this last week in a big pitcher, and it stored nicely. I did take the rosemary out of the infused syrup after we drank our fill on Day 1. I would recommend decorating with rosemary sprigs and lemon slices the day of the party if you are making the boozy lemonade in advance. piccantecdolce may have some other advice, though. But it worked for us and there did not seem to be any downgrade in the taste.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
It's surprisingly lived in my fridge for a couple days and been super yummy.
almost 2 years ago Carrie Bertz
This was outstanding!! Thanks for the recipe. I suggest that anyone who has an aversion to gin to try out Hendrick's gin (which fits beautifully in this recipe). It has a more floral/herbal note than juniper/pine.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
I'm so going to seek out Hendrick's Gin, I'm intrigued now!
about 1 year ago aalexander
Thanks Carrie! I can't stomach the pine flavor. Have you tried it with any other alcohol?
almost 2 years ago rachaelmr
i made this for our summer BBQ last weekend and it was a big hit! it's a keeper, thank you!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
you're welcome!
almost 2 years ago Bevi
I just made this for my son and his company. We are swooning. It's perfect for the hot day! And so refreshing. Thanks for a fantastic recipe!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
You are very welcome. Thanks for making it!
almost 2 years ago ADS
Excellent, not too sweet.
I would use more rosemary next time.
Thanks.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
glad you liked it. Depending on the people you are serving, I think amping up the rosemary is a great idea!
almost 2 years ago Full-Flavored Cook
Made this wonderful, unusual combination for a dinner party this weekend and everyone loved it -- thank you! I will definitely be making this again!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
I'm so happy it was a crowd pleaser in your house too!
almost 2 years ago LauraMychal
This was amazing. The rosemary and gin went great together, and I adored the lemon against the sugar! Thank you.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Your welcome!
almost 2 years ago ejm
Made this today and it is marvelous. Has been a cool summer here in Europe but this helps me pretend it is hot and sunny!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
I'm so happy you liked it!
almost 2 years ago bloomer.jeffrey
Gin recommendation?
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
We keep Bombay around, but if I'm honest I'm not really a gin drinker, something about it in this cocktail just felt right when I was developing it.
almost 2 years ago mcraigclark
I used Hendrick's (and I added a cucumber to the watermelon puree). It's a different kind of gin, and one you might like if you don't want a heavy juniper kick.
almost 2 years ago leigh.bartolomeo
Making this tonight for a boat cruise with friends!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
That sounds like the perfect way to enjoy it!
almost 2 years ago Aimless
Thanks piccantedolce. This looked so good and I realized with a start as I was driving home last night that i had all the ingredients in house. A gorgeous, special, highly delicious and refreshing concoction.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Isn't that the best when you realize you have everything you need to make something? I love it! Hope you enjoyed the drink.
almost 2 years ago beyondcelery
Congrats! Looks like I need to go find a watermelon.
almost 2 years ago Maria Teresa Jorge
Congratulations piccantedolce, well done, beautiful and refreshing.
almost 2 years ago nannydeb
Congratulations! Sounds refreshing!
almost 2 years ago EmilyC
Congrats on your win! What a great drink you've created!
almost 2 years ago SouffleBombay
Congrats!! So fun!
almost 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
The rosemary and gin are a brilliant combination. And I love that you're generous with the lemon. What a beautiful creation.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks so much!
almost 2 years ago lapadia
Congratulations! What a great addition your Poolside Cocktail will be to Food52's Book2. So refreshing, I do like gin, have a recipe "almost" similar using rhubarb,lemon and rosemary w/o any gin or vodka, though. Am looking forward to trying this :)
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
oooo I love rhubarb, I may have to try your concotion!
almost 2 years ago gingerroot
Congratulations!! Love your addition of rosemary to your syrup. Can't wait to make this .
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
SurvivingMyKitchen - I'm not a huge gin drinker but I decided to go for it in this drink because I thought it would be good with the rosemary and I LOVE it. That being said vodka does work, but I'd challenge you to try the gin.
Thanks everyone for the positive response and for voting!
almost 2 years ago Bevi
Congrats!!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks!
almost 2 years ago sexyLAMBCHOPx
Yeah! Congrats to you!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks!!
almost 2 years ago Sagegreen
Congratulations! Watermelon is a great direction for a poolside cocktail.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks!
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations!!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks!
almost 2 years ago Summer of Eggplant
Congratulations!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks!
almost 2 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Congratulations! Summer in a jar, this is!
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
It is absolutely summer in jar!
almost 2 years ago JennyInKS
It is 105 here in Wichita, and more heat in the forecast for the rest of the week. Just READING this recipe made me feel better! This lovely thing is on the agenda for the weekend...
almost 2 years ago BlueKaleRoad
Congratulations! I look forward to making this cocktail over the weekend. Love seeing the jar!
almost 2 years ago bethshax
I pickle watermelon and am going to use that to add a little briney tartness to the whole thing!
almost 2 years ago MeghanVK
Made something similar over the weekend (watermelon, lime juice, basil, gin) and am giving you a tip of the hat for the idea of using gin. Such a great idea - a delicious pairing! Thanks for sharing!
almost 2 years ago mcraigclark
Made a batch last night to help beat back the northern Virginia heat. This will be a go-to cocktail for summer BBQs from now on.
almost 2 years ago david.bushery
I dig that you have gin as the base liquor. Most people are scared of the thought of something they don't know [i.e. gin]. While vodka and rum reign as the traditional "fun drink" liquor, this gin cocktail changes the landscape as a fruit forward recipe. Very enjoyable for all palates, and something very different. Cheers.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks dave!
almost 2 years ago inthebow
Oh my goodness, these are good!
almost 2 years ago celticircle~cuisine
winner!!!...
almost 2 years ago rachaelmr
This drink sounds fantastic - i am going to blindly and bravely make it our signature drink at our summer party next week! Thanks for such a lovely idea, both with the drink and the serving in jars! Super Summer!
almost 2 years ago Maria Teresa Jorge
Congratulations on being a finalist. The drink sounds so amazingly refreshing and delicious. Have to try it when away from work!
almost 2 years ago SurvivingMyKitchen
I have fresh rosemary in my garden and a forlorn watermelon on my kitchen counter. I will definitely be making this for the weekend. How do you think it would be with vodka? I have a strong aversion to gin...
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
I probably amy replying too late and am a bit special and posted a reply to the whole thread instead of you, sorry! But here are my thoughts on gin:
'm not a huge gin drinker but I decided to go for it in this drink because I thought it would be good with the rosemary and I LOVE it. That being said vodka does work, but I'd challenge you to try the gin.
almost 2 years ago piccantedolce
Thanks everyone!
James - I keep a pitcher of it without the gin in our fridge at all times in the summer. Just sub a bit more water for the gin. It's super refreshing!
almost 2 years ago SLD
Congratulations! This sounds wonderful!
almost 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Congrats, piccantedolce! I can't imagine a more perfect hot summer drink.
almost 2 years ago dymnyno
GIN! I love it!
almost 2 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Wow, this looks and sounds stunning. I love that the watermelon isn't strained. Congrats on being a finalist!
almost 2 years ago Bevi
Oh yes.
almost 2 years ago Midge
Delish! Congrats on being a finalist!
almost 2 years ago james.kuenzi
Make it virgin and I'm all in
almost 2 years ago Kitchen Butterfly
Well done - love it!
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations on being chosen as a finalist. The drink sounds refreshing and delicious.
almost 2 years ago Emiko
Congrats! This sounds lovely!
almost 2 years ago EmilyC
Congrats on your recipe...looks refreshing and delicious!
almost 2 years ago SouffleBombay
MMMM! Sounds and looks so good, with or without the gin!