Watermelon Lemonade

I had gone to drop off my tripod stand at my friends place as she needed to use it for a certain project over the weekend. Like the true millenial, I called Mwende to let her know I was juuuuuuust around the corner. “Ukifika, ingia tu! Gate iko wazi” (When you arrive, just come in. The gate is open.) I did not intend to stay too long, but because I had not seen her in quite some time, I was willing to be a bit more flexible. She was seated right by the window, in the flood of sunshine streaming in, and her book – The Year Of Yes- turned on her coffee table as she reached out for her watermelon and limes. She picked a slice of melon, squeezed some lime juice over it and munched away. “Jaribu!” (Try it!!) She told me, passing the plate of melon my way. I really loved it. After driving for 30 minutes and boiling in Nairobi traffic for almost the same time, this was a much welcome refreshing treat! I did not intend to stay too long, but a ton of laughs later, a million juicy stories later, a dance off and a fresh cake later (imagine we even decided to bake! smh! #derailed :D) I am happy I did extend my stay.

Inspired by my dear friend’s favorite sunny day treat, today I share with you my now favorite sunny day drink!!

PREP TIME: 5 MIN      MAKE TIME: 10 MIN       SERVES:3

Ingredients:

1 cup of watermelon

5 large lemons, juiced

5 limes, juiced

1 1/2 cup of water

6 mint leaves

5 tablespoon of sugar

Method

Juice your lemons and limes, place in a jug. I love leaving my lemon-lime juice pulpy as it gives it more body and “realness”. Using both limes and lemons elevates the flavor profile and aroma as well as opposed to using just lemons. Plus some extra vitamin C is always much welcome <3.

However if you prefer to have your lemonade a lot lighter i.e without the pulp, you can strain yours. Add your water, as much as you prefer (I added 1.5 cups), then the mint leaves and let this steep for a while. This will allow the mint flavor to gain prominecne.

Blend your melon and once blended, add to the jug that has the lemon. Add the sugar and mix it all in. I am love my lemonade having a zesty kick so I did not overdo it with the sugar. You may prefer to add more to yours, which is totally ok, and I would advise you to add a tablespoon at a time and taste it after each addition and stop adding after you have reached your preferred level of sweetness.

Add lemon slices into your glass along with the mint, add some some ice (optional) then pour your juice over it. Slurp away!

Refreshing. Fruity. Minty. Zesty! Perfect drink, whether you are just chillin’ at home, or hosting friends, or going for a picnic. Whatever occasion, my watermelon lemonade will impress. It takes such a short amount of time to make but really delivers on all flavors!!!!

Besides watermelon can use any other fruit that is not too acidic and not too dense to add more life to your everyday lemonade. I would recommend berries. Whichever substitute you choose, keep me posted! I know you will love this regardless! Please do not use bananas fam! I get that some of you really enjoy bananas but let’s save them for another time and not for this, ok <3?

Cheers! <3

-Kaluhi

Get your downloadable recipe here :))

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