I’m keeping things short and sweet today.
And when I say short, I’m referring to the serious lack of time it takes to blend up this delicious, non-alcoholic beverage. The sweetness comes in two forms. First, chunks of watermelon ripe with fragrant, sweet juices are blended and strained, forming the most vibrant-colored liquid. The pure essence of watermelon really. Second, sweet and spicy Ginger Syrup is added to the mix for depth of flavor. The drink is finished with freshly squeezed lime juice for balance, and sparkling water to lighten the texture. This Watermelon Ginger Spritzer is crisp, seasonal, and incredibly refreshing. A perfect summer beverage. Continue reading for the recipe.
You’ll want to make this recipe right now while watermelons are in season. When selecting a watermelon at the market, be sure it pick up several to compare size and weight. Pick the watermelon that is heavy for its size. If you plan on making this drink with out-of-season watermelons, you may need to add a little more Ginger Syrup.
Part of this recipe is made “to taste.” Here’s what that means: people have varying tastes when it comes to sweet, salt and sour. You may like your beverages a bit on the sweet side while someone else prefers tart flavors. So it’s hard to write one recipe to fit everyone’s tastes. To make this drink your own, the tools at hand are: Ginger Syrup (sweet) and lime juice (sour). Start with the base recipe below, and add more Ginger Syrup or lime juice until the flavors 100% work for you. Just be careful not to add too much. This isn’t a Ginger Lime Spritzer (although that sounds delicious). It’s a Watermelon Ginger Spritzer.
Watermelon Ginger Spritzer
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon, you don't have to be overly precise here
- 1/2 cup Ginger Syrup*
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
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Place cubed watermelon in a blender, and process until smooth, working in batches if needed. Pour mixture through a strainer into a large, clean pitcher. Discard any solids caught in the strainer.
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Add Ginger Syrup and lime juice, stirring to combine. Sample the mixture, and add more Ginger Syrup or lime juice to taste (if needed). Stir in the sparkling water. To serve, pour into a short glass over ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Want to make this a boozy spritzer? Just add vodka!
Recipe Notes
* If you don't want to make Ginger Syrup at home, there are a number of options available for purchase online.
sippitysup says
Ginger is just the thing to bring watermelon sweetness in balance. GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Agreed! Thanks Greg.
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle says
Delicious! Such a wonderful way to enjoy beautiful summer watermelon! : )
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks again Crystal! Yeah I try to eat/drink as much watermelon as I can this time of the year 😉
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Oh that looks SO refreshing! The ginger syrup would be amazing in so many things, too! Delish, Brandon! Pinned
Brandon Matzek says
Mmmm, I love ginger syrup. Very tasty on ice cream and pancakes. Thanks Averie!
Cheryl says
Mmm, this looks positively gorgeous! Love how sharp the mint is, and I would have never thought to combine watermelon and ginger. Such a perfect drink for the summer and especially for non-drinkers!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks again Cheryl!! Yeah, this is a fun option for booze-free friends. They can have some fun too 😉
Russell from Chasing Delicious says
You are on a role with drinks! Am I allowed to add rum to this now? ; )
Brandon Matzek says
Haha thanks Russell! I’ve got a few more fun beverages coming down the pipeline soon. I’m THIRSTY! And yes, rum is a good addition. I also like watermelon and tequila 🙂
Millie l Add A Little says
Love this Brandon – looks super refreshing and delicious!
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Millie!
Matt Robinson says
LOVE the flavors in this Brandon. I’ve had a long day and this sounds better than anything!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Matt! Yeah, this is suuuuuper refreshing. Perfect for this hot weather we’ve been having.
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i love ginger syrup. I have adding a small knob in my juice every morning with celery, carrots, and apple. this spitzer sounds pretty good.
Brandon Matzek says
Mmmm, ginger is a perfect addition to morning juice/smoothies. It really helps to perk up flavors. Thanks Dixya!
San Diego Interior Designer says
I haven’t tried Ginger Syrup yet because I really don’t like ginger haha, is it good. But I love watermelon and will try to recreate this at home. Do you recommend any substitute for ginger syrup?
Brandon Matzek says
You could try just regular simple syrup!
Jean Claire says
I think the ingredients can be easily found in the market. I’m so loving this now and I gotta try it right away♥
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Jean Claire! Let me know if you try out the recipe.
Gerlinde says
I have been looking for a recipe like this. Thanks for posting it. I will make it this weekend.
Brandon Matzek says
Awesome! Let me know how it turns out Gerlinde.
Adri says
Well now doesn’t this sound delicious. I love drinks with watermelon, and I think ginger is a terrific addition. Bravo!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Adri!
Rita says
I bookmarked your ginger syrup awhile back and low and behold I come back and you
have paired it with one of my favorite fruit…I cannot wait to try this! Thanks for sharing
your work.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Rita!!