Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sparkling Watermelon Refresher?
It is a bubbly, homemade summer beverage made with fresh watermelon juice, lime juice, grenadine, and sparkling water.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of the Sparkling Watermelon Refresher?
Each serving contains approximately 92.5 calories.
Can I prepare the watermelon syrup in advance?
Yes, the watermelon syrup can be made up to one week in advance, making it perfect for parties.
How do I extract the juice from the watermelon?
Pulse the chopped watermelon in a food processor until smooth, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for about 20 minutes.
Should I press the watermelon puree while it is in the sieve?
No, avoid pressing down on the puree to ensure the juice remains clear.
How much watermelon juice should I expect to collect?
You should collect approximately 2 cups of fresh watermelon juice from 5 cups of chopped watermelon.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
Superfine sugar is recommended as it dissolves easily in the cold watermelon juice.
Why is grenadine added to the drink?
Grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant red color to the refresher.
Can I turn this mocktail into an alcoholic cocktail?
Yes, you can easily add a splash of vodka for a grown-up version of the drink.
What is the ratio of syrup to sparkling water when serving?
Use a 1:1 ratio, specifically 1/2 cup of watermelon syrup and 1/2 cup of sparkling water per glass.
What kind of lime juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this drink contain any fat?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fat.
Is there protein in this watermelon drink?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.75g per serving.
Why is a pinch of salt included in the recipe?
A small amount of salt (1/8 teaspoon) is used to balance the sweetness and enhance the watermelon flavor.
What is the best way to garnish this drink?
Garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma and look.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender can also be used to puree the watermelon until smooth.
What type of sparkling water should I use?
Unflavored sparkling water or club soda works best for this recipe.
How long does it take for the sugar to dissolve?
Stir the superfine sugar into the juice until you can no longer see the granules; this usually happens quickly.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, as written, it is a non-alcoholic mocktail that is perfect for kids.
What category of drink is this?
It falls under beverages, specifically summer drinks, mocktails, and homemade sodas.
How many ingredients are needed?
There are 7 ingredients: watermelon, superfine sugar, grenadine, lime juice, salt, sparkling water, and mint.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a food processor or blender, a fine-mesh sieve, and a large bowl.
Is there any fiber in this drink?
Since the juice is strained through a fine sieve, the fiber content is negligible.
What should the watermelon be prepared like before pureeing?
The watermelon should be seeded and chopped into chunks.
Is this drink good for BBQs?
Absolutely, it is described as a great option for backyard BBQs and pool parties.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
You can, but you may need to stir longer to ensure it dissolves completely in the cold juice.
What color is the final drink?
The drink has a vibrant red or pink hue due to the watermelon juice and grenadine.
Is the sparkling water mixed into the syrup batch?
No, the sparkling water is added to each individual glass at the time of serving to keep the fizz fresh.