Watermelon Juice Recipe – Easy Summer Cooler with Condensed Milk

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Watermelon Juice Recipe – Easy Summer Cooler With Condensed Milk

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the summer heat just begs for a tall, cool glass of something refreshing. And honestly, nothing beats a simple, vibrant watermelon juice. I first made this particular version years ago, trying to recreate a drink I had at a little roadside stall during a family trip. The secret? Condensed milk! It adds a lovely creaminess and just the right amount of sweetness. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This watermelon juice isn’t just a drink; it’s a little slice of summer happiness. It’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, just a few minutes! Plus, it’s naturally sweet and hydrating, making it the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day. And that condensed milk? It takes it from good to amazing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful juice:

• 2 heaped cups chopped watermelon (about 300-400g)
• ½ cup cold water (120ml)
• 4 tbsp condensed milk (approx. 60ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. Choosing the right watermelon makes all the difference! And don’t underestimate the power of cold water – it really helps keep everything chilled.

Watermelon Varieties for the Best Juice

While any watermelon will work, some are sweeter and juicier than others. I find that the Indian varieties like Kala Shahji or the hybrid varieties available these days work beautifully. Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground.

The Role of Condensed Milk – Sweetness & Texture

Condensed milk isn’t just about sweetness. It adds a wonderful creamy texture that elevates the juice. You can adjust the amount to your liking, of course!

Using Cold Water – Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Using cold water is key! It helps to keep the juice refreshingly cool and prevents it from becoming too diluted. If you want a thicker juice, you can even use ice cubes instead of water, but be mindful of over-dilution.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some juice! It’s so simple, you’ll be sipping on this in no time.

1. First, chop your watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes. No need to be perfect here!
2. Now, add the chopped watermelon, cold water, and condensed milk to your blender.
3. Blend everything together until it’s completely smooth. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times.
4. This is where things get a little fancy (but totally worth it!). Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any seeds and pulp. This gives you a super smooth, silky juice.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

Want to take your watermelon juice game to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

Achieving the Smoothest Texture

Straining is crucial for a smooth texture. Don’t skip this step! If you don’t have a fine-mesh sieve, you can use a muslin cloth.

Preventing a Watery Juice

If your watermelon is particularly watery, you can reduce the amount of water you add. You can also add a handful of ice cubes during blending for extra chill and thickness.

Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

Everyone has a different sweet tooth! Start with 4 tablespoons of condensed milk and add more, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegan Watermelon Juice

Simply swap the condensed milk for a plant-based alternative like coconut condensed milk or cashew cream. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!

Sugar-Free Watermelon Juice

Omit the condensed milk altogether! You might be surprised how sweet the watermelon is on its own. If you need a little extra sweetness, try a few drops of stevia or a date.

Spiced Watermelon Juice (Adding Ginger or Mint)

My friend, Priya, loves adding a small piece of ginger (about ½ inch) or a handful of mint leaves to the blender. It adds a lovely zing!

Watermelon Juice with a Hint of Lime

A squeeze of fresh lime juice (about 1 tablespoon) brightens up the flavor beautifully.

Festival Adaptations – Holi or Summer Celebrations

Watermelon juice is perfect for celebrations! During Holi, it’s a refreshing drink to have after all the fun with colors. For summer parties, you can even freeze it into popsicles for a cool treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this juice chilled, preferably with a sprig of mint for garnish. It’s fantastic on its own, or you can pair it with some light snacks like namak pare or fruit salad.

Storage Instructions

This juice is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that it may separate, so give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is it necessary to strain the watermelon juice?

Yes, absolutely! Straining removes the seeds and pulp, resulting in a much smoother and more enjoyable juice.

Can I use frozen watermelon for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Frozen watermelon will make the juice even colder and thicker. You might need to add a little extra water to help it blend.

How can I make this juice ahead of time?

You can chop the watermelon and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before blending. However, it’s best to blend and strain the juice just before serving.

What if I don’t have condensed milk? What can I substitute?

You can use powdered milk mixed with a little water, or a simple syrup made with sugar and water. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it will still be tasty.

Can I add other fruits to this watermelon juice?

Definitely! Strawberries, pineapple, or even a little bit of orange juice would be delicious additions.