Hemp lemonade with watermelon and CBD – a summer drink

Lemonade is a drink that transforms into something more when you add watermelon, hemp oil, and CBD drops. Watermelon brings an intense pink color, natural sweetness, and lycopene. Hemp oil – omega acids and a buttery, nutty aroma that surprisingly pairs well with the fruity base. CBD from the hemp-flavored oil soothes the summer heat and aids in evening relaxation. It’s a drink that looks like a summer cocktail, acts like a wellness beverage, and tastes like something in between. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare it in 10 minutes, how to properly emulsify hemp oil in a cold drink, and how to calculate the CBD dosage per glass.

KEY INFORMATION
• With 5% CBD oil, one drop is about 2.5–3 mg of CBD – for a glass of lemonade, typically 3–5 drops (about 9–15 mg of CBD per serving).
• The bioavailability of CBD increases in the presence of fat – hemp oil or hemp milk in lemonade acts as a lipid carrier (Huestis MA, PMC5009397, 2016).
• Do not exceed 70 mg of CBD daily from all sources – a general guideline for adults.
• Watermelon provides about 6 mg of lycopene per 100 g – one of the best plant sources of this carotenoid (USDA FoodData Central, 2023).

Why do watermelon and hemp oil work well together in drinks?

Watermelon is rich in lycopene – a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties. USDA FoodData Central (2023) provides about 6 mg of lycopene per 100 g of fresh watermelon. Lycopene is a lipophilic compound – it is absorbed in the presence of fat. A teaspoon of hemp oil added to watermelon lemonade thus serves a dual purpose: it provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and increases the bioavailability of lycopene from watermelon. This combination makes nutritional sense, not just flavor.

Cold-pressed hemp oil contains about 76–80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 3:1 according to Callaway (Euphytica, 2004). A teaspoon (5 ml) provides about 40–45 kcal and about 5 g of PUFA. The smoke point of hemp oil is about 165°C – ideal for cold drinks, as the omega acids remain intact in cold lemonade.

We noticed in tests that emulsifying hemp oil with lemon juice before adding it to lemonade gives a significantly better effect than dripping pure oil into the finished drink. Citric acid and pectins from lemon create a temporary emulsion with the oil that lasts for a few minutes after mixing. Purely dripping oil on the surface of the lemonade creates a distinct oily layer – less pleasant aesthetically and in taste.

CBD dosing in lemonade – how many drops per glass?

5% CBD oil (e.g., Hempmont Classic 12 ml, 600 mg CBD) contains about 50 mg of CBD in 1 ml. With a standard dropper, 1 ml is about 20 drops – one drop is about 2.5–3 mg of CBD.

For a glass of summer lemonade (about 250 ml), the standard serving is 3–5 drops of 5% CBD oil, which provides about 9–15 mg of CBD per serving. For those starting with CBD: 3 drops (about 9 mg) is a safe start. Do not exceed 70 mg of CBD daily from all sources combined.

The bioavailability of CBD is higher in the presence of fat. Huestis (PMC5009397, 2016) showed that CBD with fat is absorbed about 3× better than without a carrier. A teaspoon of hemp oil or 50 ml of hemp milk in lemonade serves as this carrier – CBD added to a drink with fat is absorbed more effectively than from pure fruit juice.

Ingredients for hemp lemonade with watermelon and CBD

Ingredients for 2 large glasses (approximately 500 ml total):

• 300 g of fresh watermelon (without skin and seeds)
• juice from 2 lemons or 3 limes (approximately 80 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed hemp oil or 50 ml of hemp milk
• 200 ml of cold mineral water (sparkling or still)
• 1–2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup
• a handful of fresh mint
• ice for the glasses
• 3–5 drops of 5% CBD oil per glass – added after assembling the lemonade
• optional: a slice of ginger, a pinch of sea salt

How to prepare hemp lemonade with watermelon and CBD – step by step?

Preparation time: approximately 10 minutes. Yield: 2 glasses of a refreshing CBD drink.

Step 1. Blend the watermelon. Cut 300 g of watermelon into pieces and place them in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds. Strain through a sieve over a jug or bowl. You can skip the sieve – the lemonade will be thicker and more pink, with more fiber. Chill the juice if the watermelon was at room temperature.

Step 2. Squeeze the lemons and prepare the hemp base. Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons. In a small glass, mix a teaspoon of hemp oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice – vigorously whisk with a fork for 30 seconds. The emulsion will hold for a few minutes and will blend better with the lemonade than pure oil.

Step 3. Assemble the lemonade. In a large jug, combine: watermelon juice, the rest of the lemon juice, the hemp emulsion, mineral water, and honey. Stir with a long spoon or shake in a closed shaker for 10 seconds. Taste and adjust: more lemon for acidity, more honey for sweetness.

Step 4. Pour into glasses with ice. Fill 2 large glasses with ice. Pour the lemonade into the glasses. Add a few fresh mint leaves to each glass and gently press with a teaspoon to release the aroma.

Step 5. Add CBD and garnish. Add 3–5 drops of 5% CBD oil to each glass. Stir with a teaspoon for 5–10 seconds. Garnish with a watermelon wedge, a slice of lemon, and a sprig of mint. Drink within 15–20 minutes – CBD lemonade is best enjoyed fresh.

Variations of summer hemp lemonade

Strawberry version. Replace the watermelon with 150 g of fresh or frozen strawberries. Strawberries have a more pronounced sweet-tart flavor and a more intense red color. They pair well with hemp milk instead of oil – strawberries and hemp milk create a fruity smoothie effect in lemonade.

Intense mint version. Add a bunch of fresh mint (about 15 leaves) to the blender along with the watermelon. Blend together and strain. The watermelon-mint juice is intensely green-pink and has a summery aroma. CBD and mint is a combination that works particularly well on hot days.

Sparkling version with electrolytes. Use sparkling mineral water (carbonated) entirely. Add a pinch of sea salt and a pinch of potassium (from electrolyte powder or banana puree – 1 tablespoon of banana puree). Electrolyte lemonade with CBD is a refreshing drink after summer outdoor workouts.

Frequently asked questions

How much CBD should I add to lemonade?

From 5% CBD oil, one drop is about 2.5–3 mg of CBD. For a glass, typically 3–5 drops (about 9–15 mg of CBD). The bioavailability of CBD increases in the presence of fat according to Huestis (PMC5009397, 2016) – hemp oil in lemonade serves as a carrier. Do not exceed 70 mg of CBD daily from all sources.

Does hemp oil mix with lemonade?

Hemp oil does not mix with water on its own. Emulsifying by mixing with lemon juice before adding to the drink creates a temporary emulsion for a few minutes. Hemp milk as a base is a better option – seed fats emulsify during blending and remain suspended longer.

How many calories are in hemp lemonade with watermelon?

A glass (about 250 ml) provides about 60–80 kcal. Watermelon is about 30 kcal per 100 g according to USDA FoodData Central (2023). A teaspoon of hemp oil adds about 40 kcal from PUFA. It's a low-calorie summer drink with nutritional value.

Can CBD lemonade be made in advance?

You can prepare the base (watermelon juice, lemon juice, hemp oil) a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Add CBD oil to each glass just before serving – CBD oxidizes faster in a mixture than in a sealed bottle. Consume the prepared CBD lemonade within 1–2 hours.

This article is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a physician. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have chronic conditions, consult the use of supplements or herbs with a specialist.

Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04