Copycat McDonald’s Strawberry Watermelon Refresher Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who plans their fast food order around the drinks (guilty here), then the McDonald’s Strawberry Watermelon Refresher is probably already on your summer radar. It’s got that juicy, just-sweet-enough blend of strawberries and watermelon with a whisper of lemon and a sparkle of something extra that makes it feel cooler than the ice it’s poured over. The problem? It’s seasonal. Limited. Fleeting. Like a drive-thru dream.

This homemade Strawberry Watermelon Refresher brings the same punchy fruit flavor, same sunset-pink color, but no line, no melted ice, and no regrets. Whether you’re pouring it for a poolside hang or sneaking a tall one into a work-from-home Zoom day, it’s got all the vibe of a CosMc’s chill-out in a glass.

How to make McDonald’s Strawberry Watermelon Refresher

Start by simmering strawberries, watermelon, lemon, and a splash of white grape juice to create a syrupy purée. This is the heart of the refresher, juicy, tart, and vibrant. Blend it smooth, strain if you want it sleek, or leave a little texture in there for a rustic vibe. Mix with cold water (or lemonade for the bold), pour over crushed ice, and boom, McDonald’s magic in minutes. Want to go the extra mile? Add a scoop of popping boba like the early CosMc’s testers got. It’s fruity, fun, and weirdly addictive.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 110
Total Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Sugar: 26 g
Protein: 0 g

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 1

For the purée base (makes enough for 3 drinks):

• ¾ cup seedless watermelon cubes
• ½ cup strawberries, hulled
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp white grape juice
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• Optional: ⅛ tsp citric acid (for tangy pop)

For the drink:

• ⅓ cup purée base
• 1 cup cold water or lemonade
• ½ cup crushed ice
• Optional: 1–2 tbsp strawberry popping boba

Tools you’ll need

• Small saucepan
• Blender or immersion blender
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 16 oz glass
• Spoon or reusable straw

Instructions

Make the fruit purée base
Simmer watermelon, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and grape juice in a saucepan over medium heat for 8 minutes, until fruit is soft. Cool slightly, then blend until smooth. Strain if desired. Chill. (10 mins total)

Build the drink
Add ⅓ cup of the chilled purée to a glass. Top with cold water or lemonade, stir well. Add crushed ice. (1–2 mins)

Add fun extras
Drop in boba pearls if using, or garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon wheel. Sip with a wide straw. (30 sec)

Tips

• For a smoother texture like the original, strain the purée with a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
• Use super ripe strawberries and watermelon, they bring natural sweetness that reduces your need for added sugar.
• A splash of lemon-lime soda instead of water can give it a light fizz like CosMc’s did.
• If using frozen fruit, thaw before simmering for better texture.
• Keep purée refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze into cubes for future drinks.

What to serve with

Fresh and juicy
• Sliced kiwi and grapes – For a green pop that plays off the watermelon.
• Melon salad with mint – Keeps everything light, sweet, and refreshing.
• Chilled cucumber sticks with tajín – Crunchy, spicy-sour, and a fun contrast to the sweetness.

Comforting bites
• Mini strawberry muffins – Bring out the fruit tones while giving you something cozy to nibble.
• Watermelon sorbet – Double the melon, double the chill.
• Sugar cookies – Light, buttery, and a perfect backdrop for a fruit-forward drink.

Savory companions
• Chicken sliders – Sweet drink, salty sandwich. It works.
• Popcorn chicken – Like sipping your refresher in between crunchy, seasoned bites.
• BBQ chips or pretzels – Their saltiness lifts the fruit and keeps your taste buds alert.

Variations

Strawberry Lime Sparkler
Add sparkling lime water instead of still water and swap lemon juice for lime in the purée.

Lemonade Refresher
Replace all the water with lemonade for a tart, citrus-forward twist.

Frozen Slushie
Blend 1 cup ice with ½ cup purée and ¼ cup lemonade for a frosty version.

Green Tea Boost
Use iced green tea instead of water to turn it into a caffeinated refresher.

CosMc’s Throwback
Add 1 tbsp green apple boba and a splash of pink dragonfruit juice for that test-market magic.

Ingredient substitutes

Watermelon
Original: Seedless watermelon
Substitutes: Canned watermelon (rinsed), watermelon juice, or watermelon flavor drops in a pinch

Strawberries
Original: Fresh hulled strawberries
Substitutes: Frozen strawberries (thawed), strawberry jam (use less sugar), or strawberry syrup (cut sugar and lemon)

White Grape Juice
Original: Bottled 100% grape juice
Substitutes: Apple juice, pear juice, or water with 1 tsp agave for mild sweetness

Lemon Juice
Original: Fresh lemon juice
Substitutes: Bottled lemon juice, lime juice, or ½ tsp citric acid dissolved in 2 tbsp water

Sugar
Original: Granulated sugar
Substitutes: Honey, maple syrup, agave, or stevia (adjust to taste)

Citric Acid
Optional: Used for extra tartness
Substitutes: Skip, or add a few extra drops of lemon juice

Popping Boba
Original: Strawberry or green apple boba
Substitutes: Fruit-flavored jelly cubes, diced lychee, or leave it out for a smoother sip