Thank you so much for stopping by! Whether you’re a longtime reader or just discovering this blog for the first time, I’m truly grateful you’re here. Sharing recipes like this Watermelon Grape Refresher with you brings me so much joy. It’s one of those drinks that captures everything good about summer in one icy-cold, colorful glass. It’s vibrant, bubbly, packed with juicy fruit, and sneakily nourishing thanks to the addition of a probiotic drink. And best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make.

Right after the H1, I want to highlight this important part: the Watermelon Grape Refresher is the kind of drink you’ll crave when temperatures start to rise and you need something light, hydrating, and packed with natural flavor. It’s got just the right balance of creamy, sweet, tart, and fizzy—perfect for poolside sipping, backyard brunches, or even as a pretty party mocktail.

What Is a Watermelon Grape Refresher?

This Watermelon Grape Refresher is a beautifully layered non-alcoholic drink that combines frozen fruit, a probiotic yogurt drink like Yakult, fizzy soda or sparkling water, and just a touch of optional sweetener. It’s colorful, nutritious, and incredibly refreshing. The fruit acts almost like natural ice cubes, chilling the drink without watering it down, and the Yakult adds a subtle creaminess and tartness that perfectly balances the sweet watermelon and grapes.

You don’t need a blender, a cocktail shaker, or any fancy bar tools—just a few glasses, some fruit, and five minutes. And honestly, the hardest part of the whole recipe is not eating all the frozen fruit before it gets into your drink!

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Watermelon Grape Refresher

There are so many reasons this recipe has quickly become one of my go-to warm weather drinks. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it, too:

It’s ridiculously refreshing, thanks to chilled fruit and fizzy soda.
It uses ingredients you probably already have at home.
It’s probiotic-rich, which means it’s good for your gut.
It’s naturally sweet and hydrating.
It looks absolutely stunning served in a tall glass with mint and fruit skewers.
It’s a conversation-starter at parties and easy to make for a crowd.
It can be modified for kids, adults, vegans, or anyone with dietary needs.
It’s a breeze to prepare—no blending, no juicing, just layering and pouring.

What Does It Taste Like?

Picture this: you take a sip and are immediately met with the clean, sweet juiciness of frozen watermelon. Then, the crisp tartness of grapes pops through, mingling beautifully with the slightly citrusy tang of Yakult. The fizz of lemon-lime soda bubbles over your tongue, elevating everything and making the flavors feel even brighter. There’s a gentle sweetness throughout—subtle and fresh rather than syrupy—and the optional honey or simple syrup just boosts that without overpowering the natural fruitiness.

The texture is another delight: cold, slushy chunks of fruit, silky yogurt drink, and sparkling bubbles. It’s creamy and crisp at the same time, with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Health and Enjoyment Benefits

Let’s take a quick look at what makes this drink not just fun, but functional:

Hydration: Watermelon and grapes are over 90% water, so they’re naturally thirst-quenching.
Gut Health: Thanks to Yakult or other probiotic drinks, this refresher supports healthy digestion.
Low Calorie: Without heavy syrups or creams, it’s light enough to enjoy daily.
Customizable Sweetness: You can control the sugar content to suit your preference or dietary needs.
Mood-Boosting: Bright colors, fruity flavors, and fizz? That’s pure sunshine in a glass.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Here’s what you’ll need to make two tall glasses of this refreshing drink:

1 cup seedless watermelon, scooped into balls or cubed
1 cup green grapes, whole or halved
1 bottle Yakult (or your favorite probiotic yogurt drink)
1 can lemon-lime soda or sparkling water (chilled)
1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Bamboo skewers (optional, for grape garnish)

Tools Needed

No special tools are required, which is part of the beauty of this recipe. But here’s what will make things easier:

A freezer-safe container or bowl for chilling the fruit
Two tall glasses for serving
A spoon for layering and stirring
Ice cube tray
Bamboo skewers or cocktail picks (optional for garnish)
Sharp knife and cutting board for preparing fruit

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can absolutely get creative with this refresher. Here are some ideas for substitutions and additions:

Swap the watermelon for cantaloupe, honeydew, or strawberries.
Use red grapes instead of green for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Replace Yakult with a dairy-free probiotic like coconut kefir or almond milk yogurt drink.
For a sugar-free version, use unsweetened sparkling water and skip the added sweetener.
Want to make it more tangy? Add a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice.
Add thin cucumber slices or fresh basil for a more spa-inspired twist.
Try flavored sparkling water for a fruity upgrade without added sugars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill Your Fruit

Place the cubed watermelon and grapes in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes. This not only keeps the drink ice-cold without melting but also adds texture. They should be partially frozen—not solid like ice cubes, but firm and chilled.

2. Assemble the Glasses

Divide the frozen fruit between two glasses, filling them about halfway. Add a few ice cubes on top if you want extra chill.

3. Swirl in the Yakult

Pour half a bottle of Yakult into each glass, gently swirling it so it begins to mingle with the fruit. This forms the creamy, tangy base of the drink.

4. Add the Bubbles

Top each glass with chilled lemon-lime soda or sparkling water until nearly full. Watch it fizz and rise—this is where the refresher really comes to life!

5. Adjust Sweetness

Taste and decide if you’d like it a little sweeter. Add a small amount of simple syrup or honey (start with a teaspoon and stir in more if needed).

6. Garnish and Serve

Thread a few grapes onto a bamboo skewer and lay it across the rim of each glass for a fun garnish. Add a fresh sprig of mint for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the sparkle!

What to Serve With the Watermelon Grape Refresher

This refresher pairs beautifully with:

Fresh fruit salad with mint
Grilled chicken skewers or veggie kabobs
Light wraps or summer sandwiches
A simple cheese board with nuts and crackers
Brunch dishes like avocado toast or yogurt parfaits

Or pair it with a dessert that echoes those summer fruit notes, like this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Jars recipe—a fruity, tropical sweet treat that complements the drink’s flavors perfectly.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Grape Refresher

Freeze the fruit ahead of time in small batches so you always have it ready.
Use freshly cut fruit instead of pre-packaged to maximize flavor.
Don’t pour soda from too high—pour slowly to preserve the fizz.
Want a more indulgent feel? Add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk.
For parties, let guests customize with different fruits, mixers, and sweeteners.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This drink is best enjoyed right after assembling, but here’s how to prep in advance:

Freeze your watermelon and grapes up to three days ahead.
Keep Yakult and soda chilled in the fridge.
Store simple syrup in a sealed jar at room temp or in the fridge.
Right before serving, simply layer the fruit, pour the Yakult, add the fizz, and garnish.

Avoid storing fully assembled drinks, as the carbonation will go flat and the texture will change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red grapes instead of green?
Yes, red grapes are a great alternative. They’re slightly sweeter and will add a deeper color to the drink.

What if I don’t have Yakult?
Any lightly sweetened yogurt drink or probiotic beverage will work. Just look for something drinkable (not spoonable) and with a mild, tangy flavor.

Can I add alcohol to make this an adult drink?
While the recipe is non-alcoholic, you could experiment with a splash of vodka or a light, fruity liqueur. If you’re in the mood for more adult drinks, try this Tsunami Cocktail for a bold, tropical hit, or this bubbly Moscato Sparkle Punch for a crowd-pleaser.

Can I make this in a pitcher for a group?
Yes! Just scale up the ingredients and let guests add their own fizz and sweetener. Keep the fruit frozen until just before serving for best results.

Can I skip the sweetener?
Absolutely. The fruit and Yakult may provide all the sweetness you need, especially if you’re using lemon-lime soda.

Final Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how simple yet impressive this Watermelon Grape Refresher is. With minimal effort, you get a drink that feels indulgent, looks beautiful, and satisfies that craving for something cool and uplifting. It’s the kind of drink that makes you slow down and appreciate summer’s small pleasures—the clink of ice in a glass, the scent of mint, and that first bubbly sip.

I hope this becomes one of your favorite go-to drinks whenever the sun is out and you’re in the mood for something that tastes like a treat but feels good for your body too.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag me if you share it on social media. Your creations truly make my day.

More Fresh and Fizzy Recipes to Explore

If you’re in the mood to explore more recipes with similar summer vibes, check these out:

Tsunami Cocktail Recipe: A tropical, boozy blast of fruit and fun.
Moscato Sparkle Punch: The ultimate crowd-friendly sparkling punch with juicy fruit.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Jars: A portable, summery dessert that’s the perfect pairing for fruit-based drinks.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugars: 19g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Probiotics: Varies depending on the drink used

Watermelon Grape Refresher – A Tangy, Fizzy Summer Sip You’ll Love

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This Watermelon Grape Refresher is your go-to summer drink—chilled fruit, probiotic Yakult, and fizzy soda layered into a sweet-tart, gut-friendly glass of sunshine! It’s creamy, sparkly, and totally refreshing. Perfect for hot afternoons, brunches, or just a mid-day pick-me-up. Bonus: no blender required!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup seedless watermelon, scooped into balls or cubed
1 cup green grapes, whole or halved
1 bottle Yakult (or your favorite probiotic yogurt drink)
1 can lemon-lime soda or sparkling water, chilled
1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Bamboo skewers (optional, for fruit garnish)

Instructions

Chill the fruit: Place the watermelon and grapes in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until partially frozen. This keeps the drink icy cold without diluting it.
Assemble the glasses: Divide the frozen watermelon and grapes between two tall glasses. Add a few ice cubes on top.
Swirl in Yakult: Pour half of the Yakult bottle into each glass. Gently swirl to mix slightly with the fruit.
Add fizz: Top off each glass with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water until full.
Sweeten (optional): Stir in simple syrup or honey if you’d like a bit more sweetness. Start with a teaspoon and taste.

Garnish and serve: Thread grapes onto a bamboo skewer and place across each glass. Add a fresh mint sprig on top. Serve immediately!

Notes

Fruit swaps: Red grapes, strawberries, or cantaloupe all work well in place of green grapes or watermelon.
Vegan version: Use a plant-based probiotic drink like coconut kefir instead of Yakult.
Low-sugar option: Skip the sweetener and opt for plain sparkling water.
Party-ready: Prep the fruit in advance and let guests customize their own refresher at a DIY drink bar.

Best served immediately for maximum fizz and freshness—but the frozen fruit can be prepped days in advance!