Looking for the most refreshing way to beat the summer heat? A Watermelon Mojito is your answer! This vibrant cocktail (or mocktail!) combines juicy watermelon, zingy lime, fragrant mint, and a splash of white rum or sparkling water for a thirst-quenching sip that truly tastes like sunshine in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Refreshing: The juicy watermelon in every sip makes this Watermelon Mojito extra hydrating and crisp—perfect for hot days.
- Quick & Easy: All you need is a blender and 10 minutes for an irresistibly fruity cocktail or mocktail.
- Naturally Sweet: A touch of honey or agave brings out the luscious melon flavor, meaning you can skip refined sugar.
- Easy to Customize: Easily make it alcohol-free, amp up the mint, or switch up the sparkling water to suit any crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about a Watermelon Mojito is how simple, fresh, and vibrant every ingredient is. Each one shines, so choose the ripest, juiciest produce for a drink that bursts with flavor and color from the first sip to the last.
- Seedless Watermelon Cubes (8 large cubes or ¾ – 1 lb.): The star of the show! Pick a perfectly ripe watermelon for the sweetest, juiciest flavor and signature rosy hue.
- Lime Juice (2 ounces or juice of 1 lime): Adds that classic mojito zing and brightness—freshly squeezed is a must for optimal tang.
- Honey or Agave Nectar (1 teaspoon): A drizzle is all you need for a hint of gentle, natural sweetness that lets the fruit shine.
- Mint Leaves (15–20 leaves): Fresh mint provides the signature mojito aroma and instant cooling effect; muddling releases its essential oils for maximum flavor.
- White Rum (3–4 ½ ounces): For the classic cocktail kick—choose a crisp, light rum. Mocktail lovers can skip or swap for kombucha or sparkling water!
- Sparkling Water (plain or lime flavor): Adds bubbly effervescence; lime-flavored sparkling water gives even more citrus pop.
- Ice: Essential for serving your Watermelon Mojito frosty-cold and extra refreshing.
Variations
One of the thrills of the Watermelon Mojito is just how easy it is to make your own! Whether you’re mixing for a party or making mocktails for the whole family, a few simple tweaks let you tailor every glass to your mood or the ingredients you have on hand.
- Mocktail Version: Skip the rum and top with sparkling water or kombucha for a 100% alcohol-free sipper that’s just as festive.
- Berry Mojito: Swap half the watermelon for strawberries or raspberries for a berry-infused burst of flavor and color.
- Spicy Kick: Muddle in a slice of fresh jalapeño with the mint for a surprising spicy note in your mojito.
- Herbal Twist: Add a few basil or Thai basil leaves with the mint for an aromatic, slightly savory complexity.
- Coconut Water Sparkle: Replace some or all of the sparkling water with coconut water for a mojito with island vibes.
How to Make Watermelon Mojito
Step 1: Blend the Watermelon
Add your seedless watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until completely smooth, making a bright pink juice. If you like your drink extra smooth, you can strain the juice through a mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or jar—but a bit of pulp adds wonderful texture, too!
Step 2: Flavor the Juice
Pour the fresh watermelon juice into a mason jar or large glass. Stir in the lime juice and your sweetener of choice (honey or agave), and mix until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Pause to give it a little taste—you want it balanced between sweet, tart, and fruity.
Step 3: Muddle the Mint
Divide the mint leaves among 2–3 tall glasses. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a cocktail muddler to gently press and twist the mint—enough to bruise and darken the leaves so their oils are released but not so much that they shred. A squeeze of lime here helps unlock even more minty aroma!
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Fill each glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes. Pour the watermelon-lime juice evenly into each glass, add 1.5 ounces of white rum (or sparkling water for a mocktail), then top generously with sparkling water for that irresistible fizz. Stir gently, garnish, and toast to summer!
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Mojito
- Watermelon Quality Matters: Use fully ripe, seedless watermelon for the juiciest, most naturally sweet results—an under-ripe melon will taste watery and bland.
- Gentle Mint Muddling: Don’t over-muddle the mint; too much force releases bitterness rather than the bright, refreshing oils you want.
- Chill Everything: For the frostiest Watermelon Mojito, chill your watermelon, mixer, and glasses beforehand—it makes a huge difference.
- Customize Sweetness: Taste the juice before mixing and adjust the honey or agave—different watermelons vary in sweetness, so always balance to your liking.
How to Serve Watermelon Mojito
Garnishes
Dress up your Watermelon Mojito with a sprig of fresh mint, a wedge of lime, or a few mini watermelon balls skewered on a cocktail pick. For an extra-pretty touch, rim your glasses with a little lime and dip them in sugar—or toss in edible flowers for a party-worthy pop of color.
Side Dishes
This drink pairs perfectly with light summer fare! Serve alongside fresh ceviche, shrimp tacos, Greek salad, or charcuterie boards piled with salty cheeses and fruit. Anything crisp, zesty, or lightly spiced will let the Watermelon Mojito shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your mojitos into mason jars for a backyard barbecue vibe, or use crystal highballs to create a sleek, tropical feel at fancier gatherings. For parties, make a self-serve mojito bar and let guests muddle their own mint and choose from a rainbow of fruit garnishes and flavored sparkling waters—guaranteed fun and flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover watermelon juice or assembled mojito mixes, store them in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar or pitcher for up to two days. Stir well before serving, as the juice may separate; add new mint and sparkling water when you’re ready to enjoy.
Freezing
Freeze extra watermelon juice in ice cube trays for a frosty mojito upgrade—just pop the cubes straight into drinks instead of regular ice for even more flavor. Avoid freezing the assembled mojito (with sparkling water or rum), as it will lose its bubbly fizz and fresh mint appeal.
Reheating
No reheating needed—this drink is all about cool, invigorating refreshment! If your batch has chilled for a while, just stir well, add new ice and a fresh splash of sparkling water to wake it back up.
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Mojito ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Feel free to blend your watermelon juice a day or two ahead and store in the fridge. Only add ice, mint, rum, and sparkling water right before serving to keep everything fresh and fizzy.
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What’s the best way to make this a non-alcoholic Watermelon Mojito?
Just leave out the rum and use sparkling water or kombucha instead. You’ll get all the fruity, minty magic without a drop of alcohol—perfect for kids or anyone skipping the booze.
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Do I really need to strain the watermelon juice?
Straining is optional! If you prefer a silky-smooth mojito, go ahead and strain it. But if you don’t mind a bit of pulp for texture and a juicier vibe, you can skip this step entirely.
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What if I don’t have fresh mint?
Fresh mint really makes a difference in a classic mojito, but if you’re in a pinch, try adding a tiny dash of mint extract to the juice. Don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like kicking back with a homemade Watermelon Mojito—it’s a little taste of vacation, no matter where you are! I hope you give this recipe a try, play with the flavors, and find your perfect summer sip. Cheers to sunny days and sweet, juicy moments!
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Watermelon Mojito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending, Mixing
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Mojito recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for a hot summer day. Made with fresh watermelon juice, lime, mint, and a splash of rum (or a non-alcoholic option), it’s a vibrant and flavorful drink that’s easy to whip up.
Ingredients
For the Watermelon Juice:
- 8 large seedless watermelon cubes or 3/4 lb. – 1 lb. (about 1 – 1 1/2 cups juice)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 ounces lime juice or juice of 1 lime (~1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- 15–20 mint leaves (~ 1/3 cup)
- 3–4 1/2 ounces white rum* (substitute sparkling water or kombucha for a mocktail version)
- sparkling water (regular or lime flavor)
- Ice
Instructions
- In a blender, add the watermelon cubes. Blend until smooth, achieving a juice consistency.
- If watermelon juice appears pulpy, pour through a mesh strainer into a mason jar or large glass. This step is optional.
- To the mason jar or glass with the watermelon juice, add the lime juice and optional sweetener. Stir to combine.
- Divide the mint leaves among 2-3 tall glasses. Muddle the mint leaves until darker in color and slightly wilted. Add a small squeeze of lime juice if needed.
- Fill each glass 3/4 full with ice. Divide the watermelon lime juice among the glasses. Add rum or sparkling water. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
- Stir and enjoy!
Notes
- To make ahead: Feel free to make the watermelon juice up to 48 hours in advance. Juice will separate, so give it a quick stir before making the drinks.
- *To make as a mocktail: Omit the rum and replace with sparkling water or kombucha, if desired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
