Watermelon Mojito Recipe

The Ultimate Watermelon Mojito Recipe for Summer

I just made this watermelon mojito, and it is the definition of summer in a glass. The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon with the fresh zing of mint and lime is absolutely perfect for a sunny day.

It’s become my go-to for backyard barbecues because it’s so simple to whip up, yet it feels incredibly special. After a long week, this is the treat I look forward to.

For another delightful meal idea after you’ve enjoyed your cocktail, you should also explore our guide for the Cherry Snowball Cookies Recipe.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this mojito many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to great.

• I always chill my ingredients beforehand. The rum, watermelon puree, and club soda should all go in the fridge for at least an hour. This keeps the drink colder for longer without the ice melting too quickly.
• Don’t over-muddle the mint! I learned this the hard way. If you crush it too aggressively, you release bitter compounds called chlorophyll, which can ruin the fresh taste. A few gentle presses are all you need.
• I like to taste and adjust the sweetness. Depending on how sweet my watermelon is, I sometimes add a little less simple syrup or an extra squeeze of lime juice to find that perfect balance.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For some great food pairings, you can explore our other dinner recipes.

• Spicy Watermelon Mojito: Muddle a thin slice or two of jalapeño along with the mint and lime for a pleasant kick of heat.
• Berry Watermelon Mojito: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to the blender with the watermelon for an extra layer of fruity flavor.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a virgin mojito, simply leave out the rum. You can add a splash of white grape juice or just a little extra club soda to fill the glass.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need a professional bar setup to make this cocktail. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick.

• Blender: To create a smooth and delicious watermelon puree.
• Muddler: For gently crushing the mint leaves and limes to release their oils and juice.
• Fine-mesh strainer: To ensure your watermelon puree is silky smooth by removing any pulp.
• Tall glasses: Highball or Collins glasses are perfect for serving mojitos.

How to Serve Watermelon Mojito Recipe

Presentation can make your delicious cocktail even more appealing.

• Serve immediately in a tall, chilled glass to keep it as refreshing as possible.
• For an elegant touch, run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it in sugar before pouring the drink.
• Garnish with a vibrant sprig of fresh mint, a small watermelon wedge, and a thin slice of lime. For another sweet treat to serve alongside, consider our Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving:

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~15 g
• Sugar: ~12 g
• Vitamin C: From the fresh lime and watermelon.

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftovers, proper storage is key to preserving the fresh flavors.

• Storing: The fully mixed cocktail should be consumed immediately, but leftover watermelon puree can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the watermelon puree in an ice cube tray for a slushy-style mojito later on.
• Reheating: This drink is best served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Just give refrigerated puree a good stir before using.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this watermelon mojito is sure to become your new favorite summer drink.

• Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of cool mint, tangy lime, and sweet watermelon is the ultimate thirst-quencher.
• Simple to Prepare: With just a few basic steps, you can create a high-quality cocktail that will impress your guests.
• Perfect for Parties: This recipe can easily be scaled up to make a large batch in a pitcher for easy serving at any gathering.
• Visually Stunning: The beautiful pinkish-red color makes it a vibrant and eye-catching addition to any summer spread.

More About This Refreshing Cocktail

Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit, and this recipe makes the most of it. Composed of over 90% water, watermelon adds an extra level of hydration to this already refreshing drink, making it perfect for sipping on a hot afternoon.

The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the traditional mojito components of mint, lime, and rum. When selecting a rum, a light white rum is the classic choice because its subtle flavor allows the fresh ingredients to shine.

However, feel free to experiment with coconut rum for a more tropical twist. The key is to find a balance that you enjoy. This cocktail is all about celebrating fresh, seasonal flavors in a simple, elegant way.

Ben Carraoli

Watermelon Mojito Recipe

I just made this watermelon mojito, and it is the definition of summer in a glass. The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon with the fresh zing of mint and lime is absolutely perfect for a sunny day. It’s become my go-to for backyard barbecues because it's so simple to whip up, yet it feels incredibly special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Drinks

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• Fresh watermelon 4 cups, cubed: For the best flavor, choose a seedless, ripe watermelon that sounds hollow when you tap it. This will give you the sweetest, juiciest puree.
• Fresh mint leaves 12-16 leaves, plus more for garnish: Your mint should be bright green and fragrant. Avoid any wilted or bruised leaves, as they can taste bitter.
• Limes 2, plus wedges for garnish: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential. It provides a bright, tangy kick that bottled juice just can’t replicate.
• White rum 4 oz: A smooth, light white rum like Bacardi or Havana Club works best, as it won’t overpower the other flavors.
• Simple syrup 2 oz: You can easily make this by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat, then letting it cool.
• Club soda to top: This adds the signature bubbly finish that makes a mojito so refreshing.
• Ice crushed or cubed: Crushed ice is traditional and chills the drink quickly, but regular cubes work perfectly fine.

Method

 

1. First, you need to turn your fresh watermelon into a smooth liquid base. Take your watermelon cubes and place them into a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. To ensure a silky texture, pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any remaining pulp or seed fragments. This step guarantees your mojito is smooth and easy to drink.
2. Next, it’s time to release the essential flavors of the mint and lime. In each of your two tall glasses, add 6-8 fresh mint leaves and a couple of lime wedges. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press down and twist a few times. The goal is to bruise the mint leaves to release their fragrant oils, not to tear them into tiny pieces.
3. Now you can build the foundation of your mojito. Pour 2 ounces of white rum and 1 ounce of simple syrup into each glass directly over the muddled mint and lime. Give it a gentle stir to combine the rum and syrup with the fresh mint and lime juice you just released. This creates the sweet and boozy base for your cocktail.
4. It’s time to bring in the star of the show. Divide your freshly made watermelon puree evenly between the two glasses. Stir everything together once more to fully incorporate the watermelon flavor. Next, fill each glass to the top with ice. Crushed ice is ideal for that classic mojito look and feel, but regular ice cubes will also keep your drink perfectly chilled.
5. For the final touch, top off each glass with club soda to add that essential fizziness. Give the drink one last light stir to mix everything without losing the bubbles. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a small watermelon wedge on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate taste of summer refreshment.