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The watermelon mojito recipe is perfect for summer! This fruity spin on the classic makes the most of the juicy flavor of this melon.
If I had to pick one summer cocktail for you to try this season, it would be my Watermelon Mojito recipe! The minty Mojito is ideal for the season with its bubbly, refreshing flavor. (To me, it’s one of the greatest cocktails.)
Here’s the fun part: adding juicy watermelon makes a delicately sweet flavor that is simply outstanding: not to mention, it looks so bright and beautiful. The first time I sipped this one, I fell in love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The watermelon mojito is a spin on the Classic Mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. My watermelon spin on the classic just adds this summery melon to the mix! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh, ripe watermelon: Look for a melon that feels heavy for its size that has a creamy-yellow field spot on the bottom: that’s how you know it is ripe!
- Mint leaves. Muddling fresh leaves releases their oils and is essential for the character of this drink.
- Lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the other hallmark of a Mojito.
- Simple syrup. Just a touch rounds things out (you can also use mint syrup for a pitcher mojito).
- Light rum. White rum keeps the drink crisp: avoid using any other type of rum.
- Soda water. Just a splash makes it sparkle with bubbles.
How To Make A Watermelon Mojito
This watermelon mojito recipe is so simple: you’ll just muddle in the mint and fresh watermelon! Muddling is gently mashing herbs or fruits to release their juices, which helps their flavors to incorporate into the drink. Here are the basic steps:
- Use a cocktail muddler to gently mash the mint first. It’s the right tool for the job! Here’s the cocktail muddler we use. Don’t have one? Use an unfinished wooden spoon.
- Then mash the watermelon until it becomes juice. You’ll want it mostly juicy, but it doesn’t have to be perfect: you’ll strain out all the chunks.
- Shake with ice, then strain into a glass.
- Top with soda water, and give it one gentle stir to combine. Add the garnish and you’re ready!
Tips For A Next-Level Mojito
To take this drink over the top, it’s all about garnishes! I’ve got a few best practices when it comes to making a stellar drink:
- Use clear ice. Clear ice is crystal clear ice cubes you can cut into organic shapes. They make a drink look like it’s from a fancy bar! You can make it at home or use a special clear ice maker.
- Make mini watermelon wedges. Watermelon drinks are infinitely cuter with mini melon wedges! Simply slice your melon into tiny triangles and add.
- Add fresh mint. Fresh mint sprigs always class up a drink, so make sure to save some for garnish.
Make It A Pitcher (Serves 8)
Want to make 8 watermelon mojitos at once? Try our Mojito Pitcher! You can add watermelon to the standard pitcher to give it a fruity flavor. Keep in mind that it will make 2 additional cups of liquid, so you’ll need a large pitcher. Here’s what to do:
- Halve and mash 4 cups watermelon cubes. Or, blend up 2 cups of watermelon juice.
- Make the Mojito Pitcher, adding the watermelon juice to the pitcher with the mint syrup.
- Add additional watermelon wedges to the pitcher as a garnish.
Make It A Mocktail
Want to turn this into a summer mocktail? Leave out the rum and add an extra splash of soda water for a virgin watermelon mojito that’s every bit as refreshing.
It’s a favorite with the kids at our house. You can also make my virgin mojito mocktail which uses orgeat syrup to add a complex flavor nuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Light or white rum is the classic choice: it keeps the drink crisp and bright. Aged or dark rum brings in vanilla and oak notes, which is better for a Mai Tai.
Either works. Club soda, seltzer, and plain sparkling water are all the same thing and add the same refreshing fizz.
Think of a classic mojito: tart lime and cooling mint, plus juicy, summery watermelon. The result is refreshing and lightly sweet, with a fizzy finish.
Watermelon Mojito
The watermelon mojito recipe is perfect for summer! This fruity spin on the classic makes the most of the juicy flavor of this melon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Cuban Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
- ½ cup chopped watermelon, plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces* white rum
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup or maple syrup
- 2 ounces soda water
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Chop the watermelon. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves. Add the watermelon cubes and muddle again until they are turned into juice.
- Add the rum, lime juice and simple syrup and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold.
- Add ice to a glass, and strain in the drink. Top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with additional mint leaves and watermelon wedges.
- Pitcher variation (8 servings): Blend 4 cups watermelon into a juice (or use 2 cups watermelon juice). Add to this Mojito Pitcher recipe, and garnish with additional watermelon slices.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
More Watermelon Drinks to Try
When summer hits, we’re all about watermelon drinks! Here are our top watermelon cocktails to make with the rest of your melon:
- Try a pretty Watermelon Smash or Watermelon Martini
- Mix a big pitcher of Watermelon Sangria
- Opt for a salty Watermelon Margarita
- Pick a Watermelon Cocktail with Gin or Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Let us know if you have any questions!