This watermelon mojito is a twist on the classic mojito and my answer to those sweltering Texas afternoons when I need something cold and boozy. It is the perfect summer cocktail for BBQs, pool parties, or just a hot summer afternoon. The frozen watermelon cubes keep everything icy while doubling down on that sweet melon flavor.
Want To Save This Recipe For Later?
Enter your email to have this recipe sent to your inbox.
Something about the fruity watermelon goes really well with food just off the grill. One of my favorites is our grilled marinated flank steak served with watermelon goat cheese salad. And if you love twists on classic cocktails, you must try our Strawberry Basil Mojito or our Frozen Spicy Watermelon Margarita.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
With just a few fresh ingredients, this fresh watermelon mojito comes together quickly for any summer gathering.
In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Watermelon: Pick a seedless watermelon to save yourself the hassle of straining your drink. Look for one that sounds hollow when you tap it and has that creamy yellow ground spot. That means it’s ripe and sweet.
- Fresh Mint: Those bright green leaves are what make this a true mojito. Muddle them gently to release their oils without turning your drink bitter. Fresh basil makes an interesting substitute if you want to try something different.
- Simple Syrup: To balance out the lime’s tartness, add a little simple syrup. I make my own by combining equal parts sugar and water, but agave nectar works too if you prefer that flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Always squeeze your own lime juice because bottled juice tastes flat and artificial. Roll the limes on your counter first to get more juice out of each one.
- White Rum: This cocktail’s base is good-quality white rum. For a non-alcoholic version, you could substitute white grape juice or club soda.
- Club Soda: This gives you that fizzy mojito finish. Sparkling water does the job if that’s what’s in your refrigerator, but the final cocktail will taste a little different.
- Frozen Watermelon Cubes: While completely optional, we prefer using frozen watermelon cubes over ice to prevent our drinks from getting watered down. Cut the watermelon into cubes and freeze them for at least 2 hours before mixing drinks.
How to Make a Watermelon Mojito
Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.
Pro-tip: Freeze your watermelon cubes at least 2 hours before serving. This keeps everything cold and enhances the watermelon flavor, preventing your drink from becoming weak and watery.
1. Muddle the Fresh Ingredients: Add the mint leaves, watermelon chunks, simple syrup, and lime juice to your cocktail shaker or tall glass. Muddle everything until the watermelon breaks down and you can smell that mint. Don’t go overboard with the mint, or it gets bitter.
2. Add the Rum: Pour in the light rum and give everything a vigorous shake if you’re using a cocktail shaker. If you’re working with a glass, stir it well to combine all those flavors.
3. Build Your Drink: Fill a tall glass with your frozen watermelon cubes, then pour the muddled mixture over them.
4. Finish and Garnish: Top with club soda to your taste and give it a gentle stir. Add a fresh mint sprig and watermelon wedge for garnish. Serve immediately while everything’s cold.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: Your watermelon cubes can live in the freezer for up to a week before you need them.
How to Store: Any leftover muddled mixture stays good in the refrigerator for 24 hours in an airtight container. The frozen watermelon cubes can be stored in a freezer bag for up to a month in a freezer-safe container.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Taste your watermelon first. It needs to be really sweet and ripe because that’s going to make or break your mojito.
- Muddle mint leaves gently. Getting too aggressive releases bitter compounds that will make your drink taste off.
- Freeze watermelon cubes separately. I put them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together when stored.
- Simple syrup needs adjusting. Some watermelons are naturally sweeter than others, so taste and adjust accordingly.
- Fresh mojitos are the best. Mix these right before your guests arrive since the fizz goes flat quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
Looking for more summer cocktails? Try these other favorites:
- Strawberry Basil Mojito – Strawberry Basil Mojito – Sweet strawberries and aromatic basil create a sophisticated twist on the classic.
- Mangonada Margarita – Spicy and sweet with mango, lime, and chili powder for a Mexican-inspired drink.
- Strawberry Margarita – Made with fresh strawberries for summer entertaining.
Let’s Connect! If you make this recipe or any other recipe on Casual Epicure, please don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are considering making our recipes and we love hearing about your cooking experiences. And if you snapped some shots, share them on Instagram, and be sure to tag @casual.epicure so we can feature them in our stories.
Watermelon Mojito
Want To Save This Recipe For Later?
Enter your email to have this recipe sent to your inbox.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1-2 watermelon chunks, from a seedless watermelon (about ¼ cup)
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces light rum
- Club soda
- frozen watermelon cubes, instead of regular ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or tall glass, muddle the mint leaves, watermelon cubes, simple syrup, and lime juice until the watermelon is crushed and the mint oils are released.
- Add the rum and shake or stir well.
- Pour into a tall glass filled with frozen watermelon cubes (or ice).
- Top with club soda to taste and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and a watermelon wedge if desired.
