Treat yourself to a the BEST Watermelon Mojito! This wonderful watermelon cocktail tastes just like the fresh fruit it's made with. One sip, and you are going to fall in love with this vibrant, refreshing, and easy to make summer drink!
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I don't know about you, but I LOVE watermelon ... there's nothing better than a juicy slice on a hot summer day.
There's just one problem with this wonderful fruit. Watermelons are huge! Sometimes eating the whole thing is a challenge, especially for a small household like mine. So when I commit to buying one, I have to have a game plan!
There are many ways to use a watermelon, but it's hard to beat this juicy, fresh Watermelon Mojito! It has all the flavor of the classic cocktail with a sweet, fruity twist.
This gorgeous drink is the ultimate summer cocktail. Best of all, this fresh watermelon cocktail couldn't be easier to make (you only need a few minutes), and the payoff is super delish!
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Ingredients
This refreshing recipe uses basic ingredients, and turns them into something special! Here's what you'll need:
- Watermelon - You'll need a watermelon, of course! Check out my tips for selecting the best tasting melon. Tip: If you have a huge melon, use it to make this delicious homemade watermelon juice! You can substitute ½ cup juice for the fresh fruit, and add it along with the rum.
- Lime - Fresh lime juice is an essential ingredient (do not use bottled). You'll need half of one juicy lime per drink, plus more for garnishing.
- Sugar - This recipe uses granulated sugar (superfine sugar will also work).
- Club Soda - Club soda is another essential ingredient. In a pinch, you could use sparkling / mineral water (like Topo Chico).
- Mint - You'll need lots of fresh mint leaves. I recommend buying a few bunches, so you have enough for a few rounds of drinks.
- White Rum - Mojitos are traditionally made with white rum.
Bacardí Carta Blanca (Superior) is a classic choice for a mojito. It’s very easy to find, and it's affordable. Any white rum will work though, so feel free to substitute your favorite. You should avoid dark, spiced, and flavored rums for this drink.
You'll Also Need
Before getting started, you'll want to gather a muddler, jigger, and bar spoon. If you don’t have any of these items, I’d recommend purchasing a cocktail making kit, which should have everything you need for this drink (and any future cocktails). You’ll also need a Collins glass (or large highball) to serve the finished drink.
How to Pick a Watermelon
Choosing a watermelon can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Here are three simple tips to help you choose the best one:
- Pick it up. It should feel heavy for its size.
- Look for a yellow spot. This is where the watermelon rested on the ground, and a creamy, yellow spot (versus a pale, white one) indicates that it was allowed to fully ripen before picking.
- Give it a thump. The surface should be firm, and a juicy watermelon should have a deep hollow sound.
Need more help? Check out my step-by-step guide, How to Cut a Watermelon, for tons of tips!
How to Make a Watermelon Mojito
This drink is simple and quick to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Prep the lime. Start by cutting your lime into wedges. Squeeze half of them into your glass, then drop the wedges into the glass. Tip: Save the remaining wedges for round two, or use them to make a drink for a friend.
- Add sugar, club soda, and watermelon. To the lime, add the sugar, a splash of club soda, and the diced watermelon.
- Muddle the ingredients. Using your muddler, press and twist the ingredients together a few times. Watermelon breaks apart easily, and you’re simply trying to extract more juice and combine everything a bit, so don't go overboard. There should still be small pieces of fruit when you’re done (see pics below).
- Prep the mint. Most mojito recipes call for muddling the mint, but I have a cool hack that I learned in a mixology class at Casa Bacardí in Puerto Rico. Simply stack the leaves in your hand, then firmly smack the leaves with your other hand about five to six times … or until they’re fragrant. This brings out the mint's flavor without pulverizing the leaves or making the drink bitter (plus, no tiny pieces to stick in your teeth!).
- Add rum, ice, and more club soda. Rub the mint leaves over the rim of your glass, then drop them into the drink. Next, add the rum, then fill the glass with ice, and top off with club soda.
- Mix everything together. Using your bar spoon, mix the drink vigorously to combine all the ingredients.
And that’s really all there is to it ... your Watermelon Mojito is ready to sip! Wasn't that simple?
Garnish
With a drink this beautiful, you don't really need a garnish, but it makes the finished cocktail even more special.
To create this pretty garnish, add a thin slice of lime and a sprig of mint to your glass. A mini watermelon wedge is the perfect finishing touch ... cut a small slit on one end so it fits on the rim.
Tip: want to make this drink extra special? Serve it in a Watermelon Punch Bowl. This would be such a fun party idea!
Related Recipes
Looking for more watermelon drinks? Try these wonderful Watermelon Margaritas or this refreshing Watermelon Lemonade next! And now that you know mastered this refreshing watermelon rum drink, check out these delicious mojitos, too:
- Classic Mojito
- Strawberry Mojito
- Blueberry Mojito
- Pineapple Mojito
- Mango Mojito
- Dark Rum Mojito
- Pomegranate Mojito
- Virgin Mojito Mocktail
Searching for more rum cocktail ideas? Then, you'll want to try my Cuba Libre, Spiked Apple Cider, Daiquiri, and Rum Old Fashioned recipes, as well! You can also find all my watermelon recipes here.
Watermelon Mojito
Ingredients
- 1 medium lime, cut into 8 wedges
- granulated sugar
- club soda
- ½ cup diced watermelon (small pieces work best)
- 12 mint leaves
- 2 ounces BACARDÍ Superior White Rum (or other white rum)
Equipment
Instructions
- Squeeze 4 lime wedges into a Collins glass (or large highball), then drop into glass. Add 3 level bar spoons sugar, 1 ounce club soda, and watermelon.
- Use muddler to press and twist the ingredients together a few times. (Do not pulverize ingredients ... there should still be some small chunks.)
- Stack mint leaves in the palm of your hand. Smack leaves with your other hand, 5 to 6 times, or until fragrant.
- Rub mint over glass rim, then drop into drink.
- Add rum to drink, then fill glass with ice. Top off drink with club soda.
- Mix drink well, using bar spoon.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint, lime slice, and watermelon wedge, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
