Refreshing Watermelon Mojito Cocktail for Summer

Say hello to summer with this Watermelon Mojito recipe!

Bursting with fresh watermelon and mint flavours, plus a touch of lime, this is a cocktail sip of summer.

If you love summer cocktails like this Peach Whiskey Smash and Minty Cucumber Lime Sangria, you’re sure to love these watermelon mojitos as they make delicious drinks on a hot day!

A classic mojito is made with rum, lime, mint, sugar and soda water. But, I’ve put an easy riff on it with the addition of summery watermelon. It’s a super refreshing cocktail and it’s easy to make for yourself or guests.

Why you’ll love this watermelon mojito recipe

• It’s easy to make!
• Uses fresh, in-season summer ingredients
• Easily adaptable

Ingredients needed to make these cocktails

Watermelon: fresh, ripe watermelon is the key to this watermelon mojito!

Mint: fresh mint leaves are muddled together with the watermelon for tons of flavour

Sugar: just 1/2 tsp sugar is needed to help muddle the mint and watermelon; alternatively you could use simple syrup

Lime juice:  fresh lime juice works best in this recipe

Rum:  white rum works the best in this recipe; you want a light rum that still lets the watermelon flavour shine

How to make this summer cocktail

Step 1: To make the lime sugar, mix together the lime zest, sugar and a pinch of salt on a plate. Rim your cocktail glass with the lime sugar.

Step 2: To the cocktail glass add the watermelon cubes, fresh mint, lime juice and sugar and muddle together, squashing everything to release their juices (you can use a muddler or wooden spoon to do this). Once the watermelon is fairly well broken down add the rum and ice and stir. 

Step 3: Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda and garnish with watermelon wedges and/or a sprig of mint.

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Expert tips

• If you prefer to strain the cocktail instead of making it in the cocktail glass you’re using, simply muddle everything together in a cocktail shaker first. Then, add the rum and ice and shake. Strain into a glass with ice and then top with a splash of sparkling water.
• Make sure to use a ripe watermelon as this will make it easier to muddle in the cocktail glass.

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Common questions

How do I make a big batch of this cocktail?
Times the recipe by how many drinks you want to make. Add those amount of ingredients (watermelon chunks, fresh mint, lime juice and sugar) to the bottom of the pitcher and muddle together. Once the watermelon is fairly well broken down add the rum and stir. You can add ice to the pitcher and then pour into cocktail glasses with ice and top each glass with a splash of sparkling water.

Can I puree the watermelon first?
I have not tested the recipe by using watermelon puree. I do prefer the muddling method as when you muddle with the fresh mint it brings out much better flavour for these watermelon mojito cocktails.

How to store these cocktails
These mojitos are best enjoyed as soon as they’re made! If you want to make a pitcher (see notes above), store the large pitcher of mojitos in the fridge WITHOUT ICE for 1-2 hours before serving. Add ice before serving.

More summer cocktails to make from the blog

Strawberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail with Fresh Basil

The Best Sparkling Blackberry Vodka Drinks Recipe

Strawberry Lemonade Rosé Punch