When I want something fresh and simple, I go for a Watermelon Mint Cooler Cocktail. This recipe uses sweet watermelon and cool mint to make a drink that’s both refreshing and easy to throw together.

The taste is light—perfect for warm days or just unwinding after work. Making this cocktail doesn’t take much time or any fancy tools.

I only use a handful of ingredients, and you can find most of them at any store. Even if you’ve never made a cocktail before, you’ll be fine following these steps.

If you’re looking for a drink that stands out at your next gathering—or just something different to sip on your own—this recipe is worth a shot. I love how the mint and watermelon come together for a clean, cool flavor.

Watermelon Mint Cooler Cocktail Recipe

I put this drink together with fresh watermelon, mint, and a simple mix of other things. It’s easy to make and brings a cool, fruity flavor that’s great for warm days or casual get-togethers.

John

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Serving Size

Equipment

For this recipe, I use a blender to puree the watermelon into a smooth juice.

A fine mesh strainer helps get rid of pulp and seeds so the drink turns out clear.
A muddler comes in handy to press the mint leaves and release their oils for a stronger flavor.
I mix everything in a large pitcher or a cocktail shaker.

If you want to serve it over ice, grab a spoon for stirring and tongs for the ice cubes.
I pour the finished drink through a strainer into glasses.
For an even pour, I use a measuring cup or shot glass for the spirits and lime juice.

You can totally use basic household tools for this recipe.
For serving, I like highball or stemless wine glasses.

Ingredients

I pick ripe seedless watermelon for the best sweetness and fresh taste. I dice up enough to get about 4 cups.

I use 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves washed gently so they don’t bruise. For the alcohol, I usually go with 1/2 cup white rum or vodka.
If you want a non-alcoholic version just skip the spirits and add more watermelon or a clear soda. I also need fresh lime juice—about 1/4 cup—for a bit of tartness.
To sweeten it I add 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup or honey. I taste and adjust depending on how sweet the watermelon is.

I pour in 1 cup chilled soda water or sparkling water for that fizzy finish. For garnishes I set aside mint sprigs and a few small watermelon wedges.
Sometimes I’ll add a slice of lime on the rim for a pop of color. All the ingredients should be fresh and well-chilled before mixing.

Instructions

Puree the watermelon: I throw the diced watermelon in a blender and blend until smooth.

Strain: I pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing with a spoon to get as much liquid as I can.
Muddle the mint: In the pitcher or a separate bowl, I gently muddle the mint leaves with a muddler or spoon.
Mix: I add the rum or vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the strained watermelon juice. I stir it well to combine.

Add soda: I pour in the chilled soda or sparkling water and stir gently.
Serve: I fill each glass with ice, pour the mixture over, and garnish with mint and watermelon.
For a smoother drink, I sometimes strain it once more before pouring. If I’m making this for a group, I just double everything and serve from a pitcher.

Notes

I always try to use watermelon that feels heavy and smells sweet—it’s usually a good sign. If it’s not sweet enough, I just add a little more simple syrup.

When muddling mint, I avoid smashing it to bits because that makes it bitter. Pressing just enough to bruise the leaves seems to work best.

I let the cocktail sit in the fridge for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend and get nice and cold.

If I want extra bubbles, I’ll add more soda water right before serving. Sometimes I swap the rum for gin, or use coconut water for something lighter.

Leftovers? I keep the mix in the fridge for up to a day, but honestly, it tastes best fresh. Freezing it doesn’t really work—the texture just goes weird.

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

First sip, and there’s this clear burst of watermelon—fresh, just sweet enough, and balanced out by the sharpness of the lime juice.

The mint comes through next, adding a cool, clean note that makes the whole drink feel really refreshing. The crushed ice just keeps everything chilly and crisp, which I love.

The drink isn’t very strong. The vodka blends in so smoothly, I barely notice it at all.

This cocktail is definitely best served cold—the flavors just pop more that way. I like how the mint and lime lift up the sweetness of the watermelon, so it’s light instead of heavy.

The color is really inviting too, with that soft pink shade from the blended watermelon. For a little extra, I’ll sometimes toss in a few more mint leaves or a lime wedge in the glass. Not just for looks—there’s a bit more flavor and aroma, too.

Substitute

If I don’t have fresh watermelon, I’ll just use frozen watermelon chunks instead. It keeps the drink cold, and honestly, there’s no ice watering anything down.

Sometimes I swap out the mint for fresh basil leaves. Basil’s got a different vibe, but it actually goes pretty well with watermelon.

When I’m after a non-alcoholic version, I just replace the liquor with sparkling water or lemonade. Suddenly, the cooler’s good for everyone—kids included.

If I’m out of lime, I just squeeze in lemon juice. The flavor shifts a bit, but it’s still fresh and bright.

For extra sweetness, sometimes I’ll use a little honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup. Works for me.

Watermelon Mint Cooler Cocktail Recipe