Summertime refreshment just hits different with a Watermelon Mojito. This vibrant cocktail brings together juicy watermelon, mint, lime, and rum—basically the mojito you know, but with a juicy, summery twist.
The Watermelon Mojito only calls for five main ingredients: fresh watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, white rum, and a splash of soda water. Thanks to the watermelon’s natural sweetness, you can cut back on sugar compared to your usual mojito, which honestly feels like a win.
The color is bright pink, and the flavor is just as fresh as it looks. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard barbecue or just lounging poolside, this fruity riff on the classic Cuban cocktail is bound to keep everyone cool and happy.
Watermelon Mojito Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Muddler (or just a wooden spoon if that’s what you’ve got)
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
- Blender or food processor (for pureeing the watermelon)
- Jigger or something to measure
- Highball glasses
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
For 2 servings:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks seeds out
- 10-12 fresh mint leaves plus a little extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
- 2-3 teaspoons sugar or simple syrup to taste
- 4 oz white rum
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Watermelon slices for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon: Toss the watermelon chunks in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain if you want it less pulpy.
- Muddle the mint: Add mint leaves to the bottom of your cocktail shaker, then sugar and lime juice. Muddle gently—don’t go too hard or you’ll shred the leaves.
- Mix the cocktail: Pour in 1 cup of watermelon puree and the rum. Add ice, then shake it up hard for 15-20 seconds.
- Serve: Grab two highball glasses, fill with ice, and strain the cocktail in until they’re about ¾ full.
- Finish: Top off with club soda, give it a gentle stir, and add your mint, lime, and watermelon garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
- It should look bright pink and you’ll catch that fresh mint aroma right away.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
A Watermelon Mojito is all about that fresh, sweet-tangy balance. Ripe watermelon gives it a juicy, summery base, and the citrus really pops.
Mint cools things down and adds a little herbal kick. First sip, you’ll probably notice the mint aroma before the watermelon flavor really lands.
Rum brings just enough warmth without drowning out the fruit. Go for a decent white rum—it’ll play nice with the rest.
Flavor Profile:
- First impression: Sweet, fresh watermelon
- Mid-palate: Lively lime acidity
- Finish: Cool mint, subtle rum warmth
The texture’s smooth but not heavy, with some tiny bits of mint and watermelon pulp for interest. It’s seriously refreshing—ideal for those hot days.
Club soda adds a gentle fizz that lifts everything up and brings the aromas to the front. That bubbly feel keeps it lively.
Best served ice cold. As the ice melts, it softens the flavors but doesn’t water it down too much—so you can actually enjoy it to the last sip.
Substitutes
No watermelon or mint on hand? Don’t worry!
You can still whip up something similar with a few easy swaps.
For watermelon, strawberries or raspberries are fantastic stand-ins. Both bring a sweet punch that fits right into a mojito vibe.
Cantaloupe’s another option if you’re after that fresh, summery taste.
When it comes to mint leaves, basil is a bit unexpected but honestly tastes great. Lemongrass can step in too, giving a subtle citrus twist that works surprisingly well.
Making it non-alcoholic? Just swap out the rum for extra club soda, or maybe a splash of coconut water if you want something a little different.
That makes a pretty great mocktail, honestly—super refreshing and easy to share.
If you’re short on time, pre-made watermelon juice totally works instead of muddling fresh fruit. Just pour in about 3-4 ounces per drink and you’re set.
No muddler? No problem. The handle of a wooden spoon gets the job done for crushing mint and fruit.
You really just want to bring out the flavors, not turn everything into mush.
