A watermelon mojito cocktail is a cool and sweet drink that mixes fresh watermelon, mint, lime, and rum. I love how this recipe spins classic mojito flavors into something a bit more playful and fruity—honestly, it just feels super refreshing and light.
When I make this cocktail, I always reach for ripe watermelon. That gives a natural sweetness you can’t fake.
Fresh mint? Absolutely necessary for that extra punch of flavor. The recipe’s simple, so you don’t have to hunt down a ton of ingredients.
If you’re after a summer drink that’s easy and actually fun to whip up, this watermelon mojito is a strong contender.
Watermelon Mojito Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Muddler: Crushes the mint and watermelon, which really wakes up the flavor.
- Cocktail shaker: Helps blend the juices with the ice for a smooth mix.
- Strainer: Keeps the pulp out of your glass (no one likes bits in their drink).
- Jigger: For measuring, if you want to be precise.
- Tall glass: Highball or Collins glass—either one does the trick.
- Knife and cutting board: You’ll need these to chop up that watermelon.
- Spoon or stirrer: Handy for a quick mix at the end.
Ingredients
Here’s what I use for one drink.
- Fresh watermelon 1 cup cubed
- Fresh mint leaves 8-10 leaves
- White rum 2 oz 60 ml
- Fresh lime juice 1 oz 30 ml
- Simple syrup 0.5 oz 15 ml
- Club soda Top up
- Ice As needed
- Lime wedge Optional garnish
- Small watermelon slice Optional garnish
Instructions
- I start by cutting the watermelon into cubes.
- The cubes and mint leaves go right into the bottom of my shaker.
- With the muddler, I mash them gently until the watermelon gets juicy and the mint smells strong.
- Next, I add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- I fill the shaker with ice and snap the lid on tight.
- A good shake—maybe 10-15 seconds—does the trick.
- Using a strainer, I pour it all into a tall glass packed with ice.
- I top it off with some cold club soda.
- A gentle stir with a spoon helps mix it up without killing the bubbles.
Notes
If you’re making a mocktail for kids or non-drinkers, just leave out the rum and use more club soda. I try not to over-muddle the mint—too much, and it can taste a little bitter. Chilled glasses help the cocktail stay cold longer.
Fresh ingredients are my not-so-secret weapon for a mojito that actually pops with flavor.
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip of a Watermelon Mojito, and the fresh, sweet watermelon flavor jumps right out. It’s juicy and light—honestly, it’s what makes the drink.
Then there’s the mint. It brings a cool, sharp note, but doesn’t bulldoze over the watermelon. Just balances it out.
Key flavors I notice:
- Watermelon: Sweet, refreshing
- Mint: Light, cooling
- Lime: Tart, zesty
- Rum: Slight warmth in the background
It’s not overly sweet, and the lime juice adds a gentle tartness. That keeps things bright and stops the drink from feeling heavy.
I’d call the texture crisp and smooth. Crushed ice gives it that cold, refreshing edge.
Honestly, I can’t think of a better fit for a hot day. The flavors are light, easy, and just really drinkable.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have fresh watermelon or mint on hand. When that happens, I’ll grab frozen watermelon or even a splash of watermelon juice.
I’ve also swapped mint with basil before—kind of changes the vibe, but it works.
If I’m making a non-alcoholic version, I’ll just swap out the rum for sparkling water. Sometimes I use lemon-lime soda instead—still fizzy, still fun.
Honestly, there are days when the drink just tastes too sweet for me. If that’s the case, I skip the sweetener or dial it back a bit.
Fresh lemon juice instead of lime? Sure, it’s less tart, but I like it that way sometimes.
And for a sugar-free twist, I’ll toss in some stevia or just leave out the sweetener. Makes it lighter, and I don’t really miss the sugar.
If I’m out of mint for garnish, I’ll throw on a cucumber slice or maybe a lemon wedge. It’s simple, but it works and still looks pretty nice.
