Get ready to beat the summer heat with a refreshing Watermelon Mojito! This delicious cocktail combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the bright flavors of mint, lime and rum.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and buy something, Feast + West receives a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Watermelon Mojito recipe
Watermelon season is here and I am so happy about it. I am here for all the watermelon cocktails, from watermelon mimosas to watermelon margaritas.
I’ve been very into mojitos this summer, especially mixing up the classic recipe with fresh fruit. This watermelon version is so perfect for any hot summer day — fresh melon is a great addition to my favorite minty cocktail.
With each sip, you’ll experience the refreshing taste of watermelon complemented by tangy lime and cooling mint leaves. The vibrant colors of this cocktail make it visually appealing and perfect for summer gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or relaxing by the pool, the Watermelon Mojito is the ideal drink to keep you refreshed and satisfied. So, grab your ingredients and put together the ultimate summer beverage.
More rum recipes: Raspberry Daiquiri • Rum & Coke • Cubanita • Hurricane
Why you’ll love this recipe
Whether you’re an experienced cocktail connoisseur or a novice home bartender, the Watermelon Mojito is guaranteed to please any crowd and make your summer gatherings unforgettable.
- This exquisite blend of fresh summer ingredients is bursting with flavor.
- This simple recipe is perfect for both novice and advanced mixologists.
- During the scorching summer months, the cooling effect of the mint in this thirst-quenching beverage will make you feel revitalized.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool or enjoying a relaxing evening at home, this cocktail adds a touch of sophistication and beauty to any setting.
What is a mojito?
The classic mojito is a delicious cocktail composed of a few simple ingredients: rum, sugar, lime juice, mint leaves and club soda.
It is a refreshing libation that perfectly balances sweetness, sourness and freshness. It can be easily customized with flavored simple syrups or by muddling fruits, as we do in this invigorating Watermelon Mojito.
Mojitos are said to have originated in Cuba, although the exact origin remains uncertain. According to Difford’s Guide, some variation of the recipe can be traced back to 1586 when Sir Francis Drake visited Cuba. While he failed to obtain gold, he left behind a drink recipe featuring crude rum, sugar, lime, and mint.
Today, the mojito has become a beloved fixture at bars, clubs, brunches, parties and girls’ nights. It is a quintessential summer refresher.
Tools & glassware
To craft a mojito at home, you’ll need a sturdy muddler. This handy tool helps mash fruits and herbs together. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the blunt end of a wooden spoon.
Feel free to mix the cocktail directly in the glass. However, if you prefer a smooth drink without watermelon seeds or herb remnants, muddle the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass through a fine-mesh strainer.
Serve this watermelon mint mojito in a tall glass, like a highball glass, to showcase its vibrant colors.
favorite highball glasses
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Ingredients
The fresh Watermelon Mojito is a straightforward cocktail that requires only a handful of fresh ingredients from your local grocery and liquor stores. Here’s what you need to add to your shopping list:
Watermelon
Let’s start with the star ingredient — fresh and juicy watermelon! Adding fresh chunks of watermelon imparts a fruity twist to the classic mojito recipe, making it the perfect cocktail for summertime.
Opt for the freshest, juiciest watermelon you can find, preferably sourced from a local farmer’s market or grown at home. Here are some tips on choosing a good watermelon.
Fresh mint
Mint is the heart and soul of the mojito, so don’t hold back.
Look for fresh mint leaves. You can buy them in clear, plastic clamshell containers at the grocery store, near the salad greens. If you plan to make a large batch of mojitos (and perhaps some mint juleps too), check if your store offers mint in a larger bundle.
You can also pre-batch a mint simple syrup which makes it easier to infuse mint flavor without muddling.
Sweetener
Next up is the sweet component. I recommend making your own simple syrup using water and granulated sugar. My recipe takes less than 10 minutes and consists of just two ingredients.
Plus, it’s more economical than purchasing pre-made syrup. For a bolder mint flavor, add a few sprigs of mint to the syrup after it boils and let it steep while cooling. Remember to remove the leaves before storing.
Alternatively, you can use pure cane sugar in your mojito, but it will take longer to dissolve and require more elbow grease to muddle.
Lime juice
Lime juice plays a vital role in a mojito. Ideally, use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best results.
You can muddle lime wedges instead of using lime juice, but remove the spent shells afterward.
Store-bought lime juice concentrate tends to be more tart than sweet and can overpower the cocktail, but it works great if you want to make a bunch of mojitos. Lemon juice also works as a substitute.
favorite juicers
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Club soda
Adding a splash of soda water gives the drink a lovely effervescence.
You only need a small amount to brighten up the mojito and make it even more refreshing.
Lemon-lime soda or ginger ale will work, but I find them too sweet. Stick to plain seltzer water for the best results.
White rum
The classic mojito calls for rum as its alcoholic base. Opt for white rum, also known as silver rum or light rum, as it is clear in color and won’t alter the vibrant hues of this hot pink mojito.
Dark rum, such as gold rum or spiced rum, adds too much color but can still be used if preferred.
White rum is light, crisp, and perfect for mixing into cocktails like the Mojito. Popular brands for white rum include Bacardi and Mount Gay, both of which are excellent choices for this delightful summer drink.
Variations and substitutions
Here are a few ways to add a twist to make the best watermelon mojitos!
- Other melon mojitos: Experiment with fresh cantaloupe or honeydew instead of watermelon to create different fruit-infused mojitos.
- Watermelon basil mojito: Replace mint with basil to create a delicious variation. Consider using basil syrup or muddling fresh basil leaves.
- Non-alcoholic mojito mocktail: Transform it into a virgin mojito by substituting a zero-proof spirit such as Ritual rum alternative. Alternatively, omit the rum altogether for a refreshing alcohol-free beverage.
- Frozen watermelon mojito: Blend all the ingredients with 2 cups of ice for a frosty delight.
How to make a Watermelon Mojito
Crafting this delectable Watermelon Mojito recipe is incredibly simple. Follow these steps:
First, cut your watermelon into chunks. Here’s a watermelon-cutting tutorial.
Place fresh watermelon chunks (approximately 15 one-inch chunks) and a handful mint leaves in a highball glass with your homemade simple syrup.
Use a muddler to gently crush the watermelon and mint to extract the essential oils and fresh watermelon juice. This process releases the essential oils from the mint leaves and the juicy goodness from the watermelon.
Place ice cubes in the glass, filling it to the top. Add fresh lime juice and white rum over the ice.
Top it off with a splash of club soda, and give the mixture a gentle stir.
Garnish your Watermelon Mojito with a straw, a small watermelon slice, a lime wedge and a mint sprig.
No muddler? No worries! You can easily improvise with the end of a wooden spoon or even a regular metal spoon. Apply gentle pressure to release the essential oils from the mint leaves and squish the melon into a pulp.
Tips & tricks
Consider these tips to perfect your Watermelon Mojito:
- Opt for the freshest watermelon you can find for the most flavorful results.
- If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon as a substitute.
- If you prefer a smoother cocktail without fruit chunks and muddled mint leaves, prepare the drink in a shaker or mixing glass, then strain it into your drinking glass.
What to serve with Watermelon Mojitos
Melon lovers will enjoy this drink alongside fresh melon wedges and other melon dishes, like this watermelon blue cheese salad or this cantaloupe and mozzarella salad.
It would also be great with your favorite Cuban foods, like a Cuban sandwich or Cuban egg rolls.
These would be perfect for a summer cookout alongside smoked hot dogs with all the fixings or some spicy chicken wings.
FAQ
The bright and fresh flavors of watermelon go especially well with many spirits, but most especially vodka, rum and tequila. These clear spirits let the natural color of the watermelon shine and perfectly complement the flavor.
White rum, also known as silver rum, is the ideal choice for Mojitos. Its clear color allows the mint and lime flavors to shine through. Popular brands like Bacardi and Mount Gay are excellent options for creating the perfect summer Mojito.
More mojito cocktail recipes
Mojitos make great summer cocktails. Here are a few favorites:
— Did you make this recipe? —
Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.
Watermelon Mojito
ingredients
- 12 1- inch chunks or balls of watermelon
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 2 ounces light rum
- 2 ounces club soda
- small watermelon slice for garnish
- mint sprig for garnish
instructions
- In a collins glass or highball glass, add the watermelon chunks, mint leaves and simple syrup.
- Muddle together to release the oils of the mint leaves and the juices of the melon. (See note for an alternate method.)
- Top with ice, filling the glass all the way.
- Add the lime juice and rum. Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a straw, lime wedge and a mint sprig.
notes
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply