watermelon mojitos on a surface

Need a go-to drink for the summer? You’re looking at it. These Watermelon Mojitos are super refreshing and delicious! Made with fresh watermelon and mint, light rum, lime juice and a splash of fizzy club soda, these cocktails are made for patio nights, cookouts or lazy summer days by the pool or in your backyard.

Most nights, I can be chill with just a glass of wine. But on the weekends or on special occasions, Elliott and I really enjoy making fun cocktails at home. That’s when this ridiculously tasty Watermelon Mojito was born and, well, let’s just say I’ll be drinking one of these every weekend from here until September (and then some). Join me, will you?


muddling mint leaves in the bottom of a glass

About These Watermelon Mojitos

To be clear, I am not a fancy cocktail person. I almost always order the same drink at a restaurant — a Manhattan or a Negroni, please and thank you — and at home, I hardly ever go through the mix, shake, stir and pour routine (I leave that to my bartender — er, husband).

That being said, I always wish I could have an easy drink to go to when I’m feeling something more than a glass of wine — something that I could make on my own when my at-home bartender isn’t available. That’s why I love this Watermelon Mojito. It’s fancy enough to feel special but simple enough that anyone can make it.

straining watermelon juice into a glass

How to Make Watermelon Mojitos

So here’s how you do it: In the bottom of a tall glass, muddle (aka smush around) fresh mint leaves along with some fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Once that’s mixed together, fill the glass most of the way with ice. Pour in the light rum and watermelon juice (more on that below!) and fill the glass with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and/or a wedge of watermelon, and sip sip sip. Before you know it, you’ll be asking for a second round.

So now you’re like, “OK yeah yeah but wait what is watermelon puree?” It’s literally just watermelon cubes blended to oblivion in a blender, then strained so the solids are taken out — leaving a smooth, refreshing watermelon juice. It’s what gives this drink not only its delightful pink hue, but also its sweet, juicy, summery flavor. It pairs amazingly with the fresh mint and lime juice and, why yes, I would highly recommend just drinking it on its own, as well (or just with a splash of club soda for some fizz, ooo!).

Tips for the Best Cocktails (or Mocktails)

Since it’s Friday, I’m not going to wax poetic too much longer about these drinks since I want you to welcome in the weekend as soon as possible (preferably with one of these Mojitos in hand, obviously), but before I let you go, let’s go over a few quick tips on how to help these cocktails live their best lives:

1. Use cold ingredients. Nobody likes a lukewarm cocktail (just, ew), so if you have the time, chill all the prepped ingredients in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make them. Bonus points if you chill the glasses in the freezer, too!

2. These make excellent easy mocktails (aka non-alcoholic cocktails). Just leave out the rum and sip away.

3. If you want to make Watermelon Mojitos for a crowd, here’s my suggestion: Multiply the recipe by however many servings you want to make, then add the necessary amount of mint, lime juice and simple syrup to a large, tall glass. Muddle the mixture in said glass, then transfer it to a pitcher with ice. Add the rum, watermelon puree and about 1/4 cup club soda per serving. Stir everything together and serve. SO simple, right? See, I got you.

watermelon mojitos on a surface

Cheers to the weekend, cheers to easy-breezy summertime and cheers to these delicious cocktails. You know what I’ll be up to come happy hour.

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watermelon mojitos on a surface

Watermelon Mojitos

★★★★★ 5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and delicious cocktail made with fresh watermelon, mint, lime juice and rum with a fizzy splash of club soda.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fresh mint leaves
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup*
  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 3 ounces watermelon puree, strained**
  • Club soda, to taste
  • Mint sprigs and small watermelon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In the bottom of a Collins or other tall glass, use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to muddle mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup.
  2. Fill glass two-thirds with ice. Add rum and watermelon puree.
  3. Top with club soda to fill glass; stir well.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of mint or small wedge of watermelon, if desired.

Notes

  • *You can buy simple syrup at the store or, easily make your own.
  • **To make watermelon puree: Cut watermelon into 1-inch chunks; place in a blender. Blend on high speed 10-15 seconds until watermelon mixture is smooth. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a sealable container.
  • You don’t have to strain the watermelon puree, but it does help to avoid any sediment at the bottom of your drink.

Keywords: watermelon puree, simple syrup, rum drink

P.S. For another fun, melon-forward cocktail, try my Honeydew Lime Margaritas!