If you’re looking for the most refreshing summer drink that’s lower in sugar, this Watermelon Mojito is just for you! It’s free of refined sugars, light and refreshing, made with fresh mint and juicy watermelon, and is the perfect summer cocktail (or ‘mocktail’) to enjoy on a hot day. The fresh watermelon adds plenty of sweetness to the drink without the need for adding any sugar, but if you prefer, you can sweeten it with a touch of honey or agave. It’s perfect for sipping by the pool, preparing for summer BBQs and cookouts, and cooling off on a hot day.
What Is a Mojito?
A traditional mojito is a highball drink, meaning it is a mixed drink that combines alcohol with a larger amount of a non-alcoholic mixer. Originating in Cuba, classic mojitos contain ingredients native to the country including rum, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and cane sugar that are muddled together and topped off with a dash of club soda. The end result is a sweet, flavorful, fizzy drink that has become very popular to drink in summer.
A Better-for-You Cocktail
Nothing says “relax, it’s summertime” like a fresh, fruity cocktail (or mocktail). So, to enjoy the season we’re sharing one of our favorite lightened-up drink options with this watermelon mojito recipe. Made with much less sugar than a typical mojito, it’s every bit as refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for sipping when the sun is shining and the temps are rising. We even provide a non-alcoholic version, omitting the rum and adding an extra splash of sparkling water or kombucha, so anyone who doesn’t imbibe can still enjoy this drink. One sip, and you’ll be hooked.
Recipe Highlights
This drink is sure to become a warm-weather favorite for you because it:
- Uses just a handful of ingredients.
- Requires minimal prep time and has a total time of just 10 minutes.
- Can be made in batches and served in a large pitcher.
- Can be made with or without alcohol for a family-friendly recipe.
What Does Watermelon Mojito Contain?
Here are the simple ingredients to make this cocktail today:
- Fresh watermelon cubes – large chunks of seedless watermelon are used to form the base of the drink, creating a sweet flavor and adding a boost of nutrients, too. For an easy option, use pre-cubed watermelon from the grocery store.
- Fresh lime juice – a traditional ingredient in mojitos. We suggest using freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Honey or agave nectar – an optional ingredient that can be used in place of simple syrup for a touch of extra sweetness. If you snagged a fresh watermelon that’s at the peak of its ripeness, you probably won’t need to add any sweetener.
- Fresh mint leaves – a staple in true mojito recipes, their freshness brightens the flavor of the drink and enhances the sweetness of the fruit.
- White rum (also known as light rum) – substitute sparkling water or kombucha for a ‘mocktail’ version.
- Sparkling water or soda water – we recommend using plain or lime flavor.
- Ice cubes
Keep reading and scrolling for tips for success, as well as the complete recipe. The ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Watermelon Mojito
This recipe comes together fast with just a few simple steps.
- Blend: Add the watermelon cubes to a blender or food processor, and pulse until a smooth, juice consistency is achieved.
- Combine: Add the watermelon juice, lime juice, and optional sweetener to a mason jar or glass, and stir to combine.
- Muddle: Divide the mint leaves among 2-3 tall glasses, and use the end of a wooden spoon or a muddler to muddle the mint, smashing the leaves until they’re darker in color and slightly wilted. Feel free to add a small squeeze of lime juice during this step to help the leaves break down more easily.
- Serve: Fill each glass of muddled mint 3/4 full with ice, and divide the watermelon juice mixture evenly. Add white rum to each glass. Or, for a mocktail, use sparkling water in place of the rum. Stir to combine, add a garnish of a fresh sprig of mint and a small slice of watermelon with or without the rind, and enjoy!
Strain the Watermelon Juice
If the watermelon juice appears pulpy after blending, pour it through a mesh strainer into a mason jar or large glass to remove any clumps or leftover pulp from the watermelon puree.
Frequently Asked Questions
The watermelon juice mixture can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Just be sure to give it a good stir or shake before making your mojitos, because it tends to separate in the fridge.
You sure could! You’ll need about 1 cup for the original recipe. Or, if you plan on doubling the recipe, use 2 cups watermelon. You could also use watermelon kombucha.
Yes, like classic mojitos, this recipe contains white rum. However, you can easily omit if for a mocktail recipe instead, which we’ve included in the recipe card below.
Yes, fresh watermelon cubes are one of the easiest fruits to muddle because of its smooth consistency and soft texture. To do so, use a muddler, and gently press down to smash the fruit.
The amount of calories varies depending on the exact recipe, amounts of ingredients, and garnishes used. Our watermelon mojito recipe, served as shown below, contains 145 calories per serving with 13 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of fat.
Sure! Feel free to replace the sparkling water or club soda with Sprite, seltzer, or ginger ale to achieve the same satisfying fizz.
More Fruity Summer Mocktail and Cocktail Recipes:
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Watermelon Mojito
The most delicious, refreshing and light cocktail that screams summer! This Watermelon Mojito is refined sugar-free, made with fresh mint and juicy watermelon and is the perfect cocktail (or ‘mocktail’) to enjoy on a hot day.
Ingredients
- 8 large seedless watermelon cubes or ¾ lb. – 1 lb. (about 1 – 1 ½ cups juice)
- 2 ounces lime juice or juice of 1 lime (~¼ cup)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- 15–20 mint leaves (~ ⅓ cup)
- 3–4 ½ ounce white rum* (substitute sparkling water or kombucha for a mocktail version)
- sparkling water (regular or lime flavor)
- Ice
Instructions
- In a blender, add the watermelon cubes. Blend until smooth, achieving a juice consistency.
- If watermelon juice appears pulpy, pour through a mesh strainer into a mason jar or large glass. This step is optional.
- To the mason jar or glass with the watermelon juice, add the lime juice and optional sweetener. Stir to combine.
- Divide the mint leaves among 2-3 tall glass. With the end of a wooden spoon or a muddle, muddle the mint. Essentially you want to smash the mint leaves until all leaves are darker in color and slightly wilted. Feel free to add a small squeeze of lime juice during this step to help the leaves breakdown easier.
- Fill each glass 3/4 full with ice. Divide the watermelon lime juice among the 2-3 glasses. Add 1.5 oz. of white rum to each glass. For a mocktail, use sparkling water in place of the rum. Top each glass off with a splash of sparkling water (lime flavor works great!).
- Stir and enjoy!
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Notes
To make ahead: Feel free to make the watermelon juice up to 48 hours in advance. Juice will separate so you’ll want to give it a quick stir before making the drinks.
*To make as a mocktail: Omit the rum and replace with sparkling water or kombucha, if desired
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 145
- Fat: 0 g
- (Sat Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Carbohydrate: 13 g
- (Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 9 g)
- Protein: 1 g
Dietary
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