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. It’s easy to make with just 5-ingredients, no simple syrup, and no added sugar. The watermelon adds plenty of sweetness to the drink without the need for sugar, but if you prefer you can add a touch of sweetness with honey or agave.
A Better-for-You Cocktail!
This week on the blog we’re sharing four fruity, lightened-up, Better-for-You Cocktail recipes. Cocktails that are made with MUCH less sugar, are refreshing, easy-to-make, and are perfect for sipping on when the sun is shining and the temps are rising!
We’re kicking off the week with this Watermelon Mojito. A sparkling adult-beverage that combines lime juice, fresh mint, juicy watermelon, sparkling water, and white rum. It’s made with just 5-simple ingredients and no added sugar.
Looking for a non-alcoholic option? No problem. If you’d like to make this mojito a ‘mocktail’, simply omit the rum and add an extra splash of sparkling water, or even kombucha could work.
Watermelon Mojito Ingredients
Made with just a few simple ingredients!
- Large watermelon cubes – seedless watermelon works best. For an easy option, use pre-cubed watermelon from the grocery store.
- Lime juice – a traditional ingredient in mojitos and there’s just something about the combination of lime and watermelon. We suggest freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Honey or agave nectar – an optional ingredient that you can add for a touch of sweetness. If you snagged a watermelon that’s the perfect ripeness, you won’t need to add any sweetener.
- Fresh mint leaves – what makes a mojito a mojito.
- White rum – substitute sparkling water or kombucha for a ‘mocktail’ version.
- Sparkling water – plain or lime flavor.
- Ice
How to make Watermelon Mojito
This recipe comes together fast with just a few simple steps.
First, you’ll blend the watermelon cubes in a blender to create a juice consistency. Now, if the watermelon appears to be pulpy or you prefer removing all particles from the watermelon, feel free to pour the juice through a mesh strainer and into a mason jar or large glass.
Next, add the lime juice and optional sweetener to the watermelon juice give it a stir. Note: because watermelon varies in sweetness, I recommend tasting the juice first before adding any sweeteners. There’s a good chance it will be sweet enough!
Now divide the mint leaves among 2-3 tall glasses. With the end of a wooden spoon (or a muddle) muddle the mint. Ultimately you want to smash the mint leaves until all leaves are darker in color and appear a little wilted. Feel free to add a small squeeze of lime juice during this step as it helps the leaves to break down a little better.
It’s time to make the drink! 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 or kombucha in place of the rum. Top each glass off with a splash of sparkling water (lime flavor works great!). Stir and enjoy!
Can the watermelon juice be made ahead of time?
I recommend no more than 48 hours in advance. The juice really separates as it sets in the fridge so you’ll want to give it a good stir or shake before making the drinks.
Can I make it with store-bought, pre-made watermelon juice?
You sure could! You’ll need about 1 cup. You could also use GTS Watermelon Wonder Kombucha. I haven’t tried that yet but I think it would be really quite delicious!
Other refreshing cocktail recipes you’ll love
- Real Food Margaritas
- Cucumber Basil Moscow Mule
- Strawberry Kombucha Mojito
- Low-Sugar Paloma
- Frozen Pineapple Margaritas
- Raspberry-Peach Rosé Sangria
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 oz. lime juice or juice of 1 lime (~¼ cup)
- 1 tsp. honey or agave nectar (optional – taste the watermelon juice before adding)
- 15–20 mint leaves (~ ⅓ cup)
- 3–4 ½ oz 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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