Watermelon Mojito

Watermelon Mojito with fresh watermelon, lime and mint.

I was once asked a bartender what drink do they hate making the most and they said the mojito.  The reasoning was it takes too much time.  I am still perplexed as to what he meant because the mojito is actually a very simple cocktail that is very easy to make.  Sure, if you compare pouring a glass of wine it takes more time, but isn’t a bartender supposed to like the art of a cocktail?

The mojito used to be the “It” drink 15 years ago, but now it is passé. It originated in Havana Cuba, but is now ubiquitous in America.  This is an easy cocktail to breathe new life into because almost every fruit goes great with lime, mint and sugar.  This is a great drink to serve at a summer backyard lunch or make a pitcher and serve at a birthday party or wedding shower.  Rain or shine, this cocktail would be amazing.  Basically, this cocktail is delicious and completely appropriate just about anywhere and anytime.

How to make the Watermelon Mojito

Place the fresh watermelon cubes, mint and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.  Muddle with a muddling tool or the back of a spoon.  This releases the juice from the watermelon and the aromatics from the mint.  Add the simple syrup, light rum and some ice.  Shake for at least 15 seconds and divide over 2 cups of fresh ice.  Top with soda water. Serve with fresh mint and a slice of lime.

This recipe calls for watermelon but it can be made with almost any fruit.  Try strawberries, raspberries or blackberries.

How to make simple syrup

You can buy simple syrup in the cocktail mixer section of almost any grocery store, but it is actually very easy to make.  It is typically one part sugar and one part water.  Pour ½ cup boiling water over ½ cup of sugar and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.  Let cool completely before adding to the cocktail.

What if I don’t own a cocktail shaker

Place the watermelon, mint and lime juice into a tall glass.  Muddle and add the simple syrup, light rum and ice and transfer to another tall glass then back to the original glass. Divide into 2 glasses and top with soda water.  Serve with fresh mint and a lime slice.

Watermelon Mojito

Fresh watermellon, lime, and mint muddled and mixed with rum, simple syrup, and topped with soda water.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup chopped watermelon (1" cubes)
• 8 mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
• 2/3 shot* fresh lime juice
• 1 shot* simply syrup
• 2 shots* white rum
• soda water
• lime slices

Instructions

 

• Muddle watermelon, 8 mint leaves and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
• Add simply syrup and rum to the shaker and shake vigorously with ice.
• Divide between 2 cups and top with soda water. Serve each glass with 2 mint leaves and a lime slice

Notes

* 1.5 oz. shot glass

Keyword alcohol, coctail, fresh fruit