If you’re hosting a summer party this weekend and want to expand your drink menu beyond beer and wine, consider a pair of mojitos that are made with fresh watermelon.
Why make this mojito
It’s a fun and refreshing drink! And it really takes just minutes to make from scratch. Also, most of the ingredients are easy to find or pantry staples. Of course, fresh watermelon is used but feel free to use frozen watermelon too. It’s a crowd-pleaser. You can make one drink for yourself or a large pitcher to feed a crowd. (details below) Sometimes, I freeze watermelon cubes or balls to use instead of ice cubes. It looks so much prettier when serving to guests.
Ingredients and substitutes
Watermelon -The best watermelons are the ones that are bright red and juicy. A good practice is to let the grocer cut and check before you buy so you know that you’re a good one. I like to strain the pureed watermelon through a fine mesh sieve because it looks nicer and it’s smoother to drink. Having said that, the pulp is good fiber and good for you. Rum – Ideally, mojitos are made with good quality light rum such as Bacardi (does not have to be expensive but find the best that money can buy). Sugar – My personal preference for cocktails is simple syrup, but most people don’t usually have sugar syrup lying around. So it’s also just easy to use white sugar. And to make a simple syrup, boil sugar and water in a small saucepan until it’s all dissolved. To make it sugar-free you can add sweeteners. Alternatively, you can also agave nectar or honey. Juice – I’ve always used tart lime juice to make the classic mojitos, but I think lemon juice also works wonderfully with strawberries. Mint – Fresh mint leaves add a nice refreshing flavor to the drink. But you can omit any herb if you do not like mint. Vanilla – Is usually used in traditional mojitos but I don’t usually use it in my fruit combos. Water – You can use sparkling water or club soda. I often like to use tonic water or ginger ale. But, if you don’t like the fizz, you can also simply use tap water. Garnish – I like to use fresh strawberries, a lime slice, lemon wedges, and mint or basil leaves.
Step-by-step: Watermelon mojito
One drink
Watermelon juice – Peel and roughly chop the watermelon. Add to a blender and blend until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove fiber. Add the mint to a cocktail shaker or tall glass and muddle them with a wooden muddler. Then, add the chilled watermelon juice, lemon juice, sugar, and rum. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a watermelon wedge, lemon slices, and mint leaves.Pro tip – I used chilled watermelon juice without not ice but it is better to serve this drink over ice.
Pitcher (6 drinks)
To a blender or food processor, add the watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and a few mint leaves. Strain into a large pitcher and add the rum. Stir well to combine. Keep chilled until ready to use.Pro tip – You can also prepare this base a few hours ahead of time and leave it in the refrigerator to chill. When ready to serve, top the pitcher with sparkling water or club soda. Pour into tall glasses with ice cubes. Garnish with more mint leaves, lime wedges, and watermelon wedges.Pro tip – For those who do not want the mashed fruit you can strain it out.
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