Sultry summer days just call out for a refreshing drink. I can’t think of better way to cool down than with a drink featuring the classic taste of summer…watermelon & white rum with mint which just conjures up vacation vibes. Sit back, sip & relax!
Watermelon Mojitos
Cool down on those sultry summer days with this refreshing taste of summer!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon juice about 3 cups cubed water melon, see notes
- 3/4 cup white rum
- 10-12 fresh mint leaves plus more for garnish
- 3 cups sparkling water sub club soda
- sliced watermelon wedges for garnish optional
- ice
Simple Syrup (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the simple syrup. Bring the sugar & water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat to cool.
- Cut up some watermelon into chunks, about 3 cups. Remove any seeds. Place the watermelon in a blender & puree. Strain the watermelon liquid through a metal sieve to remove the pulp. It should yield about 2 cups of juice.
- In a large pitcher, muddle the mint leaves in the bottom with a large wooden spoon to release the flavor. Pour the watermelon juice, rum, sparkling water & half of the simple syrup to the pitcher. Give it a stir. Taste & add the remaining simple syrup if desired.
- Place ice in individual glasses. Pour mojito over the ice & garnish with some mint & a wedge of watermelon.
Notes
Watermelon texture & water counts vary. The goal is to achieve 2 cups of the juice once strained. Want to cheat? Your grocery store may have watermelon juice in the refrigerated juice aisle. These tend to have some added sugars so you may need to reduce the simple syrup.
Sugary cocktails are not my friend so you will see that I only use half the simple syrup, then taste adding more if needed. Since the sweetness of a watermelon can vary you may need more, you may need less.
Want to enjoy as a mocktail? Just omit the rum. If you have coconut water on hand add a dash to get some of those rum vacay vibes without the alcohol.
Enjoy & drink responsibly!