Watermelon Mojito

Fresh watermelon, white rum, mint, and lime juice combine to make the most refreshing Watermelon Mojitos. A watermelon mojito is a seasonal spin on the classic mojito recipe, and it’s perfect for barbecues, pool days, and summer happy hours! 

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What Is a Mojito? 

A classic mojito (pronounced muh-hee-tow) is typically made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint.  

Mojitos are crisp, fizzy, and cold — the perfect summertime cocktail! 

Most cocktail enthusiasts agree that the mojito was invented in Cuba … and that’s pretty much all we know for certain about this highball cocktail. 

There are many different origin stories for the mojito, and while it’s commonly agreed to be a Cuban cocktail, no one can agree on who created the first mojito and when. 

Some claim the mojito evolved from a medicinal drink from the 1580s, called the “Draque.” It was made with a liquor similar to rum, plus lime, sugar, and mint. Supposedly, Bacardi then recreated this drink with rum and marketed it as a mojito. 

Others say that Americans visiting Cuba during the Prohibition introduced locals to the Mint Julep, which then got a Caribbean spin and was transformed into the modern day mojito.  

What Does a Mojito Taste Like? 

A classic mojito is bubbly, crisp, and slightly sweet. The lime juice adds a subtle tartness to the drink, while keeping it very refreshing. 

The white rum in the mojito is very subtle, and the flavors of fresh mint and lime take center stage. 

What Makes This Watermelon Mojito Unique? 

The addition of fresh watermelon to the rum mojito sets this recipe apart from other cocktails. 

Watermelon makes the drink even more refreshing, and it also considerably sweetens up the mojito. It’s by no means sickly sweet, though! Since we’re using fresh fruit, the sweetness isn’t overpowering.  

Watermelon is a fairly delicate flavor, so the mint and lime flavors still shine through. 

When’s the Best Time to Serve a Mojito? 

Serve this fresh watermelon and mint cocktail at your next happy hour, backyard bbq, or pool day! Or, enjoy on the porch while you watch the world go by. 

Tip: National Mojito Day is July 11th! 

Tools Needed for This Watermelon Cocktail 

You need very few cocktail tools to make this watermelon mint mojito. Gather the following to prepare the drink: 

• ​​Cocktail muddler — To muddle the fresh mint leaves with the watermelon. 
• Citrus juicer — Makes juicing limes and other citrus fruits much easier. I always roll my limes on the counter before slicing and juicing them to help release even more juice. 
• Cocktail strainer — if you want to strain out the muddled watermelon bits
• Bar spoon — A mojito is stirred, not shaken. Use a long cocktail spoon to combine the ingredients before sipping. 
• Collins glass —The most popular glass for sparkling drinks like this, similar to a highball glass. However, you may use any glass you like! 

Ingredients in a Watermelon Mojito 

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients to make an ultra refreshing mojito with watermelon and mint! Here’s an overview of what you’ll need: 

• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Fresh Watermelon
• Watermelon Juice
• Unaged Rum
• Lime Juice
• Soda Water or Club Soda

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

What Is Unaged Rum? 

Unaged rum is simply molasses and water that’s been distilled, but not aged. It’s clear in color and very mild in flavor. It pairs perfectly in fruity cocktails like this one! 

Note that many white (or light) rums are unaged, or very lightly aged. Feel free to use either in this cocktail recipe. 

How to Make a Watermelon Mojito 

This watermelon mojito recipe might have a few extra steps than the traditional cocktail, but it’s still very easy to prepare! Let’s review the basic steps for making a mojito with fresh watermelon: 

1. Place the watermelon chunks in a tall cocktail glass. 
2. Add the mint leaves and simple syrup on top. 
3. Using a cocktail muddler, gently muddle the mint leaves so they release their oils into the glass.
4. After muddling the mint and watermelon mixture, measure the rum and lime juice into the glass. 
5. Top with ice and stir with a cocktail spoon.
6. Top the cocktail with the watermelon juice and soda water.
7. Garnish as desired and serve immediately! 

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Garnish Ideas 

You can’t go wrong with a garnish of fresh watermelon slices and mint sprigs! However, you can garnish your mojito however you’d like. 

Tips for Making a Mojito with Watermelon 

• Use fresh watermelon juice. You can purchase fresh pressed watermelon juice at most major grocery stores, or you can juice a watermelon yourself. Make sure you’re not using a watermelon juice blend or watermelon punch.
• Buy quality rum. Your watermelon rum cocktail will only taste as good as the quality of ingredients, so avoid buying the cheapest rum if you can help it. A good quality rum will make all the difference! 
• Use fresh mint only. Dried mint won’t release the same delicate flavor, and it will likely overwhelm the lime and watermelon flavors, to boot.
• Muddle the mint with the simple syrup. You want the oils released by the mint to infuse the liquid. If you muddle the mint by itself in the cup, the oils won’t all make it into the cocktail. 
• Don’t over muddle the mint. It can become bitter if muddled too much! 
• Fresh lime juice is best. Yes, freshly squeezed lime juice tastes different than the kind you buy in a bottle! 

How to Make Pitcher Watermelon Mojitos

You can make a pitcher of watermelon mojitos up to 24 hours in advance.

Store the cocktail mixture in the fridge until ready to serve but do NOT add soda water until you’re ready to serve (otherwise the drink will lose its carbonation). 

You’ll want to add ice to the individual glasses and pour the mojito mixture over the ice. 

To prepare a pitcher of watermelon mint mojitos, measure out the ingredients below using ratios rather than ounces or tablespoons. 

Mojito Cocktail FAQs

Got questions about how to make a watermelon mojito? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Is a mojito shaken or stirred? 

Mojitos are always stirred. You’ll need to use a bar spoon for stirring the cocktail.  

What type of glass is a mojito served in? 

You’ll want to use a Collins glass for this watermelon mint cocktail. It holds about 12 oz of liquids, is tall and slender, and has smooth sides. 

However, any glass or jar will work! 

Is a mojito served over ice? 

Yes! We prefer to use crushed or nugget ice. We have this countertop nugget ice maker and we love it!  

Can I use a different fruit?

Sure thing! Swap the fresh watermelon with any fruit that pairs well with fresh mint. I bet blackberries, mangoes, strawberries, or pineapple would all work. 

You’ll also need a small amount of juice or fruit puree to substitute for the watermelon juice. Alternatively, replace it with extra club soda.

Do I have to use the watermelon?

No, you may omit the fresh watermelon and can substitute the watermelon juice for extra club soda. Those swaps will result in a classic mojito instead

What herbs go well in a mojito? 

Mint is the traditional choice for mojitos, but if you’re out of mint you may try using fresh basil instead. 

I wouldn’t omit the fresh herbs completely because the cocktail wouldn’t have the same depth of flavor without any herbaceous notes! 

What can I substitute for white rum in a mojito? 

If you don’t have or don’t like white rum, try vodka or tequila instead for a different take on this drink.

Can I make a watermelon mojito mocktail? 

Alcohol-free spirits are a wonderful alternative if you’re sober curious or don’t consume alcohol. I’ve never made this mojito with alcohol-free spirits so I can’t speak to the exact taste, but Lyre’s has a highly rated alcohol-free white rum you can try. 

If you don’t want to use an alcohol-free rum, try the following instead: 

• Add extra club soda in place of the rum  
• Use watermelon La Croix in place of rum
• Use watermelon kombucha in place of rum

Safety tip: Depending on the brand you use, some alcohol-removed spirits may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. Check before using if you’re pregnant, serving the mocktails to kids, etc.

What to Serve with This Fresh Watermelon Cocktail 

This Cuban rum cocktail pairs perfectly with Latin American, Mexican, and Caribbean-inspired recipes! Try serving the watermelon mojitos with one or more of the following: 

• Shredded pork tacos
• Chicken tacos with corn salsa
• Veggie quesadillas
• Chips and guacamole
• Black bean salad
• Cilantro lime broccoli slaw

Try This Watermelon Mint Cocktail at Home! 

Next time you’re looking for a fresh watermelon cocktail, give this watermelon mint mojito recipe a try! 

Did you think it was the perfect drink for summer get-togethers? Leave a comment below and give this watermelon mojito a review for others to see what you thought of it.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this watermelon rum cocktail.  

More Summer Drink Recipes: 

Homemade Watermelon Lemonade is a fun take on the traditional homemade lemonade recipe — and it couldn’t be more summery with its gorgeous bright pink color! 

This Sparkling Watermelon Limeade is a refreshing summer drink idea! This tasty limeade recipe features watermelon juice, sparkling water, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Strong, tart, and slightly sweet, a Mai Tai Cocktail is a classic rum cocktail that will transport you straight to the tropics!

Slightly sweet, fruity, and smooth, a Blackberry Mint Julep is a refreshing spin on the classic cocktail. Sip this drink while watching the Kentucky Derby, or serve at your next bbq or happy hour! 

Ditch the blender and make a Piña Colada on the Rocks instead. It’s the classic pineapple, coconut, and rum cocktail — just served over ice!  You’ll love how easy these shaken piña coladas are to make!

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