We're into that part of summer where I just want to eat things that are light and require minimal cooking (what is cooking, even??), and drink cool, refreshing drinks. Watermelon is the perfect place to start, and a great base for a summer cocktail or mocktail. This Watermelon Mint Cocktail is made with vodka, but you could easily omit the alcohol and drink this as a nice, alcohol-free refresher!
Why you'll love this recipe
- This Watermelon Mint Cocktail is light and refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day!
- This recipe uses vodka but could also be made with gin for a different flavor.
- You can also make this as a non-alcholic mocktail by omitting the vodka and using additional sparkling water.
- If you're looking for a few other summer cocktail ideas, try this Blackberry Old Fashioned (that uses Blackberry Simple Syrup) or this Aperol Soda.
Ingredients
This Watermelon Mint Cocktail comes together with just a few ingredients.
- Seedless watermelon: you're going to make watermelon juice, so I highly recommend the seedless watermelon to save you the task of picking out the seeds!
- Vodka: I like to use Prairie Organic Vodka, but any vodka that you would enjoy sipping on will be good to use in a cocktail. If it's a vodka you wouldn't want to sip on, then it won't be good in a cocktail, either! Of course, if you're making a mocktail, omit the vodka.
- You might also like this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail.
- Mint leaves: you'll need quite a few as you'll muddle them to start off the cocktail, then use a few more for garnish.
See full recipe below for detailed instructions.
Substitutions & Variations
There are several easy variations you can make to this cocktail for an entirely different experience:
- Use a flavored simple syrup - Using a flavored simple syrup will introduce another flavor to the drink overall. Try this Blackberry Simple Syrup.
- Make it a mocktail - You can easily omit the vodka for a flavorful and beautiful mocktail! The sparkling water will really help elevate this and make the mocktail a little more interesting.
- Try a different spirit - Making this cocktail with gin could be a great variation!
Instructions
This cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps. The full recipe with detailed directions is at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Add your watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until you have a smooth juice.
- Step 2: Muddle the mint in the base of a cocktail shaker.
- Step 3: Add the juices, vodka, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker. Shake, then strain over ice in a rocks glass.
- Step 4: Top with sparkling water (optional), then garnish with watermelon balls or cubes and a fresh mint sprig.
Expert Cocktail Tips
- The flavor of this drink comes from the mint and the watermelon, so be generous! Lots of mint + lots of watermelon = a much more flavorful cocktail.
- Make sure to shake your drink vigorously! Shaking a cocktail not only mixes it (which, of course, is needed since the watermelon juice will naturally separate), but it also helps to cool the drink without watering it down too much.
- Serve this cocktail with a few appetizers! Try these Sourdough Discard Crackers for a charcuterie spread, or this Sourdough Discard Focaccia.
Storage
Frozen cocktails don't store well, so I suggest making them when you're ready to drink or serve them. The watermelon juice can be made in advance, but note that it will separate. This is ok - it will come back together as you're shaking the cocktail in the cocktail shaker!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! The recipe uses vodka, but this would work well with gin as well.
Yes! Berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and more) would work particularly well here.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
If you tried this Watermelon Mint Cocktail or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Enjoy!
Watermelon Mint Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless watermelon cubed
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons simple syrup
- fresh mint leaves
- sparkling water optional
Instructions
- Add cubed watermelon to a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to crush some of the watermelon with your hands to have enough liquid content to get this started. Set aside (this will make enough watermelon juice for several cocktails).
- In the base of a cocktail shaker, muddle 8-10 mint leaves. Be generous with the mint! Add 3 ounces watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, simple syrup and ice, and shake to combine. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water (optional). Garnish with watermelon cubes or balls, a slice of lime and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately.
Cristina says
so perfect!
Anita Gunderson says
I used stevia rather than simple syrup.
I didn't use tonic
The drink was exceptional with Mint in the bullet,
and Mint as a garnish.
Next time I will try the lime that will be a nice addition
but not necessary.
Watermelon, crushed Ice, and Stevia mint in the blender
Top with the garnish with mint and enjoy.