Watermelon Mint Cocktail

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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!

As always, I do include a few affiliate links in this post for products I truly use and love. This just means that if you make a purchase after clicking one of those links, I'll earn a little money (at no cost to you) to keep the kitchen up and running, which I promise to use to create more fun content like this! One of those affiliates is with Amazon, which requires a very clear disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have any questions about affiliates, please reach out!

If you're looking for a few other summer cocktail ideas, try this Blackberry Old Fashioned (that uses Blackberry Simple Syrup), or this Simple White Sangria recipe.

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.
• Lime juice: fresh-squeezed lemon juice is always the best!
• Simple syrup: this adds just a little sweetness to the drink. If you like, you can try a flavored simple syrup with this recipe.
• 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.
• Sparkling water (optional): choose a sparkling water or tonic with a lot of carbonation -- it really helps to elevate the drink if you want to make it a bit lighter!

See full recipe below for detailed instructions.

Instructions

This cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps.

Hint: 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.

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 something like 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!

Equipment

There are only a few things you'll need to bring this cocktail together. You'll need to use a blender to create the watermelon juice (I use this Cuisinart Blender), and a jigger to measure your alcohol and a cocktail shaker.

You'll also want a nice rocks glass to pour your cocktail into (I'm currently loving these Tour Glasses from Crate & Barrel).

Storage

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!