This watermelon mojito recipe might just be the best cocktail I've ever made. I know, bold statement, but I have it on good authority from my flatmates, who wolfed it down and keep asking me to make more, that it's pretty darn good. It's the perfect Summer drink, a simple pairing of zingy lime, mint, a beautiful fresh watermelon and a healthy serving of white rum.
The key to this is entirely in the watermelon. I've made it twice now, once with a super fresh gorgeous red watermelon, and the other time with a slightly sad over-sunned watermelon. Honestly they tasted like completely different drinks. Make sure you get top quality fruit, keep it cool, and preferably buy it as close as possible to making. Get a really good fruit, and ohmygosh there is nothing like it.
So without further waffling, my watermelon mojito recipe...
Notes
*This recipe makes 2 healthy portions, or three smaller ones. If making three, I'd recommend adding another half ounce of rum and watermelon puree.
* This drink is best made from chilled ingredients - pop the rum in the freezer in advance.
*If you don't have a cocktail shaker, this drink will still work if you give it a good stir in a big glass.
*If you're unsure about the equal parts bit for making simple syrup - I usually just eyeball and it turns out alright!
* Adjust ingredients based on personal preference: if you don't like it too strong, use 1oz less rum, and if you prefer sweet, go up to 2oz simple syrup. Most importantly - enjoy!
Ingredients
4 oz / 120 ml white rum (I used Bacardi)
6 oz / 180 ml watermelon puree
1.5 oz / 45 ml simple syrup
Half a dozen (a small handful) mint leaves
2 oz / 60 ml lime juice
soda water (optional)
watermelon to garnish
mint to garnish
- Start by preparing the simple syrup. In a small saucepan stir equal parts water and sugar under low heat until sugar has dissolved. Leave aside to cool.
- To prepare watermelon puree, chop a healthy portion (roughly 1/5 of a full fruit) of watermelon into 1 inch chunks, and puree in a blender.
- Chop two/three (depending on number of drinks) small triangles from your watermelon, and cut a small slit half way up to place on the glass rim.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup.
- Top with rum, strained watermelon puree, and fill shaker with ice.
- Shake for roughly 30 seconds until well combined, and shaker is frosted.
- Pour into glasses, top with a generous splash of soda water and more ice if necessary.
- Garnish with mint leaves and watermelon triangles
