Watermelon Mojito Recipe

Blend

Place the 3 cups of cubed seedless watermelon, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice into a blender. Blend on high until very smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. You should have roughly 1 to 1 1/2 cups of watermelon juice.

In a sturdy mixing glass or individual serving glass, add 12 fresh mint leaves and 3 lime wedges (or the juice of the wedges). Add 1 tablespoon simple syrup and gently muddle the mint and lime just enough to release the mint oils and lime juice — do not shred the mint (about 8–10 light presses).

Add 6 ounces white rum to the muddled mint and lime, then pour in 1/2 to 3/4 cup (120–180 ml) of the prepared watermelon puree (adjust to taste). Stir briefly to combine.

Fill a highball or Collins glass with crushed ice (about 1 cup per glass if making two servings; adjust for single large glass).

Strain the mojito mixture over the ice (if prepared in a mixing glass) or pour the combined rum + watermelon mixture into the ice-filled glass. Top with about 4 ounces (per serving) club soda or sparkling water to taste and gently stir once to integrate.

Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint (slap the sprig once between your palms to release aroma), a lime wheel or wedge, and a small watermelon wedge or ball. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.

Optional: For a slightly sweeter or more vibrant drink, add up to 1 tablespoon additional simple syrup or sugar to taste, or increase watermelon puree by up to 2 tablespoons.