These refreshing watermelon mojitos are a vibrant and delicious twist on the classic white rum cocktail. Since watermelon juice lasts for a few days, you can make them individually, or use it in one go and make pitcher-style mojitos to serve a crowd.
2tablespoonwhole mint leaves10-12 medium sized leaves
1tablespoonfreshly squeezed lime juice
1tablespoonwhite sugar
1½ozwhite rum
club soda
1mint sprigto garnish
1watermelon wedgeto garnish
Instructions
Slice the watermelon in half. Remove the skin and pith from one half of the watermelon, then dice into cubes. Place the cubes into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds, or until the cubes are completely liquified. Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, then pour the puree through the strainer. Discard the residual pulp. Divide the remaining watermelon into slices, then divide the slices into wedges.
Combine the mint, lime juice, and sugar in a tall collins glass. Use a muddler to gently mash the mint leaves and dissolve the sugar into the lime juice. Take care not to tear the mint leaves! Muddling releases flavor and aroma, but tearing can result in a more bitter flavor.
Pour in the rum, then add enough ice to fill the glass. Pour 4 oz (half a cup) of watermelon juice over the ice, then mix with a bar spoon.
Top with club soda and garnish with mint leaves and watermelon wedges.
Notes
If you don't have a muddler, use the handle-end of a wood spoon.
If you don't have a bar spoon, use a butter knife or straw.
To keep the watermelon wedge above the rim of the glass, skewer it through the center using a toothpick. It makes for a really pretty presentation.
You can make the watermelon juice up to 4 days ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a stir before using it.
To make pitcher mojitos (serves 8): puree the entire personal sized watermelon (you’ll need to do this in 2 batches). In a pitcher, combine 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves, ½ c lime juice and ½ c white sugar. Muddle until the sugar dissolves and the mint leaves are bruised but still intact. Add 1.5 cups white rum and 4 cups watermelon juice. Stir, then chill at least 4 hours. Pour the mojitos over tall collins glasses filled with ice, and top with club soda. Garnish as directed.