This refreshing cocktail is a twist on a traditional mojito. Sweet watermelon plays a starring role, making this a wonderful drink for a hot summer's day.
Tavern on the Green, New York City's famous restaurant set in the middle of Central Park, evokes grand images. For years, the Crystal Room and the patio adorned with twinkling lights was a favorite haunt of various actors, politicians, and musicians. John Lennon hosted many of his son's birthday parties at the acclaimed restaurant, and Grace Kelly spent evenings wining and dining there. While living in New York City in the late 1990s, we set aside a morning to experience brunch at Tavern on the Green with some visiting friends. One of my friends, who travelled to Cuba several times, insisted that we try these fabulous drinks she had fallen for during her travels. Mojitos. The tartness of the limes, mixed with the clean flavor of the mint highlighted the tropical zing of the white rum. No wonder Hemingway fell for these refreshing drinks. While Tavern on the Green is no longer in existence (as of 2009) and mojitos have taken the cocktail world by storm since my first sip, I have fond memories of sitting under the same trees where Grace Kelly may have once dined, savoring my mojito and relishing the company of dear friends.
While the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" might apply when referring to this traditional cocktail, I had a piece of watermelon in my fridge that was begging to live another day. Fresh mint was muddled with sugar and lime juice in a pitcher to release the natural oil from the mint. The smell of the fresh herb gently floated from the pitcher, balancing the scent of the tart limes. Once the watermelon was added, along with the rum, the drink turned from a murky liquid to a pinkish-red hue that was begging to be garnished with a miniature paper umbrella. I don't know that Uncle Ernest would have approved, but it made me feel as though I was back under the twinkling lights in the middle of Central Park.
Place 3 cups of 1-inch watermelon cubes in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
In a small pitcher, combine 12 medium to large fresh mint leaves, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, muddle the ingredients to release the oils from the mint. Take care not to muddle to the point where the leaves fall apart.
Pour 6 ounces light rum and the watermelon puree into the pitcher and stir gently.
Fill four tall glasses (such as Collins glasses) with ice and divide the mojito amongst the glasses. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs, and serve immediately.
Printable Recipe
Watermelon Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups ½-inch cubes watermelon
- 12 medium to large fresh mint sprigs
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 ounces light rum
- 4 lime slices
- 4 mint sprigs
Instructions
- Place watermelon cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- In a small pitcher, combine fresh mint leaves, sugar, and fresh lime juice. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, muddle the ingredients to release the oils from the mint. Take care not to muddle to the point where the leaves fall apart. Pour rum and the watermelon puree into the pitcher and stir gently.
- Fill four tall glasses (such as Collins glasses) with ice and divide the mojito amongst the glasses. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Adriana
This one is absolutely a refreshing drink. I want to have some drink once a week, but might as well at least make it healthy. Thank you for this one. I can't wait to have it very soon!
Leigh
I tried this recipe this past weekend and it was by far the best drink I have ever had! I loved it, it is my new staple drink for the summer.
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
This looks so incredibly refreshing! Can't wait to make this.
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga)
Dara I am loving this recipe.
I am in Aruba right now, eating my weight in watermelon.
I need to just start adding rum and lime juice and sugar to it now 🙂
Karen
I had to come check this cocktail out when I saw it on your year 2 recap...
This looks SO delicious. Refreshing and flavorful. Mojitos are one of my favorite summer drinks, and I love your watermelon version!
Anonymous
A friend made these last weekend and now i'm hooked! Have tweeted your recipe and been out to buy another watermelon ready for the weekend. Bring it on!
http://twitter.com/Roxerella
Megan
Just might have to try this all dressed up for the fourth of July! Looks refreshingly delicious!
Peggy
I'm not really a big mojito fan, but I'm absolutely in love with watermelon so this may actually be something I'd enjoy!
tspegar
oooh look at you, adding new fruits to the classic mojito! delicious! i love this idea!
Tracy
Mmm, looks so refreshing! Love the watermelon!
Maggy@ThreeManyCooks.com
I am definitely making these Watermelon Mojitos at our 4th July celebration this weekend. What a GORGEOUS photo!
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker
Awesome summer drink! Would have loved one this weekend in the 100-degree heat!
Maria
I am hooked to watermelon drinks after our event at the Canyons. Love this one!
chris
So sad Tavern is no longer. But, this Mojito? Callin' to me! Looks so refreshing. It's late...but I would like a glass now, please.
Kerstin
Mmm, I wish I had one of these right now!
Devaki
Dear Dara - What a great walk down memory lane and with a great drink in tow! Your refreshing new take on the old mojito is wonderful!
I can imagine how well the watermelon pairs with the freshness of limes.
I am so glad we ate at Tavern on the Green when it was open. Thanks for revoking fond memories 🙂
Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Barbara @moderncomfortfood
Well done! This is such a refreshing new idea for a summertime drink, and I bet it would also hit the spot in its non-alcoholic version. Cheers and many thanks for sharing!
marla {family fresh cooking}
What a beautiful cocktail. I love the sweet tart thing too. I want to pretend I am Grace Kelly while I sip this summer treat. xo