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.
Paula - bell'alimento
Um I'm off to the market to pick up a watermelon ; ) Love it!
citronetvanille
Oh I have to try this mojito! Even though not a big alcohol drinker, and picky with my drinks, I would love this one! what a beautiful cocktail, that pink color is irresistible!
wannafoodie
SO PRETTY! I love that pink. What a good cocktail for my next ladies afternoon... 🙂
Kalyn
That looks perfect for weather like we had yesterday!
penny aka jeroxie
I wish I have some of that right now. Need a drink!
Cookin' Canuck
Thanks to all of you for your comments.
Claudia, that sounds like a fun way to dress it up for the fourth of July!
Raquelle
I must make these!!! Thanks for the recipe.
Emily
Now that's the ultimate thirst-quencher for summer!I like the idea of adding watermelon to the traditional mojito which gives beautiful color and sweetness. 🙂
pegasuslegend
I have never been a fan of this drink till now, I love watermelon and this is perfect, refreshing and what better way to celebrate the fourth of July such a pretty drink going to add a skewer of blueberries on top and whipped cream love it!!!!!!
Jackie
Whoa. This looks really refreshing and what a great take off from the traditional.