When I was a kid, eating watermelon was a different experience than it is now. For one, we never considered making it into a sorbet, mojito-inspired or otherwise. More importantly, the refreshing summertime fruit was packed with large black seeds. As an adult, I appreciate not having to sift through the watermelon in my mouth and attempting to delicately deposit the seeds onto my plate via a spoon. As kids, however, my friends and I relished the watermelon seeds as projectiles in our seed-spitting contests. Who could spit them the farthest? The highest? The fastest, in machine gun fashion?
As we came into our pre-teen years, bedroom walls plastered with the likes of Duran Duran and Shaun Cassidy (he could Da Doo Ron Ron towards me anytime, as far as my hormonal self was concerned), we spent afternoons playing a different game. We would each gather together a palmful of seeds dried in the sun and carefully stick them to our foreheads, with the help of a dollop of saliva. We then labeled each seed with our favorite boy names, predictably choosing the heartthrobs from our bedroom wall Tiger Beat galleries. Slowly the seeds would dry up and, one by one, they would fall from our foreheads. The last one standing – or sticking, I should say – would be our future husband. Highly scientific and reliable.
These days, I am content to eat watermelon wedges, the sweet juice dripping down my chin and arms. Last summer I took things one step further and pureed the fruit, along with fresh mint, lime juice and rum, into a Watermelon Mojito. Just as easily, this concoction can be thrown into an ice cream maker and made into a sorbet, with or without the rum, depending on the recipients. If you leave the sorbet in the freezer for several hours, it will indeed turn rock solid. Just leave it out on the counter to soften.
Don’t forget that this is Vegetarian week (appetizers, sides, entrees) in our Get Grillin’ event. Feel free to pop over and share your recipes for a chance to win a fantastic Stir-Fry and Steamer Set from ManPans.
The recipe:
Place watermelon pieces, sugar and lime juice in a blender.
Puree until the mixture is smooth. Add the mint and rum (optional), and puree until the mint is reduced to large flecks. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Pour watermelon puree into ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours. Serve.
Other fruit sorbet recipes:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Easy Strawberry Sorbet
Simply Recipes’ Blueberry Sorbet
FatFree Vegan Kitchen’s Ridiculously Easy Pineapple Sorbet
The Chocolate Gourmand’s Blackberry Sorbet
Watermelon & Mint Mojito Sorbet
4 lb. piece watermelon, rind removed and cubed
2 tbsp granulated sugar (or more/less depending on sweetness of fruit)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp (packed) thinly sliced fresh mint
2 tbsp white rum (optional)
Place watermelon pieces, sugar and lime juice in a blender. Puree until the mixture is smooth. Add the mint and rum, and puree until the mint is reduced to large flecks. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Pour watermelon puree into ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours. Serve.
Makes about 3 cups.
Maureen says
Jun 28, 2011 at 10:15 pmSurely the rum isn’t optional. 🙂 This looks beautiful. I love mojitos and I love watermelon but would never have thought to put them together, especially like this. Very yummy.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:10 pmHa! Well no, the rum doesn’t have to be optional. Hope you enjoy this.
Katrina says
Jun 28, 2011 at 11:17 pmMmm love this creation! So yummy looking.
Lauren from Lauren's Latest says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:16 amUh-oh….another reason to use my ice cream machine! Looks perfect for summer, Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:10 pmMy ice cream maker is working overtime this summer, too.
Elin says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:30 amCC that watermelon mojito sorbet is just great for the hot hot weather now 🙂 Thanks for sharing such a great post 🙂
Cheers,
Elin
Maris(In Good Taste) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 2:56 amGreat combination for a light refreshing treat!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Jun 29, 2011 at 4:40 amThis sounds so refreshing!
claudia lamascolo says
Jun 29, 2011 at 4:59 amNow this is perfection for us here, I am actually growing a watermelon, yep just one no room so glad I got one coming along.. they grow huge. This is on the list to try for sure lovely photo!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:11 pmHow fun, Claudia! I hope you enjoy your watermelon – it always tastes better when you’ve grown it yourself.
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:53 ami’ll take a gallon please and thank you! seriously, you had me at mojito…i love watermelon and mint together!
Belinda @zomppa says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:55 amWatermelon has got to be one of Nature’s best. This is definitely a fun grown-up way to delight in it!
Blog is the New Black says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:57 amThis looks amazing and refreshing! I love anything with watermelon. I’m posting a recipe tonight, and I will link it up! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:11 pmThank you. I appreciate that.
Kimby says
Jun 29, 2011 at 6:53 amAren’t seedless watermelons the greatest? (Except for not being able to play the future husband game — what a hoot!) And Tiger Beat… many a day (and night) was spent poring over heartthrobs in that magazine. Thanks for the memories, Dara — and for the mojito sorbet recipe!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:12 pmTiger Beat magazines were often scattered around my room – a must for any pre-teen girl.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Jun 29, 2011 at 7:16 amThe second I read the name I got a wiff of wattermelon bubblegum. Strange? But it totally makes me want a nice scoop of this sorbet – yummm.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:12 pmHa! I used to love watermelon-flavored gum.
brandi says
Jun 29, 2011 at 9:17 amlove mojitos, love watermelo – I bet this is delicious! And so perfect for a hot summer night.
Annalise says
Jun 29, 2011 at 10:08 amThis is my kind of summer treat! Can you believe I haven’t even had a watermelon yet this season? I must be crazy. Time to remedy that!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:12 pmIt is definitely time, Annalise. Enjoy your first bite.
Amanda says
Jun 29, 2011 at 11:10 amWhat a perfect summer treat, sounds heavenly!
Maria says
Jun 29, 2011 at 11:48 amI am addicted to watermelon! Love it even more in sorbet form!
Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:02 pmThose are my favorite flavors! Yum. I think I would also add cilantro and a bit of black salt. The Indian in me 😉
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:13 pmOoo, Kulsum. I am intrigued. I will have to try that next time.
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
Jun 29, 2011 at 12:35 pmDara, this post brought back memories. I remember Duran Duran and Tiger Beat–gosh it’s been so long. Good, fun times.
I’m collecting ideas for sorbet and since my husband loves watermelon, this gets added to the list…and I won’t leave out the rum, no way!
Celeste Jenkins says
Jun 29, 2011 at 1:17 pmMmm! This looks super refreshing! Bookmarking! 🙂
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:03 pmThis recipe sounds absolutely refreshing 🙂 I say leave the rum in too!
Sabrina says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:15 pmwatermelon mint and rum! I don’t think it could get better than that! beautiful pictures!!!!
Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:46 pmOf course I see this when I am away from my ice cream maker for 6 weeks. But no matter, I think even just mushed up these ingredients would be fabulous! Bookmarking to try when I get home!
Liz says
Jun 29, 2011 at 5:52 pmI printed off a recipe for watermelon mojitos last summer…but never got around to making them. Your sorbet sounds even more appealing…and so beautiful~
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Jun 29, 2011 at 8:03 pmSounds like the perfect excuse to have a cocktail for dessert! I assume the 2 TBS is just a starting point right 😉
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
Jun 29, 2011 at 8:32 pmI just made strawberry sorbet, but now I want to make this! Watermelon and mint together sound wonderful!
MikeVFMK says
Jun 29, 2011 at 9:02 pmOh. Hell. No. I mean, yeah. I will wish myself to sleep that I wake up with a tub of this in my freezer. That’s not asking too much, is it? This has to be a shade short of heaven. Love this, Dara!
Jeanette says
Jun 29, 2011 at 9:26 pmWhat a refreshing way to enjoy watermelon – I’ll have to try this (the non-alcoholic version!) for my kids, I’m sure they’ll enjoy it, reminds me of eating frozen watermelon cubes when I was a kid.
Roxana GreenGirl says
Jun 29, 2011 at 10:26 pmthis post put a big smile on my face. We had the spitting contest too. Oh, and the Duran Duran times, ah, to be young again 🙂
We love watermelon and this sorbet sounds great all season. Thanks for sharing Dara
Raquel@Erecipe Free Nutrtional Calculator says
Jun 30, 2011 at 12:02 amwhat a refreshing drink…I think my husband would love this, I love watermelon and my husband love to drink =) cheers.
Sanjeeta kk says
Jun 30, 2011 at 5:53 amLooks like a perfect summer treat for my family, Dara! Love the vibrant color…full of life.
Drick says
Jun 30, 2011 at 6:17 amoh yeah, cool and refreshing, and I bet deliriously addictive…
marla says
Jun 30, 2011 at 7:27 amGorgeous sorbet Dara. I bet so refreshing on a hot summer day. Funny those black seeds…amazing how our preferences change as we grow 🙂
elisabeth@foodandthriftfinds says
Jun 30, 2011 at 7:36 amJust left a message on your spiked bluberry crumb bars…don’t know if it went through, did nto see, maybe missed indication that it will be shown when approved…at any rate, I decided to check your most recent post, which is awesome. Love watermelon pops, and now sorbet, with mojito?….how exciting is this!
Love the refreshing sorbet, and thanks for sharing!
BTW-I’m your newest follower:DDD
Baking Serendipity says
Jun 30, 2011 at 8:37 amThis looks fantastic! I love the story about sticking seeds to your foreheads…but this sorbet even more 🙂 Weren’t we all funny as teenagers?!
Heather @ Multiply Delicious says
Jun 30, 2011 at 9:31 amI love the memories you have of watermelon as a child. I have the same. Summer camp wasn’t the same without watermelon and a seed spitting contest. Ha! But now, I’m happy they have the seedless option.
This is the perfect summertime treat. And the perfect reason to get the ice cream maker out too.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Jun 30, 2011 at 11:59 amSuch a fun and refreshing dessert! Much more exciting than typical sorbet.
sippitysup says
Jun 30, 2011 at 12:36 pm2 tablespoons rum are optional? Optional?? I say make it 4 tablespoons and make it mandatory. GREG
carolinaheartstrings says
Jun 30, 2011 at 12:51 pmThis is the perfect way to eat watermelon. Yum. Great pictures. Come over and visit us today. We have a wonderful chilled cantaloupe soup! And a great giveaway from the Fairy Hobmother.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Jun 30, 2011 at 2:16 pmWhoooo! What a kicky combination. Think I’m going to have to make a batch this weekend.
Carolyn says
Jun 30, 2011 at 3:04 pmOh, this looks delicious and refreshing. I’d have to do the rum, I know it would make it that much better. Have a great 4th (and Canada Day)!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Jun 30, 2011 at 3:49 pmMmm, looks delicious! I’ve made watermelon “smoothies” before but never frozen it like this. Yummy!
Elizabeth says
Jun 30, 2011 at 4:00 pmAhhh, seed spitting. It’s so hard to enjoy watermelon in the city! Your sorbet looks so delicious. I have two more weeks of pregnancy and am definitely adding this to my list of things to do when I’m no longer with child.
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
Jun 30, 2011 at 4:52 pmWow this is fabulous! We both have sorbet on the brain this week!
Winnie says
Jun 30, 2011 at 5:32 pmLooks easy and fantastic Dara!
Gloria says
Jun 30, 2011 at 6:22 pmThanks for stopping by. I love this sob
rbet recipe look amazing and delicious! Love it! gloria
Lea Ann says
Jun 30, 2011 at 7:56 pmI take exception to that..those watermelons with those annoying seeds that you describe and had to spit, tasted better than the seedless ones we buy now. And bring along with them so many Summer evening family gathering memories..yard included. No plates required. Don’t get me wrong, I love using the seedlesss in salad recipes.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
Jun 30, 2011 at 9:36 pmLoved your watermelon stories and the sorbet sounds great rum or not!
Meghna says
Jul 2, 2011 at 1:54 pmI came across your blog via TasteSpotting and Watermelon Mojito Sorbet sounds like a perfect for summer heat. …. Great clicks!!! This one is definitely a keeper…. I am hosting a Healthy Cooking Challenge featuring Healthy desserts… I would love for you to send in this for the event. This is a perfect guilt free dessert!!
Tracy says
Jul 4, 2011 at 12:12 pmThis looks so incredibly refreshing! It’s super hot today; I wish I had a big bowl of this to cool me off!
Cookie and Kate says
Jul 6, 2011 at 2:05 pmWoah there. Your sorbet sounds incredible. It incorporates rum and manages to use very little sugar? It’s, like, the sorbet of my dreams.
Shaina says
Jul 6, 2011 at 2:10 pmFabulous. We made watermelon sorbet the other day, but I’m so wishing it was spiked like a mojito now.
Darla @ Bakingdom says
Jul 14, 2011 at 11:16 amYum. What else is there to say, but yum?? 🙂
Tracey says
Jul 14, 2011 at 12:04 pmThis looks like the perfect, refreshing treat for the weather we’ve been having here!
Michael Paul W says
Aug 7, 2011 at 9:47 pmWonder if the mandatory rum might lower the freezing point, maintaining the texture? Wouldn’t the sorbet freeze up solid after 3 hours without the rum? I’ve had that issue with a lemon sorbet that had vodka and limoncello in the recipe. When I left out the liquor so the kids could join in, the sorbet fr
Michael Paul W says
Aug 8, 2011 at 7:27 amSorry — it froze hard, not smooth like a sorbet ought to feel.
Mojito recipe says
Aug 21, 2011 at 7:17 pmThis mojito recipe is fantastic!