Summery Watermelon Mojito Pitcher

Finding the perfect summer drink for outdoor gatherings can feel like a real challenge. You want something refreshing that’ll keep everyone happy, but mixing individual cocktails all afternoon isn’t exactly the way you want to spend time with your guests, and basic punch bowls can get boring pretty fast.

That’s why this watermelon mojito pitcher recipe has become my go-to for summer parties – it’s cool and refreshing, super easy to make in big batches, and uses fresh watermelon that’s always around during the hot months anyway.

What Kind of Watermelon Should I Use?

For mojitos, you’ll want to pick a watermelon that’s sweet and ripe since it’s a key flavor in this cocktail. The best way to tell if a watermelon is ready is to look for one that’s heavy for its size and has a yellow spot where it sat on the ground – that’s called the field spot. A ripe watermelon will also give you a hollow sound when you tap it with your knuckles. Seedless varieties are ideal for this recipe since you won’t have to spend time picking out seeds, but if you only have seeded watermelon, that works too – just remove the seeds before cubing. For the best results, make sure your watermelon is well-chilled before using it in your mojito.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing mojito recipe can be tweaked in several ways to suit your needs:

• White rum: Not into rum? You can use vodka for a different twist, or skip the alcohol completely and double the soda water for a mocktail version that everyone can enjoy.
• White sugar: Feel free to use simple syrup instead (use about 1 cup), or try honey (start with ¾ cup as it’s sweeter). If using honey, warm it slightly with the water to help it dissolve better.
• Soda water: Club soda, sparkling water, or ginger ale all work great here. For a different spin, try coconut sparkling water or lime-flavored seltzer.
• Fresh mint: While fresh mint really makes this drink special, you can use basil for an interesting twist. I wouldn’t recommend dried mint – it just isn’t the same.
• Watermelon: If watermelon isn’t in season, you can try this recipe with strawberries or peaches. Just make sure they’re ripe and sweet. You might need to adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.
• Fresh lime juice: Fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice – just use about 2/3 of the amount called for as it’s usually more concentrated.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making watermelon mojitos is using overripe or underripe watermelon – you’ll want to choose a watermelon that’s sweet and juicy, with a hollow sound when tapped, to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. When muddling the mint leaves, avoid over-crushing them as this can release bitter compounds and give your mojito an unpleasant taste – instead, gently press to release the essential oils. Another common error is adding all the soda water at once and stirring vigorously, which will quickly make it go flat – instead, add it just before serving and give it a gentle stir to maintain the fizz. For the best flavor development, let the mint simple syrup cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients, and strain the watermelon juice to remove any pulp that could make your drink grainy.

What to Serve With Watermelon Mojitos?

When serving up a pitcher of watermelon mojitos, you’ll want some tasty snacks that can keep up with these refreshing drinks! Light appetizers like chips and fresh guacamole, citrus-marinated shrimp skewers, or a platter of tropical fruit work perfectly with the sweet and minty flavors of the cocktail. For something more substantial, try serving Cuban-inspired finger foods like ham and cheese croquettes or mini Cuban sandwiches – these salty bites balance out the sweetness of the watermelon really well. Just remember to put out some water pitchers too, since these mojitos go down pretty easy on a hot day!

Storage Instructions

Keep Chilled: This watermelon mojito pitcher tastes best when served right away, but you can keep the mixed cocktail (without the soda water) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Store it in a covered pitcher or container to prevent it from picking up other flavors from the fridge.

Prep Ahead: Want to get a head start? Mix everything except the soda water and mint leaves up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just add fresh mint leaves, top with bubbly soda water, and give it a gentle stir. This way, your drink stays nice and fizzy!

Serving Tips: Pour your mojitos over fresh ice and add garnishes just before serving. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, give it a quick stir before pouring, as the watermelon juice might settle at the bottom. Add extra mint sprigs and watermelon slices to make each glass look fresh and inviting.

Preparation Time	30-60 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	40-75 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2000-2200
• Protein: 5-10 g
• Fat: 0-5 g
• Carbohydrates: 500-550 g

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (340ml) water
• 1 1/4 cups (298g) white sugar
• 2 strips of lime peel (1 inch wide)
• 1 cup mint leaves, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup extra mint leaves, loosely packed (and more for decoration)
• 8 cups cubed, seedless watermelon
• 2 cups (454ml) white rum (adjust quantity to taste)
• 3/4 cup (170ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup (227ml) soda water, club soda, or ginger ale
• Watermelon slices (optional, for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare the Mint Simple Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, lime peel, and mint.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors infuse properly.

Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for at least 1 hour.

Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lime peel and mint.

The syrup can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Step 2: Puree and Strain the Watermelon

Place chunks of watermelon in a blender or food processor and pulse until the watermelon is well pureed.

Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the watermelon puree into a large pitcher to remove any pulp and seeds, leaving you with a smooth juice.

Set the pitcher aside for later use.

Step 3: Infuse the Mint into the Syrup

In a medium bowl, combine fresh mint leaves with all of the cooled mint simple syrup.

Use the back of a spoon to smash the mint leaves into the syrup until the leaves are well bruised, releasing their essential oils and flavor into the syrup.

Pour this mint-infused mixture into the pitcher with the watermelon juice.

Step 4: Mix the Cocktail Base

Into the pitcher with the watermelon and mint syrup, pour in the rum and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Stir everything well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Refrigerate the mixture for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together, or proceed to the next step for immediate serving.

Step 5: Serve the Watermelon Mojito

Top the prepared mixture with ginger beer or another bubbly choice just before serving for a refreshing and fizzy finish.

Serve immediately over ice in chilled glasses for the best taste experience.