Watermelon mojito | Nojito

Ingredients

• 120 mlwatermelon juice
• 4mint leaves
• 15 mllime juice
• 1 slicelime
• 120 mlclub soda
• 22.5 mlsimple syrup (or sugar)
• As neededcrushed ice
• To servemint leaves and lemon wedges

Instructions

1. 1

   Chop the watermelon

   Cut the watermelon flesh into slices, then roughly chop it.

2. 2

   Blend the fruit

   Put the chopped watermelon in a blender and purée it.

3. 3

   Strain the juice

   Pass the purée through a large metal strainer, then measure out 120 ml and set it aside.

4. 4

   Prepare the glass

   Gather the ingredients and put the mint leaves in a serving glass.

5. 5

   Muddle the mint

   Add the lime slice, lime juice and simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint without crushing it too much.

6. 6

   Add the ice

   Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well.

7. 7

   Pour in the juice

   Add the measured watermelon juice over the ice.

8. 8

   Finish with soda

   Top with plain soda, stir, and serve with mint leaves and lemon wedges.

What is a watermelon nojito?

A nojito is a non-alcoholic take on a mojito, built around mint, citrus, sweetness and sparkling soda rather than rum. Mojitos are associated with Cuba; this fusion-style version swaps in watermelon juice for a fruity, summery twist.

Freshly blended watermelon gives the drink its colour and mellow sweetness, while lime and mint keep the flavour bright. Soda and crushed ice make it light and refreshing to sip.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 85 calories, 1g protein, 22g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the watermelon juice and simple syrup, while the lime contributes a small amount. The drink contains little fat or protein; pair it with a meal containing a protein-rich food and vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Fresh watermelon juice

Ripe watermelon: Chop the flesh into manageable pieces before blending so it purées evenly. Straining removes pulp and leaves a smoother drink.

Measure after straining: Use 120 ml of juice for the glass. If the watermelon is especially sweet, the lime helps keep the drink balanced.

Muddle gently

Mint leaves: Press them lightly with the lime and syrup to release their aroma. Avoid grinding them into fragments, which can make the drink taste harsh and leave bits in each sip.

Lime slice: Muddling it with the juice adds a little more citrus fragrance. Keep the pressure gentle so the peel does not dominate.

Build over crushed ice

Crushed ice: Add it after muddling and stir before pouring in the watermelon juice, as the method directs. Small pieces chill the drink quickly and help combine the flavours.

Soda: Add it last and stir briefly to retain some fizz. The drink is ready when it is cold, lightly sparkling and evenly mixed.

Sweetness and balance

Simple syrup: It dissolves readily in a cold drink and sweetens the lime. If using sugar instead, stir thoroughly so no grains remain at the bottom.

Taste: Watermelon varies in sweetness, so adjust the syrup slightly if needed. Keep the lime in the mix to offset a sweeter fruit.

Serve it straight away

This drink is best made just before serving, while the soda is still lively and the ice has not diluted it much. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon wedges for a fresh aroma and citrus option.

It pairs well with light summer food such as salads, grilled vegetables or savoury snacks. Serve it in a glass large enough to hold the ice and soda without overflowing.

Recipe notes & tips

• Choose a ripe, fragrant watermelon for sweeter juice.
• Strain the purée through a fine mesh if you want a clearer drink.
• Chill the soda before mixing so the drink stays cold without extra ice.
• Muddle the mint with a light pressing motion rather than crushing it.
• Add the soda just before serving to preserve its sparkle.

Variations

• Extra citrus: Add a little more lime juice for a sharper drink.
• Less sweet: Reduce the simple syrup and taste before adding more.
• Herbal twist: Add a few basil leaves alongside the mint.
• Sparkling finish: Use chilled sparkling water if club soda is unavailable.
• Frozen version: Blend the watermelon juice with crushed ice for a slushier texture.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Over-muddling the mint: It can taste harsh; press the leaves gently to release their aroma.
• Skipping the straining: Pulp can make the drink less smooth; strain the watermelon purée before measuring.
• Adding soda too early: It loses fizz as you prepare the drink; pour it in at the end.
• Using warm soda: It melts the ice faster; chill it before making the drink.
• Not tasting the fruit: Watermelon sweetness varies; adjust the syrup to suit the juice.

How to store

This drink is best served immediately and does not keep well once mixed, as the ice melts and the soda goes flat. You can refrigerate freshly strained watermelon juice in a covered container and assemble the drink when ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions