Watermelon Mai Tai Cocktail

Ingredients

• 150 g (1 cup)seedless watermelon, cubed, or watermelon with the seeds removed
• 90 ml (3 oz)light white rum
• 60 ml (2 oz)St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• 30 ml (1 oz)lime juice
• 12.5 g (1 tablespoon)superfine sugar
• to garnishwatermelon wedge

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the ingredients

   Add the watermelon, rum, St-Germain, lime juice and superfine sugar to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and well combined.

2. 2

   Pour and garnish

   Pour into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with a watermelon wedge.

What is a watermelon Mai Tai?

A Mai Tai is a Tiki-style cocktail associated with American cocktail culture, traditionally built around rum and citrus. This version takes a fresh-fruit approach, blending watermelon with lime and elderflower liqueur.

The watermelon brings a juicy, mellow sweetness, while lime keeps the drink lively. Blending the ingredients makes this a quick option for a warm day.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 251 calories, 1g protein, 24g carbs, 0g fat.

The rum and elderflower liqueur supply most of the energy, while watermelon and sugar contribute most of the carbohydrates; the drink contains very little protein or fat. Serve it alongside a savoury, protein-rich snack to make a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Watermelon: Use ripe, sweet fruit and remove any seeds before blending. Chilled watermelon helps the drink stay refreshing, though the ice in the glass will also cool it.

Lime and elderflower: Fresh lime juice gives the cocktail a crisp edge, while St-Germain adds floral sweetness. Superfine sugar dissolves readily in the short blending time.

Getting a smooth blend

Blend thoroughly: Start with the watermelon and liquids together, then add the sugar as listed. Blend until no noticeable fruit pieces remain.

Check the texture: If the mixture is still pulpy, blend briefly again before pouring. Avoid blending the serving ice into the cocktail; the recipe calls for pouring it over ice in the glass.

Balancing sweetness and lime

Taste the watermelon before blending, since its sweetness can vary. The lime juice provides contrast to the fruit and liqueur, and the sugar rounds out the mixture.

Keep the listed quantities for the intended balance. If adjusting to personal taste, do so in small increments so the fruit and citrus remain distinct.

Serving over ice

Use a tall glass with enough ice to chill the drink as you sip. Pour the freshly blended mixture over the ice and add the watermelon wedge just before serving.

This cocktail is best served straight away, while the fruit is fresh and the ice has not diluted the drink too much.

What to serve alongside

Pair the drink with salty or savoury appetisers, such as crisps, salted nuts or grilled food. Their savoury flavours provide contrast to the cocktail's fruit and floral notes.

For a simple summer spread, serve it with fresh fruit or a light salad and keep the garnish ready until pouring.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the watermelon ahead of time for a colder drink without blending in extra ice.
• Remove any watermelon seeds before adding the fruit to the blender.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a bright citrus flavour.
• Blend until smooth so the drink pours evenly over the ice.
• Add the watermelon wedge just before serving to keep the garnish fresh.

Variations

• Frozen fruit: Use frozen watermelon cubes for a colder, thicker blend.
• Less sweet: Reduce the superfine sugar slightly and taste before serving.
• More citrus: Add a little extra lime juice for a sharper finish.
• No garnish: Skip the watermelon wedge if you prefer a simple serve.
• Batch preparation: Multiply the ingredients for a group and blend just before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving in seeds: They can affect the texture; remove them before blending.
• Blending too briefly: Unblended fruit can leave the drink pulpy; continue until smooth.
• Using warm fruit: The drink may feel less refreshing; chill the watermelon first.
• Adding too much sugar: It can overwhelm the fruit; measure the listed amount and taste.
• Making it too far ahead: The drink can separate or dilute; blend shortly before serving.

How to store

This cocktail is best served immediately. If needed, cover and refrigerate the blended mixture briefly, then stir before pouring over fresh ice; do not store it with ice in the glass.

Frequently asked questions