Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
This Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail has a spicy + sweet finish from the watermelon and jalapeño flavors and just the right amount of sweetness and fizz married together with hints of lime. This mocktail is sure to be the next big thing during the warmer months and it's even better with a fun surprise at the end-----a watermelon popsicle.
Whenever it's watermelon season, I just can't stop indulging in this refreshing fruit. Literally, every summer I enjoy eating slices of watermelon freshly cold out of the refrigerator.
However, lately, the best ways to use watermelon for me has been in mocktails. If you've been an avid follower of Orchids + Sweet Tea then you know just how seriously I take my mocktails and they always come with a bang.
But this Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail is by far one of my favorite recipes for using watermelon (except for this Frozen Cucumber Watermelon Strawberry Mocktail) and I really recommend adding an organic watermelon flavored popsicle as garnish. It's really the most fun, cooling part of the drink after all the sips are gone.
Plus, this watermelon mojito mocktail is super easy to make, requires just one bowl, comes whipped together in 5 minutes, and is the perfect balance between sweet + spicy. For a fun, family-friendly drink---simply remove the jalapeños so that the kids can enjoy!
Ingredients for Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
Here’s what you need for these Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktails:
- Jalapeños. This adds a nice spicy flavor to the entire drink. Chop them up thinly for a nice bite.
- Lime juice. Lemon juice will also work.
- Watermelon. Choose seedless if you can! Cubed makes it easier to add to your glass and mull.
- Agave. You could also sweeten the mocktails with honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Lemon soda. This is what makes for a nice fizz and I usually use organic soda. You can also use sparkling water or a probiotic soda like Olipop.
- Watermelon popsicle. Choose an organic watermelon-flavored popsicle to add additional watermelon flavor. I like to use Goodpop, which is a nice treat that kid-friendly based on the ingredients.
How to Make Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
The most important part about this watermelon mojito mocktail recipe is choosing ripe, seasonal fruit. If it’s local, even better! It will have the best flavor. I like to chill my watermelon before making the mocktail too.
The Best Way to Pick a Watermelon
If you're not too familiar with picking the best watermelon, I've got you covered! For one, the best place to purchase a "full proof" already ripe watermelon is at the Farmer's Market. I say this because they only sell watermelons that are fully ripe and are very knowledgable about the produce they sell.
On the other hand, if you'r at the grocery store and with no help, here's what you need to know about picking the best watermelon:
- A good watermelon will feel heavy for it's size, so be sure to pick it up.
- Hit the watermelon to hear how it sounds. A fully ripe watermelon will have more of a "deep hallow" sound due to the juices and ripeness, whereas a not so ripe watermelon will sound more "dull".
- Look for a yellow spot on the watermelon which usually get's becomes "cream-like yellow" once it's fully ripe.
How to Cut a Watermelon
Whether you've decided to cut a watermelon into wedges for a nice snack or into cubes for a recipe or longer storage, it's super easy to do both. For this Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail recipe, I chose to cube my watermelon, which makes things a lot easier to assemble.
How to Cut a Watermelon into Wedges
Here's the easiest way to cut a watermelon into wedges:
- Trim off one of the ends so that it has one short, flat surface.
- Now, slice the watermelon in half by standing it up on it's flat side and slicing down through the center. This should split it in half lengthwise.
- Place the other half of the watermelon cut side-down and slice it in half length-wise followed by slicing each half crosswise into 1-inch wedges.
- Repeat until all watermelon has been cut.
How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes
Here's the easiest way to cut a watermelon into cubes:
- Start by trimming off both ends which will produce two short, flat sides.
- Then remove the rind by placing your knife between the red and white parts of the watermelon and trimming off the rind. Work your way around the entire watermelon.
- Then cube the watermelon by placing the flesh on the long-side-down and and cutting it crosswise into 1-inch cubes.Repeat until all watermelon has been cubed.
Garnish Ideas
To put a finishing touch on your watermelon mojito mocktail, I recommend cubed watermelons, chopped jalapeños, lime wedges and fresh mint leaves or rosemary sprigs.
How to Sweeten Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
For a simple sweetener, just use agave syrup and a simple syrup. It’s vegan! Or, if you prefer to use maple syrup or all simple syrup—–do so!
Adding Alcohol
If you’d like to serve this as a cocktail, you can add 1 ounce of tequila, vodka or gin to each glass.
Tips for a Successful Watermelon Mocktail
Here are my best tips for making this Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail:
- Use a large bowl to mash or muddle the fruit. This gives you enough space to avoid splashing. You want to fully break down the jalapeños and watermelon.
- Use a seedless watermelon if you can find one. Otherwise, you’ll want to remove all seeds before mashing the melon.
- Serve the Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail in tall glasses over ice, especially because of the popsicle working as garnish.
More Summer Mocktail Recipes to Try!
If you love these Frozen Cucumber Watermelon Strawberry Mocktail, then here are a few summer mocktails to try ASAP:
- Spicy Paloma Mocktails
- Cranberry Lemon Spritzer with Lemonade Ice Cubes
- Jalapeno Lemon-Lime Mocktail
- Watermelon Strawberry Lime Mocktail
- Simple Lime Rickey Mocktail
- Frozen Peach and Lime Margarita Mocktails
- Orange Crush Mocktail
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you make this Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail, be sure to tag me on Instagram @orchidsandsweettea!
Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients
MOCKTAILS:
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- ¼ cup freshly-squeezed lime juice
- ⅓ cup Agave syrup
- Lemon soda, organic
GARNISH:
- Crushed ice
- Organic watermelon popsicle (I like using Goodpop)
- Cubed watermelon
- Lime wedges, optional
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
TO MAKE THE MOCKTAILS:
- In a bowl, add the cubed watermelon, jalapeños, and lime juice, mulling (crushing) everything together until the watermelon + jalapeños are fully broken down. Add in the Agave and stir until combined.
- ASSEMBLY: Add the crushed ice cubes to glass(es), Add the mocktail mixture until ½ filled followed by the lemon soda. For additional garnish, add cubed watermelon, lime wedges (if using), the watermelon flavored popsicle, and fresh mint leave(s), if desired. Repeat for every serving.
- Sip and Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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Spicy Watermelon Mojito Mocktail
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