Vibrant Watermelon Mojitos Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Zesty Treat

Summer heat calls for a refreshing watermelon mojitos recipe that dances on your palate with cool, vibrant flavors.

Ina Garten’s classic mixology skills shine through this delightful cocktail that blends crisp mint and sweet watermelon.

The bright emerald leaves and ruby-red fruit create a stunning visual contrast in each glass.

Muddled mint releases its essential oils, infusing the drink with an aromatic freshness that beckons relaxation.

Rum adds a smooth Caribbean warmth to this light, fruity libation that feels like a vacation in a glass.

Every sip promises a perfect balance of sweetness and herbal notes, making this mojito an instant summer favorite.

Grab your cocktail shaker and get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible tropical drink.

How to Store & Prep Barefoot Contessa Watermelon Mojitos

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover mojito mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh mint and watermelon flavors will remain vibrant when chilled properly.
• Freeze Watermelon Cubes: Prepare extra watermelon cubes by puréeing and freezing in ice cube trays. These cubes make perfect additions to future mojito batches or summer drinks, keeping the cocktail frosty and flavorful.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Mix the watermelon purée and simple syrup base up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the mixture sealed in the refrigerator, then add rum and fresh mint just before serving to maintain maximum taste and freshness.
• Garnish Storage Tip: Keep fresh mint sprigs and watermelon wedges in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator. Wrap mint in slightly damp paper towels to prevent wilting and maintain crisp, bright green leaves for elegant cocktail presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Barefoot Contessa Watermelon Mojitos

• Fresh Mint Leaves: Vibrant herb that releases aromatic oils, providing a cooling and refreshing essence to the cocktail.
• Watermelon: Sweet, juicy fruit that creates a smooth, summery base with natural sweetness and vibrant pink color.

• White Rum: Smooth, crisp spirit that adds a tropical kick and traditional mojito character.
• Simple Syrup: Liquid sweetener that balances the mint's freshness and watermelon's natural sugars.
• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy citrus that cuts through sweetness and adds zesty complexity.

• Ice Cubes: Chills the drink instantly and maintains the cocktail's refreshing temperature.
• Fresh Mint Sprigs: Decorative garnish that enhances visual appeal and provides an aromatic finishing touch.
• Watermelon Spears: Edible garnish that reinforces the cocktail's fruity profile and adds a playful presentation element.

Tools You’ll Need for Watermelon Mojitos by Barefoot Contessa

• Mortar and Pestle: Perfect for crushing mint leaves and releasing their fragrant oils.
• Food Processor: Essential for creating smooth watermelon purée with its sharp steel blade.
• Large Pitcher: Crucial for mixing all mojito ingredients and blending flavors thoroughly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing watermelon and mint leaves.
• Sharp Knife: Helps remove watermelon rind and slice ingredients cleanly.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate proportions of watermelon, rum, and syrup.
• Glasses: Six serving glasses for presenting the refreshing mojitos.
• Ice Cube Tray: Provides chilled ice to keep drinks cool and crisp.

Shake Up These Watermelon Mojitos the Barefoot Contessa Way

• Mint Awakening

Release the vibrant essence of fresh mint leaves using a mortar and pestle, crushing them gently to unlock their aromatic magic.

• Watermelon Transformation

Transform ripe watermelon into a silky smooth liquid using a food processor, creating a luscious base for your refreshing cocktail.

• Flavor Symphony

Blend the mint’s intense fragrance with watermelon nectar, adding rum, sweet syrup, and zesty lime juice in a large pitcher to create a harmonious summer drink.

• Chilled Presentation

Fill tall glasses with sparkling ice cubes, then cascade the watermelon mojito mixture over them. Crown each glass with a delicate mint sprig and a vibrant watermelon wedge for a stunning visual and flavor experience.

• Tropical Indulgence

Serve immediately while the drink is frosty cold, transporting your taste buds to a beachside paradise with every sip.

Fresh Twists for Barefoot Contessa’s Watermelon Mojitos

• Gently crush mint leaves to release their essential oils without tearing them apart, creating a more fragrant and flavorful base for your mojito.
• Adjust the simple syrup quantity to match your taste preferences – add more for a sweeter drink or reduce for a more subtle sweetness.
• Prepare the watermelon purée and mint mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time when hosting a party.
• Transform this cocktail into a refreshing mocktail by replacing rum with sparkling water or coconut water for a kid-friendly and non-alcoholic version.
• Experiment with additional garnishes like a small watermelon wedge, lime wheel, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for an unexpected flavor twist that will impress your guests.

Serve Barefoot Contessa’s Watermelon Mojitos Like a Pro

• Tropical Party Starter: Present these watermelon mojitos at summer gatherings to instantly elevate your cocktail game and impress guests with a refreshing twist on a classic drink.
• Garden Gathering Companion: Pair these mojitos with light summer appetizers like grilled shrimp skewers, fresh caprese salad, or citrus-marinated seafood to complement the cocktail's bright flavors.
• Beachside Relaxation Treat: Serve chilled in tall glasses with wide rims, perfect for sipping by the pool, on a patio, or during a sunset beach barbecue to capture the essence of summer relaxation.
• Elegant Presentation Touch: Garnish glasses with extra watermelon wedges, mint sprigs, and colorful cocktail umbrellas to create an Instagram-worthy drink that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Tropical Barefoot Contessa Watermelon Mojitos Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s watermelon mojitos deliver refreshing summer cocktail magic with Caribbean flair. Cool mint and sweet watermelon combine perfectly for guests craving elegant tropical relaxation.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) light rum, such as Bacardi
• 3–4 thick slices fresh watermelon
• ½ cup (120 ml) simple syrup
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (3 limes)
• 30 large fresh mint leaves, coarsely torn by hand
• Sprigs of mint (for serving)
• Spears of watermelon (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Mint Preparation: Gently crush mint leaves using a mortar and pestle to release their aromatic essence and oils.
2. Watermelon Processing: Remove rind and seeds, then puree watermelon flesh in a food processor until smooth and liquid.
3. Cocktail Mixing: In a large pitcher, combine crushed mint, watermelon puree, rum, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors completely.
4. Ice and Serving: Fill cocktail glasses with ice, then pour the mojito mixture evenly, ensuring each glass receives an equal distribution of the vibrant liquid.
5. Garnish and Presentation: Adorn each glass with a delicate mint sprig and crisp watermelon spear, creating a visually appealing and inviting tropical cocktail.

Notes

• Select Fresh Mint: Choose vibrant, fragrant mint leaves without any wilting or brown spots for maximum flavor intensity.
• Chill Ingredients: Refrigerate watermelon and lime juice beforehand to ensure an extra-cold, refreshing cocktail.
• Strain for Smoothness: Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove mint leaf fibers, creating a silky-smooth drinking experience.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust simple syrup quantity based on watermelon’s natural sugar content to achieve perfect cocktail harmony.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg