The Ultimate Summer Refresher
My sister and I could sip on these until we turned into watermelons! This recipe was born after a family dinner where we ordered a similar drink that was delicious but absolutely loaded with sugar. I promised my sister I’d create a healthier, even more refreshing version for her. Well, Christina, this one’s for you! It captures all that vibrant summer flavor without the sugar crash, making it the perfect cocktail for poolside lounging or backyard barbecues. It’s crisp, clean, and dangerously easy to make.
Ingredients
• MAKES: 4 servingsPREP TIME: 5 minutesCOOK TIME: —
• 4½ ounces / 128 g fresh watermelon cubes
• 12 fresh mint leaves
• 8 ice cubes
• 4 ounces / 120 ml vodka
• 4 teaspoons lime juice
• 1⅛ cups / 315 ml sparkling or still water
Instructions
1. Prepare four 4-ounce (120-ml) or larger glasses. Finely dice about one-quarter of the watermelon cubes and divide them evenly among the glasses. To each glass, add 3 mint leaves, 2 ice cubes, 1 ounce (30 ml) of vodka, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
2. In a small bowl, mash the remaining watermelon pieces with a fork or muddler to extract as much juice as possible. Strain and divide the fresh juice among the four glasses (about 2 teaspoons per glass).
3. Top each glass with sparkling water, give it a gentle stir to combine, and enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information
• Per serving:calories: 70 | total fat: 0 g | saturated fat: 0 g | cholesterol: 0 mg | sodium: 2 mg | carbs: 1.3 g | dietary fiber: 0 g | net carbs: 1.3 g | sugars: 0.6 g | protein: 0.1 g
• FAT: 0%CARBS: 7%PROTEIN: 1%ALCOHOL: 92%
Pro Tips
• For a perfect mocktail, simply omit the vodka. The fresh watermelon, mint, and lime are still incredibly delicious and refreshing on their own.
• Chill your vodka and sparkling water beforehand for an extra-crisp and frosty cocktail that stays colder for longer.
• Gently clap the mint leaves between your palms before adding them to the glass. This releases their essential oils for a more aromatic drink.
• For a smoother drink, strain the mashed watermelon juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp before adding it to the glasses.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this a non-alcoholic mocktail
A: Yes, absolutely! For a delicious and refreshing mocktail, simply omit the vodka. The combination of fresh watermelon, mint, and lime is fantastic on its own.
Q: Is this watermelon mint cocktail low in sugar
A: Yes, this recipe was specifically designed to be a healthier, low-sugar alternative to sweet summer drinks. Each serving contains only 70 calories and 0.6 grams of sugar.
Q: What’s the best way to make this cocktail extra cold
A: For an extra-crisp and frosty drink, it’s a great idea to chill your vodka and sparkling water in the refrigerator before you start mixing the ingredients.
Q: How do I get the most flavor from the mint leaves
A: To release the mint’s aromatic essential oils, gently clap the leaves between your palms a few times before adding them to your glass. This simple trick makes the drink even more fragrant.
