Sparkling Watermelon Cooler w/ Mint is a refreshing summer drink headed by the seasonal, juicy, standout fruit — watermelon. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy lime, and refreshing mint creates a hydrating and flavorful beverage to beat the heat, while consuming natural nutrients from this wonderful fruit.
Why Watermelon?
Nothing tops off an amazing summer like eating a fresh watermelon. Watermelon being the primary ingredient of this drink is due to a few important reasons:
- Hydrating – Watermelon is a fruit that is an overwhelming 92% water. This makes it the perfect hydrating fruit to consume during the months you’ll sweat most.
- Seasonal Availability – Aforementioned, watermelon is most common during the hottest months of the year. Perfect for hydration during the sweatiest months.
- Versatile – Since watermelon is backed with water, it’s the perfect drink to go with most combinations. Its flavor lends itself to a wide variety of combinations, making it one of the more versatile fruits.
- Nutritious – As hydrating as watermelon is, it’s also fully packed with potassium and magnesium., along with B6, vitamin A & C.
- Refreshing – Watermelon naturally packed with water and nutrients; this lightly sweetened water-packed fruit lends itself to being the go-to staple during the hottest of months.
Key Ingredients
When starting the process of making this drink, certain ingredients are important, while others remain optional to your personal preference:
- Watermelon – The main, and most important ingredient in this drink. We’re going to use watermelon in two ways, as the main flavor in this drink, but also as a frozen garnish, along with mint to beautify this delicious drink. The frozen watermelon can be shaped in any way desired, but cubed cuts will be easiest for most.
- Sparkling Water – We want this to have a nice soft drink kick. And also, can you create a cooler without this?
- Lime – Lime adds a tangy kick to this drink. It also creates a unique, but subtle dynamic to this drink, along with enhancing the flavor. Many have shaved the skin of the lime as a garnish, but that’s optional.
- Ice – Duh! It’s hot! While watermelon is quite hydrating, it’ll never be enough to fully beat this heat. We need lots of ice!
- Mint – Mint, like lime adds an even more complex, dynamic, yet refreshing aspect to this drink. We’ll listing it as optional mostly because many people wood prefer not to have it. Why? We’ll knows.
- Sweetener – Another optional mostly due to added sugar. If you want a natural drink, skip it. To us, it just makes the drink more pronounced. Before making this recipe, make sure to read the notes on alternative sweeteners. Agave, honey, granulated sugar and simple syrup all work in this recipe.
- Alcohol – Alcohol is another option for us to add when pouring in our cup. It’s not necessary, hence why it’s optional, but a party is a party right?!
Sparkling Watermelon Cooler w/ Mint
Ingredients
- 610 g seedless watermelon
- 2 cups cold sparkling water club soda works
- 1/4 cup lime juice about 2-3 limes
- ice cubes
- 2 tbsp agave optional, also honey, see notes
- ½ cup vodka optional, also gin or rum
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves optional plus more for garnish
- 150 g frozen watermelon cubes optional, garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the watermelon, mint leaves, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the watermelon mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard any unused leftovers. Mix in a sweetener with the watermelon mixture. Mix well.
- In a pitcher, add mint. Then add the strained watermelon juice and sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Sparkline Watermelon Cooler over the top. Add any alcohol that you prefer after and mix in with straw.
- Garnish each glass with frozen watermelon or a few more fresh mint leaves.
Notes
Why We Love Sparkling Watermelon Cooler with Mint
Picture this, you’re about to experience a massive heatwave. You’re at home with your family, or are hosting guest and everyone wants something to beat the massive heat they’re experiencing. It’s too hot for food, and water alone can be a a bit boring. Manufactured soft drinks and juices can be loaded with sugar, and shouldn’t been consumed too much. So what can we have to beat this heat? Go to the beach, or jump in the pool? Sure, but also temporary. We want something we can always keep close-by that’s keep us hydrated and refreshed, increase our nutrient intake, and new for us to enjoy as a group. Sparkling Watermelon Cooler with Mint does just that, and more. Enjoy!
So you gather with family and friends over the summer, what do you eat? Eating outside doesn’t work everyday. At Whipped It, we recommend a delicious Beef Rib. The unsung heroes of the barbecue world.
