A Watermelon Mint Cooler is a light, ruby-red refreshment made from sweet watermelon purée brightened with fresh mint and lime. Served icy-cold, it delivers instant relief on a hot day while showcasing peak-season fruit at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-refreshing: Crisp watermelon and cooling mint create a naturally hydrating drink that tastes like summer.
Five-minute preparation: With no cooking required, everything happens in the blender.
Naturally nutritious: Watermelon is 92 % water and rich in vitamins A and C, while mint aids digestion.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a family-friendly cooler, or spike it with a splash of rum for an effortless cocktail.
Easy to scale: Double or triple the quantities for picnics, barbecues, or pool parties.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups (600 g) chilled seedless watermelon, cubed
1 cup (240 ml) ice cubes
¼ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves (about 12 large leaves)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup (120 ml) cold sparkling water or still water
2 teaspoons honey or agave (optional, adjust for sweetness)
Pinch of fine sea salt (accentuates flavour)

directions

Prep the fruit – Remove any seeds from the watermelon cubes.
Blend – Add watermelon, ice, mint, lime juice, honey (if using), and salt to a high-speed blender. Purée until completely smooth, 30-45 seconds.
Adjust – Taste and, if desired, blend in a little extra lime or sweetener.
Finish – Stir in the sparkling water by hand to preserve effervescence.
Serve – Pour into two tall chilled glasses over additional ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a small watermelon wedge.

Servings and timing

Yield	Prep time	Chill/Cook time	Total time
2 servings (about 3 cups)	5 minutes	0 minutes	5 minutes Allrecipes

Variations

Cucumber Fresca: Replace 1 cup of watermelon with peeled cucumber for an extra-crisp profile.
Spicy Cooler: Add 1–2 slices of fresh jalapeño before blending for gentle heat.
Tropical Twist: Substitute half the watermelon with frozen pineapple chunks and omit added sweetener.
Adult Version: Stir in 45 ml white rum or vodka per serving.
Herbal Swap: Try basil or Thai basil instead of mint for a different aromatic note.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store the blended cooler (without sparkling water) in an airtight container up to 48 hours. Shake well and top with sparkling water just before serving.
Freezing: Pour leftovers into ice-pop moulds or ice-cube trays; freeze up to 1 month. Blend frozen cubes with a splash of water for an instant slushy.
Do not reheat: This beverage is meant to be enjoyed cold; warming will dull its flavours.

FAQs

How ripe should the watermelon be?

Look for a deep yellow field spot, a dull rind, and a hollow sound when tapped; these indicate peak ripeness.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Blend everything except the sparkling water up to two days in advance, keep chilled, and add bubbles right before serving to maintain fizz.

What if my blender leaves pulp?

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for a silky texture.

Is the honey necessary?

No. If your watermelon is very sweet, omit the honey or use a calorie-free sweetener.

Can I use frozen watermelon?

Absolutely. Frozen cubes eliminate the need for ice and yield a thicker, frostier drink.

Will bottled lime juice work?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for brightness, but good-quality bottled juice is acceptable in a pinch.

How do I keep the color bright?

Serve immediately or store in an opaque container; exposure to light and air can cause dulling.

Does it pair with alcohol besides rum?

Gin, tequila blanco, or prosecco complement the melon-mint profile beautifully.

Can I carbonate the whole batch?

Yes—use a home soda maker, but be sure to strain pulp first and observe your device’s guidelines for fruit juices.

Is this drink kid-friendly?

Without alcohol, it is naturally non-alcoholic and suitable for all ages.

Conclusion

The Watermelon Mint Cooler proves that spectacular refreshment requires little more than ripe fruit, fresh herbs, and five spare minutes. Whether sipped poolside, served at brunch, or frozen into popsicles, this vibrant beverage is an effortless way to capture summer in a glass.