Berry Watermelon Mojito

Looking for a summer cocktail that's refreshing, low in calories and not super sweet? This thirst-quenching berry watermelon mojito is just that! It's the perfect low-sugar cocktail for a hot summer day.

Berry Watermelon Mojito FAQ

How many calories are in a mojito?

In this berry watermelon mojito, there are 160 calories per cocktail.

How do I pick out a sweet, ripe watermelon?

Choose a watermelon with a creamy yellow field spot. The darker yellow, the better!

What kinds of berries should I use?

In this recipe, I used raspberries because I had some fresh from the garden. But you can use any kind of berries! Strawberries would be great, as would blueberries, but they will alter the color of the mojito.

What kind of mint works best for mojitos?

I personally use spearmint because that was the easiest to find at my local garden store, and I prefer a strong mint flavor. However, if you're looking for a more authentic Cuban mojito flavor, this mojito mint is a great option because of its milder, citrusy flavor.

Can I make my own simple syrup?

Yes, it's super easy! Add equal parts white sugar and water to a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved, pour into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator.

How do you muddle mint?

Using a muddler or the handle end of a wooden spoon, gently crush the mint leaves into the bottom of the cocktail shaker. The idea here is to bruise the leaves to release the oil. You can also sprinkle sugar over the leaves (especially if you're using a wooden spoon) to help bruise the leaves more easily.

How to make a pitcher of berry watermelon mojitos

• 30 mint leaves
• ⅓ cup simple syrup
• 1.5 cups raspberries
• 2.5 cups watermelon
• ⅔ cup lime juice
• 1 cup white rum
• 2 cans soda water

First, muddle the leaves and a splash of the simple syrup in a large glass bowl with wooden spoon. Muddle the rest of the ingredients in the bowl the same as you would in the cocktail shaker. Strain into your pitcher. Add in ice, stir to combine, and top with soda water. Serve immediately.

Berry Watermelon Mojito Substitutions

Make it virgin: Whether you're cutting back on alcohol, pregnant, or just want a fancy drink without the alcohol, this one is easy to make virgin. Just leave out the rum--that's it! No need to replace it with anything, just add a little extra soda water.

Use a flavored rum: If you're looking for a little extra flavor punch, try using a flavored rum. My personal favorite to use in mojitos is lime-flavored rum. It adds a little extra something without making the drink too sweet.

Sugar vs. simple syrup: If you don't have simple syrup, don't worry! In this recipe, we use ½ oz of simple syrup, which is equal to about 2 teaspoons of table sugar. Just toss in the sugar with the mint leaves before muddling and you're all set.

White rum vs. dark rum: If you prefer your cocktails to have a deeper, smoky flavor, feel free to swap in dark, aged rum instead of white rum. Just note that the mojito will be slightly darker in color.

The Dietitian's Nutrient Notes

With only 11g of sugar and 160 calories, this is a great low-calorie, low-sugar option for summer. You're welcome to swap in artificial sweeteners for the simple syrup, but it will alter the taste of the cocktail.

If you're wanting to cut back or cut out alcohol, it's really simple to make this one virgin--just leave out the rum, and no one will know! If drinking mindfully is your goal, try having one virgin mojito for every alcoholic one--it will save you calories and a hangover.

Bonus Tips

Grow your own mint! I have such a hard time finding bundles of fresh mint at the grocery store, so this summer I decided to grow my own. It's an easy plant to grow and it's great because it grows fast and spreads quickly.

Use frozen watermelon or frozen berries instead of ice cubes. It's pretty and it won't water down your drink.

Keep lime juice on hand. If you're making a large batch of berry watermelon mojitos, juicing limes can get tiring. Aldi sells liter bottles of lime juice, which makes crafting this cocktail even easier.

Only garnish with mint, don't leave any in the glass. Mint leaves in your cocktail might look pretty, but they are a nuisance when you actually try to drink your mojito. They either stick to the rim of the glass or get stuck in your straw. All you need is a mint garnish on top!

If you're looking for a fun summer cocktail + apps, definitely try the Berry Watermelon Mojito paired with my Smoked Gouda Cheese Spread, or as a pre-dinner drink before whipping up this Garlic Basil Pasta. Cheers!

All my love & a little butter,

Olivia Sokolowska, MBA, RD