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    Home » Recipes » Make At Home Cocktails » Fresh Watermelon Rum Cocktail

    Fresh Watermelon Rum Cocktail

    Published: Aug 16, 2020 · Modified: Jan 26, 2023 by Chelsea Peachtree · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Enjoy summer on sunshine with this fresh watermelon rum cocktail. This quick to make cocktail uses five simple ingredients and will impress any of your guests. Sip on this cocktail during a warm summer evening, during a picnic or at the beach.

    For more summertime cocktails using fresh fruit, try my Pina Colada Sangria, Jalapeno Strawberry Margarita or Cucumber Moscow Mule.

    Watermelon Rum Cocktail in a glass with a watermelon slice and mint as a garnish on a pink surface

    WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

    • Fresh fruit. This watermelon rum cocktail uses fresh watermelon juice, ensuring it is full of watermelon flavor.
    • Quick + Simple. Making this cocktail couldn't be any easier. All you need is 4 ingredients, one mixer glass, two glasses and less than 3 minutes.
    • Easy to double or triple the recipe. If you are with a bigger group or want extra so you do not need to make multiple cocktails in one night, double or triple the recipe!

    INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

    ingredients for rum cocktail in separate bowls on a pink surface

    Watermelon. Fresh watermelon is a must for this recipe. Using fresh watermelon will ensure that this cocktail tastes the best. Juices will not have the same taste. Plus, who does not love added nutrition in this cocktail!

    Dark Rum. Rum added a sweetness to this cocktail, and, in my opinion, a total summer feel. I prefer to use Meyers or Flora De Cana, but any dark rum will work!

    Maple Syrup. Maple syrup sweetens up this cocktail. You can also substitute with triple sec, or any liquid sweetener you prefer. If you prefer your cocktail without any added sugar, simply omit this.

    Seltzer. I used flavorless seltzer for this cocktail, but lime, lemon or watermelon flavor are also delicious with it.

    STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Add the watermelon chunks to a glass or shaker and muddle the watermelon. Use a firm pressing mechanism and twisting motion to release the juices. Muddle for 30-45 seconds until most of the juice from the watermelon is released. If you do not own a muddler, you can use the back of a wooden spoon.
    A shaker glass with watermelon and a muddler in the inside of the glass showing the juice released from the watermelon.

    2. Strain the watermelon juice from the shaker glass into a mixing glass. You will not need the left over "smashed" watermelon, so you can throw it out or freeze it for smoothies!

    3. Add maple syrup, rum and lime juice to the glass with the watermelon juice and mix.

    4. Fill two cups with ice then pour the watermelon mixture evenly into the two glasses.

    5. Fill the glasses to the brim with seltzer then stir! Option to garnish watermelon slice and mint.

    STORING INSTRUCTIONS

    Because this cocktail uses fresh fruit, it is best to make and serve it right away. If you do not need to store the drink, only mix the watermelon, rum, lime juice and maple syrup mixture and place in the refrigerator. Do not store this fresh watermelon cocktail with seltzer or ice or it will become watered down.

    TIME SAVING HACKS

    If you are short on time, you can muddle the watermelon and strain it. The watermelon juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. I do not recommend storing it for longer than that, as it will lose it freshness.

    FAQS

    What alcohol is best to pair with watermelon?

    It depends on your preference, but I find that rum, tequila, gin or vodka are great to pair with watermelon. This cocktail calls for rum, but you can easily substitute it with gin or tequila.

    Can I make this sugar free?

    Absolutely! Other than the natural sugars in the watermelon, you can easily omit the maple syrup or use a sugar free liquid sweetener.

    Does the watermelon need to be fresh?

    Yes, fresh watermelon is best! It releases the most juices. I find that frozen then thawed watermelon does not provide as pure of a flavor.

    TIPS FOR SUCCESS

    • Use a smaller watermelon for sweetness. Smaller watermelons tend to be on the sweeter side. Because this recipe only calls for 1 cup of watermelon, you will also have less leftover!
    • Adjust sweetness to your liking. I use 1 tbsp of maple syrup for this cocktail, but if you prefer to not add any sugar or if you prefer a less sweet drink, you can use ½ tbsp of maple syrup or none.
    Watermelon Rum Cocktail in a glass with a watermelon slice and mint as a garnish on a pink surface with another cocktail in the background and a wooden juicer on the side

    FRESH FLAVORED FAVORITES

    • Refreshing Gin Mojito Recipe with Raspberries
    • Spicy + Fresh Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita Recipe
    • Easy Grapefruit Rosemary Vodka Seltzer

    Fresh Watermelon Rum Cocktail

    Chelsea Peachtree
    Enjoy summer on sunshine with this fresh watermelon rum cocktail. This quick to make cocktail uses five simple ingredients and will impress any of your guests. Sip on this cocktail during a warm summer evening, during a picnic or at the beach.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 150 kcal

    Equipment

    • Muddler

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup watermelon cut into small pieces
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup optional
    • 3 oz dark rum
    • 1 tbsp lime juice approx ½ lime
    • 1 plain seltzer
    • ice

    Instructions
     

    • Add the watermelon chunks to a glass or shaker and muddle the watermelon. Use a firm pressing mechanism and twisting motion to release the juices. Muddle for 30-45 seconds until most of the juice from the watermelon is released.
      If you do not own a muddler, you can use the back of a wooden spoon.
    • Strain the watermelon juice from the shaker glass into a mixing glass. You can throw out the extra watermelon or freeze it for smoothies.
    • Add maple syrup, rum and lime juice to the glass with the watermelon juice and mix.
    • Fill two cups with ice then pour the watermelon mixture evenly into the two glasses.
    • Fill the glasses to the brim with seltzer then stir! Option to garnish watermelon slice and mint.

    Notes

    STORING INSTRUCTIONS

    Because this cocktail uses fresh fruit, it is best to make and serve it right away. If you do not need to store the drink, only mix the watermelon, rum, lime juice and maple syrup mixture and place in the refrigerator. Do not store this fresh watermelon cocktail with seltzer or ice or it will become watered down.

    TIME SAVING HACKS

    If you are short on time, you can muddle the watermelon and strain it. The watermelon juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. I do not recommend storing it for longer than that, as it will lose it freshness.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 436IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
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