Summery Watermelon Smash

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This Watermelon Smash cocktail is the perfect summer cocktail! This drink combines the sweet taste of fresh watermelon with the tangy kick of citrus and the herbal touch of mint.

It's the perfect choice for chilling by the pool or enjoying with friends on a sunny day. I love a refreshing cocktail that is swimming in crushed ice for the summer; just check out this Summer Bourbon Peach Smash, Strawberry Mint Julep, or this Fresh Blackberry Mint Julep!

A watermelon smash cocktail on a blue tile table with a large sprig of mint and a slice of watermelon garnished on the glass.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Perfect for Summer: The Watermelon Smash captures the essence of summer with its fresh and fruity taste, making it a great go-to for warm days.
Bursting with Flavor: The blend of watermelon, citrus, and mint creates a tasty combination that will excite your taste buds.
Easy to Make: Don't worry about being a bartender – this cocktail is a breeze to prepare, and no special skills are needed.

A shot glass with vodka, cubed watermelon, limes, mint and agave on a blue tile table.

Key Ingredients:

Watermelon: cubed or diced fresh watermelon works best.
Limes: always use fresh lime juice for cocktails. This one uses so tiny there is no need to buy store-bought lime juice.
Agave or Simple Syrup: whatever sweetener you have on hand works great, but I do prefer the taste of agave.
Vodka: you could also substitute for white rum.

How to make this recipe:

The watermelon, mint, and agave in a cocktail shaker.

In a cocktail shaker, mash the fresh watermelon, agave, and mint leaves until the watermelon is crushed.

Add the lime juice, vodka, and a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake until well blended.

Pouring the cocktail into a glass with crushed ice.

Pour the cocktail through a strainer into a glass filled with crushed ice cubes.

Two watermelon smash cocktails on a blue tile table.

Top it off with a small slice of watermelon and a sprig of mint

Substitutions

Alcohol Substitution: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka or white rum. Instead, you can add a splash of coconut water or sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
Different Fruits: While watermelon is the star of this cocktail, you can try other fresh fruits like strawberries, peaches, or even pineapple to create your own fruity concoction.
Herb Alternatives: If you don't have fresh mint, you can use basil or cilantro for a unique herbal touch. Alternatively, skip the herbs altogether for a simpler taste.
Sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of simple syrup.
Sparkling Addition: For an effervescent twist, substitute club soda with flavored sparkling water or ginger ale to add a bubbly element to your cocktail.

Tips:

Choose ripe and sweet watermelon for the best taste. Seedless watermelon works fine, but any kind will do.
Adjust the amount of lime juice for more or less tanginess.
For some fizz, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
To try something different, experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro to complement the watermelon.

FAQ

How to make crushed ice:

To make my crushed ice for cocktails I find it works best to blend ice cubes in a food processor for a minute or two.