Sip into summer with this Watermelon Gin Cocktail with citrus and mint! This fruity drink is the perfect addition to your poolside or backyard barbecue gathering.
I like using Empress gin because it gives this drink a stunning pink-lavender color, although any gin will work for this recipe. The combination of fresh mint, juicy watermelon, and tangy lemon creates a refreshingly light taste that is sure to delight your taste buds.
This cocktail is a creative twist on the gin and tonic with a minty mojito vibe. It is a fresh drink with a subtle yet satisfying burst of flavor. The lemon adds a bright citrusy note, while the mint provides a cool and invigorating element. The sweetness of the watermelon is balanced by the tanginess of the lemon and the cool freshness of the mint. Together, this trio of flavors creates a delicious and refreshing taste that is perfect for summertime. Another fabulous drink try is White Wine Sangria.
Make This a Mocktail
If you want to make this drink alcohol-free, then all you need to do is eliminate the gin and change the tonic water to sprite. Now you have a refreshing and delicious mocktail.
Ingredients
- Gin: While you can use any gin for this recipe, I recommend using Empress gin.
- Watermelon juice: Cut the watermelon into cubes and puree it in a blender or food processor for 45 seconds. Pour the watermelon puree into a sieve placed over a small mixing bowl to catch the juice.
- Simple Syrup: If you don't have simple syrup on hand, don't worry - it's easy to make your own! Just follow these simple syrup directions below. The best part? This recipe makes extra so you can store it in a jar for up to one month and use it for future cocktails or desserts.
- Salting the rim of your glass: Use kosher salt, sea salt for your cocktail’s salt rim. Avoid using iodized table salt, which clumps together and has an overly strong flavor. If you do not want to salt the rim of your glass, you can instead sprinkle some Himalayan pink salt onto your drink before serving to bring out the flavors.
- Mint Leaves: Gently muddle the leaves at the bottom of your glass before adding the other ingredients. This will infuse the cocktail with minty undertones.
How To Make a Simple Syrup
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the syrup cool for 10 minutes in the fridge.
- While the syrup is cooling, cut the watermelon into cubes and puree it in a blender or food processor for 45 seconds. to make the watermelon juice, pour the watermelon puree into a sieve placed over a small mixing bowl to catch the juice.
- Mix the simple syrup into the watermelon juice until blended. Use it immediately or store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge until you're ready to make the cocktail.
- You can use the simple syrup right away or store in a sealed tight jar in the fridge until you are ready to make this cocktail.
Watermelon Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
Watermelon Simple Syrup Recipe
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup juice from a watermelon
Cocktail Recipe
- 5 leaves mint
- ½ glass ice
- 1 ounce Gin
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ounce Watermelon Simple Syrup
- 5-6 ounces Tonic Water (top up your glass)
Instructions
Watermelon Simple Syrup Recipe
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the syrup cool for 10 minutes in the fridge.
- While the syrup is cooling, cut the watermelon into cubes and puree it in a blender or food processor for 45 seconds. Pour the watermelon puree into a sieve placed over a small mixing bowl to catch the juice.
- Mix the simple syrup into the watermelon juice until blended. Use it immediately or store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge until you're ready to make the cocktail.
- You can use the simple syrup right away or store in a sealed tight jar in the fridge until you are ready to make this cocktail.
Cocktail Recipe
- Rim the glass with kosher salt or sea salt.
- Gently muddle the mint leaves in the glass.
- Add ice to fill half the glass.
- Pour in the gin, followed by simple syrup and lemon juice.
- Fill the rest of the glass with tonic water and mix lightly.
- Garnish with a few mint leaves (optional).
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