Watermelon Juice Cooler
This vibrant Watermelon Juice Cooler balances sweet, juicy watermelon with zesty lime and a hint of mint for a refreshing summer drink that’s naturally sweet, beautifully colored, and endlessly refreshing.
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
- 8 cups seedless watermelon cubed (about half a medium watermelon)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice from approximately 2 limes
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar optional, depending on watermelon sweetness
- 10 fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of salt enhances watermelon flavor
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lime slices and watermelon wedges for garnish
Prepare the watermelon by cutting it into 1-inch cubes, removing any black seeds if not using seedless. The smaller the cubes, the easier they’ll blend into smooth juice.
Add watermelon cubes to your blender along with the mint leaves and blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Work in batches if needed to avoid overloading your blender.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, using the back of a spoon to gently press and extract all the juice while leaving behind any pulp. This step ensures a smoother texture.
Stir in the lime juice and taste test your cooler. Add honey or agave if needed, depending on the natural sweetness of your watermelon. Add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the watermelon flavor.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly. The flavors will meld together and develop during this time.
Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with fresh mint leaves, lime slices, and small watermelon wedges for a picture-perfect presentation.
- For the best flavor, use a perfectly ripe watermelon that feels heavy for its size and sounds hollow when tapped.
- This cooler can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—just stir well before serving.
- For a slushy version, freeze the watermelon cubes before blending, reducing or eliminating the ice.
- The optional pinch of salt doesn’t make the juice salty—it actually enhances the watermelon’s natural sweetness.
- If you prefer a pulp-free drink, strain twice or use a nut milk bag for ultra-smooth results.