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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- 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.