Watermelon Mint Mocktail Recipe

Everyone knows watermelon was made for summer. Sweet, juicy, and refreshing, it’s the go-to fruit for pool days, cookouts, and porch-side snacking.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy it—but this mocktail might just top the list. It tastes like a bite of perfectly ripe watermelon, brightened with tart lime, cooled by fresh mint, and finished with just enough fizz to keep things interesting. Best of all? It’s as hydrating as it is flavorful, thanks to a base of electrolyte-rich cactus water.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner party drink or a light, cooling sip on a hot day, this Watermelon Mint Mocktail brings the summer vibes in every glass.

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Sweet, cool, and cactus-fueled

Hydrating and revitalizing with feel-good ingredients, this mocktail is a flavor-forward way to stay refreshed and alcohol-free. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Refreshing flavor fusion

Watermelon’s natural sweetness is the heart of this drink—juicy, light, and unmistakably summery. Lime adds just enough tartness to brighten it up, while fresh mint brings an herbal note for a cooling effect. It’s simple, balanced, and deeply refreshing.

Naturally hydrating

Thanks to cactus water, this mocktail doesn’t just taste delicious—it helps you stay hydrated. Cactus water is naturally rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, so it’s a smart way to stay cool and balanced on hot days.

Feel-good ingredients

This mocktail keeps things simple and clean—no sugary syrups, no artificial flavors. Just real fruit, fresh herbs, and naturally hydrating cactus water for a light, fresh drink that delivers the kind of refreshment your body craves.

Perfect for parties

This is the kind of drink that looks as good as it tastes. Serve it with a mint sprig and watermelon wedge in a clear glass to show off that bright pink color, and it instantly feels festive—no alcohol needed. It’s easy to scale up for groups and versatile enough to please any crowd.

How to choose a ripe watermelon

A great mocktail starts with great fruit, and that means picking a watermelon that’s perfectly ripe. Here’s what to look for:

Yellow (not white) field spot: Indicates it ripened on the vine.
Large webbing: More webbing means more pollination, which leads to sweeter fruit.
Heavy for its size: A heavier melon usually means it’s full of juice.
Deep, hollow sound: Tap it—if it sounds hollow, it’s likely ripe.
Dull, matte finish: Shiny skin can signal it’s underripe.

Pick the right one, and you’ll get sweet, juicy flavor in every sip.

Equipment needed

Ready to make Watermelon Mint Mocktails? Grab these kitchen tools to get started:

Citrus juicer (or squeeze by hand 💪)
Blender (to mix it up)
Cutting board and knife (to prep the fruit)
Metal strainer (for a smooth finish)
Muddler (to bring out the mint flavor)

What’s in a watermelon mocktail?

This mocktail delivers a fresh flavor combination that’s made for warm-weather sipping. With simple, all-natural ingredients, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Here’s what you’ll need to mix it up:

Caliwater Watermelon Cactus Water: Made with real watermelon and prickly pear fruit, Caliwater Watermelon creates a subtly sweet, fruity base that brings everything together. Low in calories and packed with electrolytes, it keeps your mocktail light, sippable, and uniquely hydrating. Check out the benefits →
Fresh watermelon: Watermelon gives the mocktail a juicy texture and an extra burst of natural sweetness. Blend and strain it for a smooth finish, or muddle it for a more rustic, textured feel.
Fresh lime juice: A squeeze of lime brightens the whole drink, adding just enough tartness to balance the sweetness of the watermelon. Fresh is best, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
Fresh mint leaves: Muddling a few mint leaves releases their oils for an herbal note that makes this mocktail extra fresh. Be sure to reserve a few sprigs for an elevated garnish that adds aromatics.
Club soda: A splash of fizz adds a refreshing lift. Club soda keeps it light and clean, but you can also use sparkling water or even lime-flavored seltzer for an extra citrus boost.
Ice cubes: Serve this mocktail ice-cold for maximum refreshment. For a flavorful twist, freeze cubes of watermelon or Caliwater and toss those in instead.

Watermelon mint mocktail recipe

Servings: 3

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

12-ounce can of Caliwater Watermelon Cactus Water
1½ cups cubed watermelon
2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
15 mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
Club soda
Ice cubes

Instructions

Squeeze. Cut the lime and juice it directly into the blender.
Blend. Add watermelon cubes and Caliwater to the blender. Blend until smooth.
Strain. Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.
Muddle. Add five mint leaves to each glass and gently muddle.
Serve. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the watermelon mixture, top with a few ounces of club soda, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Tips for serving

Since it’s mostly water, cubed watermelon freezes into the perfect ice cubes. Make “watermelon ice” ahead of time for mocktails that stay chilled without getting watered down—plus, there’s a sweet treat at the bottom of the glass 😋.

This recipe is super easy to make into batches. Simply double or triple the ingredients and divide among the glasses. It tastes great no matter what you drink it from, but use clear glasses for the most vibrant presentation.

Variations

Make it sweeter: If your watermelon isn’t peak-season ripe or you like a little more sweetness, add a touch of agave, honey, or your favorite natural sweetener.
Watermelon basil mocktails: Switch up the recipe with an herbal twist—use basil instead of mint. Basil gives the mocktail a more savory note.
Spicy watermelon mocktails: Adding a little heat is another great way to balance out the sweetness of watermelon. Muddle some jalapeños or rim the glasses with Taíjn.
Frozen watermelon mocktails: Freeze the watermelon before blending and add extra ice for a slushie-style version.

Blend, sip, repeat 🔁

With its fresh flavor combination, all-natural ingredients, and just a little sparkle, this Watermelon Mint Mocktail hits all the right notes. It’s easy to throw together, but feels fresh and elevated every time—perfect for poolside sips, summer dinner parties, or cooling kids down on hot afternoons. We’re making this mocktail on repeat all summer long.

Ready to mix your own? Grab a can (or a case) of Caliwater Watermelon to get started. It’s hydrating, subtly sweet, and delicious whether blended into a mocktail or enjoyed on its own.

Stock up online, at your local store, or on Instacart now to keep sipping all summer long.

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Watermelon Mint Mocktail Recipe