Cocktail O’Clock: Golden Watermelon Mojito

As August continues to heat up, I’ve been spinning my wheels thinking of the perfect summer cocktail. When making a drink recipe I am by no means an expert, but have found success while maintaining the following two rules: always use fresh ingredients and keep it simple. You won’t find me lighting any drinks on fire or making something more involved than my last relationship.

This brings me to my latest kick - watermelon. It‘s such a beautifully versatile fruit that brings freshness and light flavor to any dish, say in my Watermelon Arugula Salad recipe. Now this cocktail doesn’t require golden (yellow) watermelon, I just happened to stumble upon one at the local farmers market. It certainly adds some interest with the untraditional color, but ultimately tastes the same as it’s traditional counterpart. Here’s my Golden Watermelon Mojito recipe sure to impress and refresh your guests:

Ingredients:

1 cup sliced golden watermelon

1 juice of lime

1 oz simple syrup

Handful of mint leaves

3 oz white rum

Club soda to top off

Start by gathering your ingredients and chopping your watermelon into cubes. In regards to rum, I opt for the classic (and college reminiscent) Bacardi Superior. Throw in your mint leaves, about 20 or so, watermelon cubes and lime juice in a mixer and muddle thoroughly. Fill your shaker with ice followed by simple syrup and rum. Shake until chilled, about 30-45 seconds. Prep glasses with ice, pour over without straining and top off with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and balled melon or let the drink speak for itself. Enjoy!