Watermelon Cocktail with Rum, Basil and Mint

This delicious watermelon cocktail is made with fresh-juiced or store bought watermelon juice, mint, basil, and light rum. It's the perfect light summer cocktail, and it's super easy to make.

Related recipe: Peach Vodka Iced Tea Cocktail

Refreshing watermelon cocktail

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a relaxing long weekend in Cabo San Lucas. I sampled more than a few delicious adult beverages while I was there, but my favorite was the watermelon cocktail with fresh herbs from Flora Farms.

It was light and refreshing, and not too strong or too sweet, which is exactly what I look for in a summer cocktail. I knew I'd be making it at home ASAP.

Thanks to the availability of fresh cold pressed watermelon water or watermelon juice at most grocery stores (or the ease of making your own), it was super simple to re-create the recipe.

Related recipe: Low Calorie Piña Colada

What kind of watermelon juice to use

If you prefer, you can make your own watermelon juice for this drink, but I find it a lot easier to buy it pre-made at the store.

Fresh watermelon juice can be on the pricey side, but you don't need to use much in this cocktail, so a little goes a long way. Plus, it's very hydrating, which is an added bonus if you're enjoying this cocktail on a hot summer day.

If you want to make your own watermelon juice, you have a few options: you can blend watermelon in a blender (make sure to remove any hard seeds!) and then sieve or strain it through a coffee filter.

You can also muddle watermelon in a cup with a mojito muddler and then strain it the same way.

Related recipe: Paloma Cocktail

Watermelon and fresh herbs

The addition of fresh basil and fresh mint adds to the summery taste, and these herbs pair SO well with watermelon.

Use a muddler to get the most flavor out of the herbs.

Got extra basil? Try this 5 minute summer meal idea: Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

What type of rum should I use?

The type of rum you use in this cocktail is important. Look for a clear rum labeled "light rum," "white rum," or "silver rum."

I love the light rum in this recipe because the taste is really mild (in fact I hardly tasted it at all). There's something about a summer cocktail with rum that just gives off an "instant vacation in a glass" vibe.

Avoid using gold rum or dark rum for this recipe, as the flavor will overpower the other ingredients.

Related recipe: Hibiscus Lemonade

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