Watermelon is mostly water and needs very little to become a good drink: a squeeze of lime, a little salt and fresh mint. Topping it with sparkling water makes it light and fizzy, so it works as an alcohol-free option for gatherings and hot afternoons.
Why this recipe works
- Well-chilled watermelon (briefly frozen if it is not already cold) makes the drink cold and slightly thick without watered-down ice in the blender.
- A pinch of salt and fresh lime sharpen the sweetness so little or no added sugar is needed.
- Sparkling water added last keeps the fizz, so each glass tastes fresh.
Method
Wash the whole watermelon under running water and scrub the rind before cutting, so knife and fruit do not carry rind bacteria into the flesh. Cut away the rind and chop 600 g of flesh into 2.5 cm cubes, removing any stray seeds.
If the watermelon is not already cold, spread the cubes on a tray and freeze for 20 minutes until the edges are firm but the centres are not solid. This chills the drink and thickens it slightly without adding diluting ice to the blender.
Blend the watermelon with the lime juice, the pinch of salt and the agave, if using, on high for 30 to 40 seconds until completely smooth. Taste it, and add a little more lime if it is too sweet.
Tip: The salt will not make the drink taste salty. It lifts the sweetness and sharpens the lime.
Divide the mint between 2 tall glasses and press it gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon, 4 or 5 presses, until it smells fragrant but is not shredded.
Add 4 ice cubes to each glass, then divide the watermelon purée between the glasses (about 300 g each), leaving room at the top for the sparkling water.
Top with the sparkling water, stir once from the bottom, garnish with a mint sprig, and drink straight away while still fizzy.
Swaps & substitutions
- Agave nectar → Honey or no sweetener: Honey makes it non-vegan. Ripe, in-season watermelon is usually sweet enough that neither is needed.
- Lime juice → Lemon juice: Slightly rounder and less bitter. Use the same amount.
- Sparkling water → Coconut water (240 ml): A still, lightly sweet alternative. It adds about 25 kcal a glass and a little potassium.
Storage & reheating
Best made fresh. The blended purée, without the sparkling water, keeps up to 24 hours in a covered jar in the fridge. It separates, so shake or stir it well before pouring. Add the sparkling water and ice only when serving. Watermelon purée is perishable, so do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories and how much sugar are in this mocktail?
About 105 kcal and 21 g of sugars per glass, almost all naturally from the watermelon. The teaspoon of agave adds roughly 2 to 3 g per glass. It is lower in sugar than most bottled soft drinks, but it is still a sweet drink.
Why add salt to a watermelon drink?
A tiny pinch makes the fruit taste sweeter and rounder, and balances the lime. Use only a pinch, which is about 0.4 g for the whole batch, so you cannot taste it as salt.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes. Scale the purée up and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours, then pour it over ice and top with sparkling water glass by glass. Do not add the fizz to the pitcher.
Do I have to strain it?
Not for a seedless watermelon, which blends to a smooth purée. For a clear, thin cooler, strain it through a fine sieve first, which removes the fibre.
Why wash the watermelon before cutting it?
The rind can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, and a knife can drag them into the flesh. Scrub the whole fruit under running water before you cut it.
Nutrition
| Calories | 106 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fat | 0.6 g |
| Fibre | 1.4 g |
| Sodium | 82 mg |
More in Global Kitchen Recipes and Drinks & Lassis.
