Watermelon Smash Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare Watermelon Purée

   Place the chilled watermelon cubes in a blender. Purée on high until smooth, about 30–45 seconds. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup to remove pulp and seeds, pressing with a spoon; you should have about 1 cup (8 oz) of juice. Discard solids.

2. 2

   Optional Glass Rim

   If you like, run a lime wedge around the rim of two serving glasses and dip into the coarse salt to create a salty rim. Set glasses aside.

3. 3

   Muddle Mint

   In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, place the mint leaves and simple syrup. Gently muddle 6 of the mint leaves just enough to bruise them and release oils (about 6–8 gentle presses). Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.

4. 4

   Combine Ingredients

   Add the strained watermelon juice, white rum, and fresh lime juice to the shaker with muddled mint. Add a handful of crushed ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker.

5. 5

   Shake

   Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled (the outside of the shaker will frost).

6. 6

   Assemble Drinks

   Fill the prepared serving glasses with crushed ice (about 0.5–1 cup per glass). Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the glasses over the ice (use a fine strainer if you prefer no pulp).

7. 7

   Top and Garnish

   Top each glass with about 1.5 oz (45 ml) of club soda to add effervescence. Gently slap the remaining mint leaves between your hands to wake the aroma and tuck a sprig into each glass. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge on the rim or float a thin slice on top.

8. 8

   Serve

   Serve immediately with a straw. Stir lightly before drinking to combine soda. Adjust sweetness with additional simple syrup if desired.