Watermelon Cooler Recipe

Purée strawberries and watermelon

Place hulled strawberries and cubed watermelon in a blender. Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (if using) to brighten and balance the sweetness. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

If you prefer a very smooth cooler, strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, pressing with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard seeds/pulp left in the sieve.

Combine spirits and purée

In a cocktail shaker (or large mixing glass), add the watermelon vodka, Malibu rum, triple sec, and 2–3 fl oz of the prepared fruit purée (about half).

Add lemonade and ice

Add the fresh lemonade and a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker. If using a mixing glass, fill a serving glass with ice instead and stir in the last step.

Shake or stir

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled. If using a mixing glass, stir with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute properly.

Taste and adjust: if the drink is too tart, add up to 0.5 fl oz simple syrup; if too sweet, add a splash more fresh lemon juice. Stir briefly to combine any adjustment.

Fill a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass, leaving behind ice from the shaker.

Top with the remaining fruit purée (about 1–2 fl oz) for a layered look, or gently pour it over the back of a spoon so it swirls through the drink.

Garnish with a small watermelon wedge or a whole strawberry on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.