This summer we have been eating quite a bit of watermelon. It is the perfect summer food, eat it really cold and the juices are simply refreshing. We’ve had a very hot summer so you can imagine how often we eat watermelon! So why not make some watermelon juice and have a little fun with it!

We grow watermelons in our garden, but so far this summer all our watermelons have been store bought. Our own melons will be ready soon and the boys are VERY ANXIOUS to try them! We’ve had good luck though and all but one of our bought watermelons has been juicy and delicious.

When I get a watermelon I now put half of it directly into the blender. That yields a good amount of watermelon juice. With that you can make these delicious mojitos. Of course the kids also enjoy watermelon juice with selzer. There are many other ways to use it, get creative and have fun drinks this summer!

I must admit, I am a little on the lazy side. Some people strain the pulp out of the watermelon juice. Well not me! You really don’t notice it much if you shake it before use. The boys have never mentioned anything either. So I continue to pop it straight in the fridge after blending. If you want to spend the extra time and clean a strainer go for it!

Josh and I enjoy mojitos. I think we had our first one on our honeymoon and haven’t looked back since then. This is an excellent summer drink combining watermelon with lime and mint (fresh from our garden as well). Add some rum and all is good. Happy summer sipping!!

Watermelon Mojito
1/2 c. watermelon juice (see note)
2 oz. rum
1/4 c. mint leaves, torn
1 Tbs. simple syrup (more or less, depending on sweetness of watermelon juice and preference)
Juice of half a lime

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, strain and serve over ice. Garnish with mint leaves.

NOTE: To make watermelon juice place chunks of seeded watermelon in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds. If you don’t want to make a batch of juice you could still take several pieces of watermelon and muddle them with the mint until you get a juicy mixture and then place it in shaker with rum, lime juice, simple syrup and ice.

Yields: 1 serving