You're going to love this easy Watermelon Gin Cocktail recipe! Fresh watermelon juice is muddled with fresh mint for a fragrant, fruity drink that is the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing. Super quick to make, this hydrating watermelon juice cocktail recipe is perfect to make all summer long!
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If you've been looking for the perfect watermelon cocktail with gin, this is it! Homemade or store-bought watermelon juice is flavored with lemon and fresh mint before being finished with a shot of your favorite gin for the ultimate fruity summer drink!
Why I love this watermelon cocktail recipe
Fresh watermelon juice makes the perfect base for summer cocktails. And I just know you're going to love this Watermelon Gin Cocktail.
It's super refreshing and not overly sweet. The mint is subtle but you can add more if you are a fan.
Related: Watermelon Cocktails with Vodka
This is a great starter recipe if you aren't sure you like gin cocktails. You can taste it in the drink, but it is subtle, helped along by the fruity flavor of the watermelon.
This easy Watermelon Juice Gin Cocktail manages to be super refreshing and just a little bit fancy - especially garnished with pretty edible flowers - but does not require any special or hard-to-find ingredients or skills.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make a refreshing gin cocktail with watermelon:
- fresh mint leaves
- watermelon
- fresh lemon juice
- simple syrup, homemade or store-bought
- gin
I made the watermelon juice by blending fresh watermelon in a Magic Bullet then pushing through a strainer to remove most of the solids (I'll show you below). You can use store-bought watermelon juice if you prefer but it will be sweeter (and is usually mixed with other fruit like apples) so you can skip adding the simple syrup (unless you need it based on taste preferences!)
How pretty is the bottle of Silent Pool Gin?? It is a slightly herbal botanical gin from the South of England I'm really loving at the moment and I think the flavors help it stand out against the watermelon juice cocktail. But you can use any gin you have on hand.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.
Directions
Step 1
Blend and strain your watermelon to make the watermelon juice if you are not using store-bought.
Step 2
Add the mint leaves, watermelon juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and gin to a cocktail shaker.
Step 3
Muddle the mint to help release the oils and flavors into the other liquid.
Step 4
Add ice and shake well.
Step 5
Strain into a short cocktail glass with fresh ice.
Browse all my favorite glassware.
I garnished my Watermelon Gin Cocktail with edible flowers, but another sprig of fresh mint would work just as well. You could also make a pretty rim for your cocktail glass instead!
Variations
- Change the spirit - I love the subtle flavor gin adds to watermelon juice but for a smoother drink use vodka (watermelon vodka would help boost the flavor of weaker watermelons) but white rum or tequila would also be delicious!
- Switch to basil - fresh basil works super well with watermelon juice - add just as a garnish, or muddle in the cocktail shaker as you would the mint for extra flavor.
- Switch to lime - ask anyone who has ever had a watermelon margarita, fresh lime juice also works super well with watermelon juice, so use lime instead of lemon if you prefer.
- Add cucumber - muddle a few cucumber slices into the drink to make it even more refreshing!
Top tips
- You can get ahead by making the watermelon juice up to a day ahead and storing it in the fridge.
- If you're planning on making a big batch of these to serve in a pitcher place a long spoon in the jug as it will need a stir before pouring if it has been sitting out a bit. Even though you're using watermelon juice it can still separate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of gin. You can make it alcohol-free by using a 0% gin, or kid friendly by leaving it out completely. This is still a delicious recipe for watermelon juice without the extra kick!
How sweet a watermelon is varies so much, so I'd taste the juice before adding the simple syrup if you think you've cut open a good one and reduce the amount if needed. If it is too late and you've already added the syrup, serve this watermelon cocktail in slightly larger glasses and top up with soda water. This will water down the sweetness and make the drink pleasantly fizzy!
More easy cocktail recipes
- Easy Fresh Watermelon Margarita Recipe On The Rocks
- Watermelon Aperol Spritz Recipe with Vodka
- Easy Watermelon Gimlet Recipe with Watermelon Vodka
- Watermelon Mimosas Recipe with Prosecco
- Vodka Spiked Iced Tea Cocktail
- Lavender French 75
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A Super Refreshing Fresh Watermelon Gin Cocktail for Summer
Ingredients
- 6 mint leaves
- ½ cup watermelon juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz gin
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint, watermelon juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain into short cocktail glasses with fresh ice.
- Garnish with more fresh mint or dried edible flowers, if liked.
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