Mojitos, Margs and Coolers

This recipe and photography was provided courtesy of local cookbook author and chef, Carla Snyder. Learn more about Carla and discover her recipes at Ravenouskitchen.com or in her cookbook, One Pan Whole Family.

 Watermelon, rum, mint and lime are such a refreshing combination that when testing this recipe we made it three nights in a row…even though we were pretty sure we got it right the first time. Boozy, tart, sweet and seriously delish, this recipe makes a small pitcher so guests can serve themselves.

Watermelon Mojitos

Start to finish: 15 minutes
Hands on time: 15 minutes
Makes 6 drinks

Ingredients:

• 4-oz lime juice (about 4 limes)
• 3-oz Cointreau
• 2-oz agave nectar
• 3/4-oz or 1 package mint leaves plus more for garnish
• 10-oz white rum
• 18-oz watermelon juice
• Club soda
• Lime and watermelon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small pitcher, combine the lime juice, Cointreau, agave and mint and muddle the mint, bruising the leaves and releasing the flavor.
2. Stir in the rum and watermelon juice. Taste and add more agave or lime if it needs it.
3. For each drink, pour 6 oz into an ice filled glass and top with club soda. Garnish with fresh mint and lime slices.

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Watermelon Margaritas

This watermelon marg is sure to be your new summer favorite. Super simple with only 4 ingredients, the quality of tequila will really make a difference so use a good silver tequila for the smoothest margarita cocktail. However, a word of warning as these margaritas are so delicious that you may drink them faster than you probably should. Beware!

Start to finish: 15 minutes
Hands on time: 15 minutes
Makes 4 big drinks

Ingredients:

• 12-oz silver tequila
• 12-oz watermelon juice
• 6-oz lime juice (about 6 limes)
• 3-oz agave nectar
• Lime and watermelon wedges as garnish
• Kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a small pitcher, stir together the tequila, watermelon, lime and agave. Taste and add more lime or agave if it needs it.
2. Run a lime wedge around the edge of each glass and dip onto a plate of kosher salt.
3. For each drink, pour 8 oz into an ice filled shaker and shake. Pour into prepared glass and garnish with lime and or a watermelon wedge.

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Sparkling Watermelon Cooler

Lovely to look at and delicious to drink, this simple watermelon cooler takes a spritzer to the next level. Start with a dry sparkling wine like prosecco for a drink that’s not too sweet but just fruity enough to make any day a celebration.

It’s that easy: Midori is a melon liquor. Very sweet and bright green, it’s heavier than water so it sits at the bottom of a glass if gently drizzled down the side. I don’t use it so much for taste as for a pretty effect so the drink is delicious without it, but prettier with it.

Start to finish: 5 minutes
Hands on time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• Watermelon juice
• Sparkling white wine or prosecco
• Midori liquor
• Watermelon slices as garnish

Instructions:

1. Add 1-oz watermelon juice to a flute glass and top with sparkling white wine.
2. Pour Midori onto a large tablespoon and drizzle it slowly down the inside of the glass. You’ll see it settle on the bottom.
3. Add another spoon if you need to and garnish with the watermelon slice.

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