Watermelon Basil Mojito Mocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and refreshing non-alcoholic mojito featuring fresh watermelon juice and fragrant basil for summer hydration. This caribbean-inspired summer cookout ready in about 10 minutes brings together cubed seedless watermelon, leaves fresh basil leaves, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 2 Caribbean cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, puree 2 cups of seedless watermelon cubes until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to extract juice.
  2. Step 2: In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle 10 fresh basil leaves gently with 1 tablespoon simple syrup and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chilled watermelon juice and 1 cup ice cubes to the muddled basil mixture.
  4. Step 4: Shake or stir well to combine and chill.
  5. Step 5: Pour mixture into a glass and top with 1 cup sparkling water, stirring gently.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with a basil leaf or small lime wedge and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Watermelon Basil Mojito Mocktail take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Watermelon Basil Mojito Mocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover watermelon basil mojito mocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Watermelon Basil Mojito Mocktail?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Watermelon Basil Mojito Mocktail for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Watermelon Basil Mojito Mocktail?

Caribbean summer cookout like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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