Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito Recipe

I still remember when I was a kid in summer time when watermelon was available all over the USA. My mom bought watermelon and made watermelon mojito for me and my younger sister, and we loved it so much. I also remember the moment after taking a sip of Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Watermelon Mojito. This drink is one of Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s most popular items, and after trying it myself, I understand why people love their watermelon mojito.

The sweet juicy watermelon mixed with mint and lime creates such a refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. Today I’m going to show you how to make your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito Recipe at home. It’s super easy, and I promise it tastes just as good as the one from the cafe!

What Makes Tropical Smoothie Watermelon Mojito So Special?

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Watermelon Mojito is not just any regular drink. It has a perfect mix of flavors that make it a favorite for many people. Here’s why it is so special:

1. It’s super refreshing – Fresh watermelon and mint make it the ultimate thirst-quencher.
2. It’s simple yet flavorful – You don’t need fancy ingredients, but the combination of fresh fruit and herbs gives it a restaurant-quality taste.
3. It’s hydrating – Watermelon is packed with water, making it a great way to stay cool in the heat.
4. It has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy – The sugar, lime, and club soda create the perfect mix of flavors.
5. It’s easy to make at home – You only need a few minutes to recreate this tropical treat!

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito Recipe:

• Yellow lemon (½): The lemon adds a sharp, citrusy note to the drink, which helps balance the sweetness of the watermelon and sugar.
• Watermelon (15-20 cubes): Watermelon is juicy and sweet, and it makes the base of this mojito. It’s hydrating and the perfect summer fruit.
• Fresh mint leaves (14-15 leaves): Mint brings that cool, fresh flavor that works perfectly in a mojito.
• Sugar (2 tsp): Sugar is optional, but it helps bring out the sweetness in the watermelon.
• Ice cubes (½ glass): Ice helps chill the drink and gives it that perfect refreshing touch.
• Fresh lime (2 slices): Lime adds a tangy flavor and gives a citrusy zing to the drink.
• Fresh mint leaves (2-3 leaves): Extra mint is used for garnish to give the drink a nice, aromatic touch.
• Club soda (⅓ of glass): The club soda gives the drink a fizzy, bubbly texture that makes it even more refreshing.

Helpful Swaps

1. Sugar Alternative – You can replace sugar with honey or agave syrup for a healthier option.
2. Club Soda – If you want a less sweet drink, use sparkling water instead.
3. Mint Substitutes – If fresh mint isn’t available, use mint syrup or a few drops of mint extract (but use sparingly!).

Kitchen Appliances You’ll Need

To make this drink, you don’t need much equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A muddler: This helps crush the mint, lemon, and watermelon to release all the flavors. If you don’t have one, you can use the back of a spoon.
2. A glass: For mixing and serving your mojito.
3. A stirring spoon: To mix the ingredients together before adding the soda.
4. A knife: For cutting the watermelon and lemon into pieces.

How to Make the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito

Making this watermelon mojito is super easy, and you can follow these simple steps to recreate the Tropical Smoothie Cafe version right in your kitchen.

Step 1 | Cut the lemon into small pieces

Start by slicing the lemon into small wedges. This will release the juice when muddled.

Step 2 | Add the lemon pieces to the glass

Place the lemon pieces into your glass to get that citrusy zing in your drink.

Step 3 | Add watermelon cubes

Next, add around 15-20 watermelon cubes to the glass. Watermelon brings sweetness and hydration to the mix.

Step 4 | Add fresh mint leaves

Add 14-15 fresh mint leaves into the glass. These will give the drink its cool, refreshing flavor.

Step 5 | Add sugar

If you like it a little sweeter, add 2 teaspoons of sugar. You can adjust this based on your sweetness preference.

Step 6 | Muddle the mixture

Using your muddler, gently mash the lemon, watermelon, mint, and sugar together. This releases all the juices and flavors.

Step 7 | Add ice cubes

Take another glass and fill half of the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.

Step 8 | Add lime slices

Toss in 2 slices of fresh lime to add a zesty kick to the mojito.

Step 9 | Add extra mint

Add 2-3 more fresh mint leaves for extra flavor and garnish.

Step 10 | Pour the watermelon mixture into the glass

Pour your muddled mixture into the glass, filling it about halfway.

Step 11 | Add a few more watermelon cubes

This adds extra texture and a fresh pop of color.

Step 12 | Add club soda

Fill the rest of the glass with club soda. This will add the fizz and make the drink extra refreshing.

Step 13 | Stir gently

Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 14 | Garnish with watermelon slices

For a fun touch, garnish your drink with a slice of watermelon on the rim of the glass.

Tips for Making Perfect Watermelon Mojito

After making this drink many times, I’ve learned some tricks that help make it perfect every time:

• Choose the right watermelon: Tap the watermelon – it should sound hollow. Look for a yellow spot where it sat on the ground – this means it ripened on the vine. The riper your watermelon, the sweeter your mojito will be.
• Chill your ingredients: I like to refrigerate my watermelon and club soda beforehand. Cold ingredients make a colder drink that stays refreshing longer.
• Don’t over-muddle the mint: Press gently when muddling mint leaves. If you muddle them too hard, they release bitter compounds that can ruin the taste of your drink.
• Use the right amount of ice: Too little ice and your drink won’t be cold enough; too much and it will dilute quickly. I find that filling half the glass works perfectly.
• Make it ahead (partially): If you’re serving these at a party, you can muddle the watermelon, mint, sugar, and citrus ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Just add ice and club soda when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve this Drink

Serving this watermelon mojito the right way makes it taste even better! Here’s how I like to serve it:

1. Glass choice: I prefer tall glasses that hold at least 12 ounces. Mason jars work great too and give a rustic feel. For fancy occasions, I use hurricane glasses or highball glasses.
2. Temperature: Serve this drink very cold! I sometimes chill the glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before making the drink.
3. Serving time: I find watermelon mojito tastes best right after making it, when the club soda is still bubbly and the ice hasn’t melted too much.
4. Presentation: Place the drink on a coaster and add a colorful paper straw. If you’re serving guests, arrange the drinks on a tray with extra mint sprigs and watermelon slices on the side.
5. Timing: This drink is perfect for mid-afternoon or early evening when the sun is still out but starting to go down. There’s something about the golden hour light shining through a pink watermelon mojito that makes summer feel magical!

What to Eat with Watermelon Mojito

Pairing food with this refreshing drink makes for a complete experience! Here are my favorite foods to serve with watermelon mojito:

1. Light appetizers: Cucumber sandwiches, hummus with pita chips, or bruschetta pair perfectly with this drink. The lightness of these snacks complements the refreshing quality of the mojito.
2. Grilled foods: I love serving watermelon mojito at barbecues. The cool drink balances the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or vegetable kebabs.
3. Fresh salads: A summer salad with mixed greens, feta cheese, and vinaigrette dressing tastes amazing alongside this drink. I especially love arugula salad with watermelon chunks and balsamic glaze.
4. Spicy dishes: The cooling effect of watermelon and mint balances spicy foods beautifully. Try serving this drink with spicy tacos, buffalo wings, or Thai food.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen watermelon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen watermelon if fresh watermelon isn’t available. Just remember to let it thaw slightly before muddling it to release the juice.

2. Can I make this a cocktail?

Yes, you can add a splash of rum or vodka if you’d like to make this a boozy version of the Watermelon Mojito.

3. How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftover mixture (without soda), store it in the fridge for up to a day. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

4. Can I make this drink without sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the watermelon. If you need a little sweetness, try honey or stevia.

5. How long does this drink last?

This drink is best consumed immediately, but if you have leftovers (without the soda), you can store it in the fridge for a few hours.

Continue to Content

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito in just 5 minutes! This refreshing summer drink with watermelon, mint, and lime is perfect for hot days.

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Ingredients

• ½ yellow lemon (cut into wedges)
• 15-20 cubes watermelon
• 14-15 fresh mint leaves
• 2 tsp sugar (optional)
• ½ glass ice cubes
• 2 slices fresh lime
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
• ⅓ glass club soda

Instructions

Step 1 | Cut the lemon into small pieces

Start by slicing the lemon into small wedges. This will release the juice when muddled.

Step 2 | Add the lemon pieces to the glass

Place the lemon pieces into your glass to get that citrusy zing in your drink.

Step 3 | Add watermelon cubes

Next, add around 15-20 watermelon cubes to the glass. Watermelon brings sweetness and hydration to the mix.

Step 4 | Add fresh mint leaves

Add 14-15 fresh mint leaves into the glass. These will give the drink its cool, refreshing flavor.

Step 5 | Add sugar

If you like it a little sweeter, add 2 teaspoons of sugar. You can adjust this based on your sweetness preference.

Step 6 | Muddle the mixture

Using your muddler, gently mash the lemon, watermelon, mint, and sugar together. This releases all the juices and flavors.

Step 7 | Add ice cubes

Take another glass and fill half of the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.

Step 8 | Add lime slices

Toss in 2 slices of fresh lime to add a zesty kick to the mojito.

Step 9 | Add extra mint

Add 2-3 more fresh mint leaves for extra flavor and garnish.

Step 10 | Pour the watermelon mixture into the glass

Pour your muddled mixture into the glass, filling it about halfway.

Step 11 | Add a few more watermelon cubes

This adds extra texture and a fresh pop of color.

Step 12 | Add club soda

Fill the rest of the glass with club soda. This will add the fizz and make the drink extra refreshing.

Step 13 | Stir gently

Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 14 | Garnish with watermelon slices

For a fun touch, garnish your drink with a slice of watermelon on the rim of the glass.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 0.5g

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Tropical Smoothie Cafe Watermelon Mojito Recipe as I am! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer right at home.

I’d love to hear how your version turns out, so don’t forget to share your cooking experience in the comments. And, if you try this refreshing drink, make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes. Enjoy, and happy sipping!