This masala watermelon mojito takes watermelon, mint leaves, limes, and chaat masala and turns it into a refreshing summer drink. You can make it alcoholic or not–either option will taste satisfying!
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Every summer I seem to repeatedly end up with half a huge watermelon leftover in the fridge because nobody in my family eats it except me. When that happens, I force everyone (don’t worry, they seem happy about it) to have this watermelon mocktail or cocktail type situation, but with a twist. You’re going to blend watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, sea salt, and to bring it home, chaat masala, which is savory Indian spice blend that just hits with watermelon.
How to Make This Masala Watermelon Mojito
Blend the watermelon juice
Cut some refrigerated watermelon and blend with mint leaves, lime juice, sea salt and chaat masala.
Chaat masala is a really zingy spice blend made of unique ingredients like dried mango, musk melon, mint leaves, hing, among other spices. It’s irreplaceable and has a variety of uses, the most popular being chaat, an Indian street snack known for its tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Strain!
This juice doesn’t have much pulp, so not straining is also fine. But if you want that really smooth texture, just strain the pulp out.
Make it a cocktail, if you want
You can either serve the juice as is over ice or add a little white rum. I haven’t tried it with anything else, but I think tequila or vodka would also work.
Alternatively, you could add coconut water or club soda. Would not recommend La Croix (I speak from experience).
Rim!
Slide a lime wedge on the rim of your glass. Then flip the glass onto a plate with sea salt and lime zest on it. Add some watermelon and mint to the rim just to feel ~fancy~.
Masala Watermelon Mojito
Ingredients
- ½ a medium watermelon, refrigerated *see note for amount
- 15-20 mint leaves
- juice from 1 medium lime
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp chaat masala
- 12 oz. (¼ cup) white rum, coconut water, or club soda **optional
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and add to a large blender. You may need to blend some watermelon before adding more if your blender isn't very big.
- Blend the watermelon alone to a juice consistency before adding mint leaves, lime juice, sea salt, and chaat masala. Blend again. Taste and adjust to make sure you like it! Strain into a large bowl, discard the pulp, and refrigerate the juice until you're ready to use it.
- Make the rim for each glass (optional, but fun). Prepare a plate with a small mound of sea salt. Slide a wedge of lime on the rim of the glass. Turn the glass upside down and onto the plate with sea salt. Add a piece of watermelon and mint to the rim.
- For each drink, add a few ice cubes to a glass. Add about 4 oz. (½ cup) watermelon juice, followed by slightly less than 2 oz. (I found that 1.5 oz. tasted best) of white rum, if using. Add another 2 oz. watermelon juice to fill the glass.
Notes
And here are some snacks you should totally pair this cocktail with:
