Mary’s Refreshingly Easy Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri
Everyone I serve this cocktail to absolutely loves it! The first time I made my frozen watermelon daiquiri recipe, I sampled it with a group of dear friends. They raved about it and said it was their new favorite way to enjoy a daiquiri. Everyone was asking for the recipe—what a compliment! The fresh mint is essential because it pairs so well with the watermelon. Freezing the watermelon cubes is a must to keep the drink perfectly chilled without diluting it with extra ice. I also made it for my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. Let's just say it's their new poolside tradition—I have pictures to prove it!
A Refreshing Cocktail Recipe for Summer Entertaining
What makes this watermelon daiquiri so refreshing? Daiquiris are delicious and refreshing in general, but my frozen watermelon daiquiri is the perfect poolside drink. It’s cooling, light, easy to make, and perfect for hot days by the pool or casual get-togethers with friends. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy lime, and cool mint is sure to become a favorite!
The secret to the refreshing nature of this daiquiri lies in the ingredients. Watermelon, which is mostly water, hydrates and cools, making it an ideal ingredient for a summer drink. The lime juice adds a little kick that balances out the sweetness, and the fresh mint leaves a cooling sensation on the palate. Together, these ingredients create a drink that is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing.
Why freeze the watermelon?
Freezing the watermelon is key to achieving the perfect texture for this daiquiri. By using frozen watermelon cubes, you can avoid watering down the drink with additional ice. The result is a slushy, icy cocktail that’s full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover watermelon and have it ready for a quick and easy cocktail. So next time you have extra watermelon and don’t know what to do with it, cube it up and pop it in the freezer. You’re welcome!
Pro Tips: How to Select the Best Watermelon
For the best flavor, choose a seedless watermelon that’s firm, brightly colored, and heavy for its size. This ensures that the watermelon is juicy and sweet, which is crucial for the perfect daiquiri. Here are some more tips to help you pick the best one:
#1: Look for a watermelon with a yellow spot.
Have you ever thought a watermelon with a yellow spot looked bad? Think again: That creamy yellow spot is known as the field spot. This is where the watermelon rested on the ground and ripened in the sun. A darker, more golden field spot usually indicates a sweeter, riper fruit.
#2 Yep, knocking on your watermelon is a good way to gauge ripeness.
Knock on it! Gently tap on the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound, indicating that it is full of water and at its peak ripeness. If the sound is dull, the watermelon may be overripe or underripe.
#3 Look for a uniformly shaped watermelon.
Do your best to choose a melon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape. Irregularities may indicate that the watermelon grew inconsistently, which may affect its flavor and texture. The skin of the watermelon should be firm and free from major blemishes or soft spots (minus the field spot, of course). Minor scratches are okay, but avoid any watermelon with significant cuts or bruises.
#4 A heavier watermelon is a juicier watermelon.
A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size. This heaviness indicates that the fruit is full of water (AKA juicy!), making it more flavorful.
#5 Dull, not shiny!
A good, ripe watermelon will have a deep green rind with a dull finish, rather than a shiny one. A shiny rind often means the watermelon is underripe. Did any of these tips surprise you?
Pro tips: How to Make a Flawless Watermelon Daiquiri Cocktail
#1 Get your watermelon pieces prepared ahead of time.
To prepare your watermelon, cut it into ½-inch pieces and freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 3 to 4 hours. Once frozen, transfer the pieces into a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. You can make your drinks any time after the watermelon pieces are frozen!
#2 Play around with sweetness and consistency.
To adjust the sweetness of your daiquiri, you can add more agave nectar or simple syrup to taste. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more frozen watermelon cubes. For a lighter texture, add a handful of ice cubes. Garnish your prepared drinks with fresh lime wedges, watermelon slices, a watermelon “skewer,” or more fresh mint leaves to enhance the presentation and flavor.
What to Serve with a Watermelon Daiquiri
Serve this daiquiri in chilled glasses to keep it cool longer. Pair it with light appetizers like a fresh fruit platter, bruschetta or crostini to complement the fruity flavors of the drink. It’s also a great match for grilled seafood or a summer salad, making it a versatile addition to any meal. If you love watermelon, don’t miss my Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint, another summer favorite!
More Refreshing Summer Cocktail Recipes
Mary’s Refreshingly Easy Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, chopped into ½-pieces and frozen
- ½ cup light rum
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or simple syrup, or more to taste
- Ice cubes
- Blender
- 2 chilled glasses
- Lime wedges
- Watermelon wedges
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the frozen watermelon pieces, light rum, lime juice, agave nectar or simple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes (about 1 cup).
- Blend it until smooth. You can add additional ice cubes, depending on the consistency you would like. If you would like a sweeter drink, just add a little more agave nectar or simple syrup.
- Pour the mixture into 2 chilled glasses. Garnish them with a lime wedge, watermelon slice or fresh mint leaves and enjoy!
