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Vodka Watermelon Cooler

A vibrant, boozy watermelon drink that stays cold without ice cubes, using frozen watermelon chunks to chill and flavor the cocktail naturally.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon cubed and frozen
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup optional, see notes
  • 4-6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup sparkling water chilled
  • Lime wheels and mint sprigs for garnish

Equipment

  • blender
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • cocktail shaker
  • jigger
  • 2 highball glasses

Method
 

  1. The night before or at least 4 hours ahead, spread the watermelon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from clumping.
  2. When ready to serve, place the frozen watermelon cubes in a blender. Pulse a few times to break them up, then blend on low until you have a slushy, smooth puree. You may need to scrape down the sides once.
  3. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the puree through. Use a spatula to gently press the liquid through. Discard the solids. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of clear watermelon juice.
  4. In a cocktail shaker, combine the watermelon juice, vodka, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and mint leaves. Fill the shaker halfway with regular ice cubes.
  5. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds—you want the mint to release its oils and the drink to get very cold.
  6. Strain the mixture into two highball glasses filled with a few frozen watermelon cubes (not ice, to avoid dilution).
  7. Top each glass with 1/2 cup sparkling water. Stir gently once.
  8. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover watermelon juice, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and shake with vodka later. The frozen watermelon cubes can be kept in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and increase the sparkling water. If you want a sweeter drink, add simple syrup to taste—start with 1/2 ounce and adjust. Common allergens: none typically, but if you are sensitive to mint, omit it or substitute with basil.