Watermelon Mint Mocktail

When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in June 2019, one of the first dietary changes I made was to cut back on alcohol for health reasons. Fast forward to January 2022, and I decided to give up alcohol completely. I didn't think it would be too difficult. After all, I had given up alcohol twice when I was pregnant with my kids. When I made the commitment, the transition was actually harder than expected.

I came to quickly realize it wasn't the alcohol that I missed but rather the social aspect of drinking. In social settings, I would be asked what I wanted to drink besides whatever else was enjoying. I'd also get asked why I don't drink as if it's mind-blowing to the person asking.

I soon got over my self-consciousness about not drinking and stood firmly by my decision. I also learned to be prepared around family and friends and would bring along sparkling water or would order a mocktail at a restaurant so I didn't feel completely left out.

Over the course of those three years, slowly making the transition, I developed a few mocktail recipes to help me feel included in groups, especially during the summer when drinking alcohol is almost encouraged.

• Freshly cut watermelon
• Fresh mint leaves
• Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ice
• Sparkling water
• Extra mint and lime for garnish

See the recipe card for quantities.

The first step to making Watermelon Mint Mocktail is to add the ingredients to a blender and blend until a juice forms.

Next, strain the watermelon mint juice through a small strainer to remove any large bits of pulp.

Fill a glass with ice and pour the watermelon juice overtop until ¾ of the way full.

Finish with a splash of sparkling water, add a garnish, and enjoy.

Watch the full YouTube video on how to make this recipe here.

Hint: If you are making this recipe for parties, the watermelon mint juice can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

Here are a few recipe variations:

• Strawberry-Watermelon - add a handful of washed and chopped strawberries with the watermelon and blend until smooth. The strawberries add an additional summer flavor.
• Watermelon-Basil - replace the fresh mint with fresh basil. Basil is one of those herbs, similar to mint, that pairs well with fruits.
• Lemon - replace the lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different taste that is still complimentary to the watermelon.

See this Creamy Mint Mojito and Virgin Pina Colada for more cocktail recipes.

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Here are my recommendations:

• Vitamix blender
• Small handheld strainer
• Glass measuring cup with spout

If you do not have a blender, using a food processor will also work well.

Watermelon Mint Mocktail can be stored in a glass container in the fridge for up to five days. This recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Simply stir to mix up any pulp and all the flavors before pouring over ice.