• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Life As A Strawberry
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Bread Class!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring
  • Recipes
  • Bread Baking
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring
    • Recipes
    • Bread Baking
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Rosemary Watermelon Cocktails

    Published: Aug 3, 2016 · Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Jessie · This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy something we'll earn a commission at no cost to you.

    Jump to Recipe

    These easy, refreshing watermelon cocktails get an earthy note from fresh rosemary and a hint of brightness from tart lemon juice. Made with vodka and homemade watermelon juice and ready in under 20 minutes - the perfect summer cocktail! Vegan, Vegetarian.

    Watermelon cocktail on a white table next to several sprigs of fresh rosemary. this recipe

    Ok. Who else is MELTING this week? ????????

    It's HOT here. Hot and sticky and humid and drought-y and HOT a couple more times. And don't get me wrong - I love Summer - but even my sunshine-loving self is a little bit like "FOR SERIOUS, MOTHER NATURE? LET'S CRANK THIS PUPPY DOWN A FEW DOZEN DEGREES."

    Fortunatelyyyyyy, summertime means summer produce, and summer produce means summer cocktails (OH HI THERE, TASTY WATERMELON DRINK), and summer cocktails mean YUM which means I also just MIGHT be able to forgive this heat wave we've been having the last few months.

    Food processor filled with cubes of watermelon.

    These easy rosemary watermelon cocktails are so refreshing, which is exactly what I've been needing lately.

    If you're looking for the heavier, deeper flavors of something like my Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade, you won't find that here - but you WILL find a drink that's basically an air conditioner in a cup.

    With vodka. (See also: This blackberry vodka tonic recipe.)

    We start with homemade watermelon juice (AKA my new favorite thing ever out of all the things ever). OBSERVE ⬆⬇⬆⬇.

    Pouring blended watermelon through a strainer into a mason jar.

    This watermelon juice is actually the easiest thing EVER to make. OBSERVE:

    Step 1: Put watermelon in food processor.

    Step 2: Blend watermelon in food processor.

    Step 3: Strain blended watermelon.

    Step 4: WATERMELON JUICE OMG.

    Silver cocktail shaker pouring watermelon cocktail into a short glass.

    Next, we get a lil' fancy and put the watermelon juice in a shaker with some vodka (HEY-OH), a little lemon juice, and some fresh rosemary.

    (PS, if you hadn't already noticed, I'm a TEENSY bit obsessed with putting herbs in my cocktails - see these Strawberry Thyme Cocktails as Exhibit A - because herbs = THE BEST and cocktails = THE OTHER BEST).

    Overhead view of watermelon cocktails on a white table next to a plate of watermelon slices.

    The rosemary here adds juuuuuust a little somethin'-somethin' to this cocktail - a nice earthy note to counteract the light, bright watermelon and lemon flavors.

    If you wanted to sweeten these up a bit, you could do a quick simple syrup and add it to the mix (or add things like berries or extra herbs!) You could also sub whiskey or bourbon for the vodka or add some fresh berries, peaches, and white wine to do this more sangria-style. This quick, 4-ingredient drink is really just a starting point - like always, make any adjustments you like to find your perfect cocktail combination! You could also nix the alcohol entirely and serve this lemonade-style for a refreshing drink even the kids can enjoy.

    Woman in a blue dress holding a watermelon cocktail.

    What are some of your favorite drinks for hot summer days?? (Or, y'know, favorite ways to just NOT MELT when it's this hot outside?) Drop me a comment and let me know! And then make these rosemary watermelon cocktails.

    Watermelon cocktail garnished with a watermelon slice, a lemon wedge, and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
    Print

    📖 Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Pink cocktail garnished with a watermelon slice and a rosemary sprig.

    Watermelon Cocktails

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Jessie
    • Prep Time: 15 mins
    • Cook Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: Makes 4 cocktails 1x
    • Category: Cocktails
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Homemade watermelon juice cocktails - like air conditioning in a cup!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    FOR THE WATERMELON JUICE:

    • 1 cup diced watermelon (rinds removed)

    FOR THE WATERMELON COCKTAILS:

    • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs (plus extra for garnish)
    • ½ cup vodka
    • ½ cup lemon juice
    • 1 cup watermelon juice (see above)
    • 4 small lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
    • 4 small watermelon slices (optional, for garnish)

    Instructions

    FOR THE WATERMELON JUICE:

    1. Place chopped watermelon in a food processor. Blend until watermelon is smooth.
    2. Place a wire strainer over a large mixing bowl and strain watermelon juice into the bowl. You may need to strain the juice more than once to remove all of the solid pieces - you want a smooth watermelon juice!
    3. Set juice aside.

    FOR THE WATERMELON COCKTAILS:

    1. Add rosemary to a large cocktail shaker and muddle with a spoon to start releasing some of the flavor.
    2. Add vodka, lemon juice, and watermelon juice to cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice and shake to chill.
    3. Put a handful of ice in each of four drinking glasses and divide watermelon cocktail evenly between glasses. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, a lemon wedge, and a watermelon slice (optional) and serve immediately.

    Notes

    You can make the watermelon juice up to a week ahead of time - just store strained juice in an airtight container (I like mason jars!) in the fridge until you're ready to use it. For bonus points, put a sprig of rosemary in the container with the watermelon juice while you store it to infuse some extra rosemary flavor.

    Use whiskey in place of vodka for a fun twist on this watermelon cocktail!

    No rosemary? Try fresh basil or mint leaves.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 83
    • Sugar: 3.2 g
    • Sodium: 1.1 mg
    • Fat: 0.2 g
    • Carbohydrates: 5.1 g
    • Fiber: 0.3 g
    • Protein: 0.4 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: cocktails, spirits, summer

    Tag @lifeasastrawberry on Instagram to show us what you're cooking! Nutrition information is calculated per serving; it is approximate and will vary based on many factors.

    SaveSave

    More Easy Drink and Cocktail Recipes

    • Two glasses of peach cocktails in front of a window.
      Peach Bourbon Spritzers
    • Strawberry cocktail garnished with a fresh strawberry, on a white table.
      Strawberry Thyme Cocktails
    • Strawberry whiskey lemonade in glass mason jars.
      Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade
    • Blueberry spritzer in a cocktail glass.
      Blueberry Whiskey Spritzers

    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. Tag your recipes #LifeAsAStrawberry on social media to share your creations! Learn about our team!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Reader Interactions

    Discussion

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Rhonda

      January 11, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      I made these over the holidays and they were a huge hit! So refreshing plus perfect colors for the holidays. These are definitely going to be a summer go-to cocktail in our house!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        January 11, 2023 at 6:14 pm

        What a great pick for a holiday cocktail!

        Reply
    2. Jessica

      January 09, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      Really refreshing! Made a big pitcher for company and used vodka in some and gin in others - both good. Also did a few with just sparkling water and liked that combo too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        January 10, 2023 at 1:06 pm

        YAY! We love the idea of making a big pitcher and customizing it for each person!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Jessie standing in a kitchen lifting a fork full of pasta.

    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. On this website, you'll find well-tested recipes and tutorials to help you make weeknight comfort food you're proud of.

    Learn More →

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Most Popular Recipes

    • A loaf of homemade french bread on a dark background.
      Easy Crusty French Bread (VIDEO)
    • Hand holding a small loaf of bread in front of a black background.
      Small Batch Crusty Bread
    • Cheese and charcuterie arranged on a round wooden cutting board next to a blue napkin.
      How to Make a Cheese Plate (with step-by-step photos!)
    • Creamy chicken pasta in a large silver saucepan.
      30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
    • Loaf of crusty bread on a white table next to a blue striped napkin.
      Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread
    • Copper spoon stirring creamy mushroom sauce in a shallow skillet.
      Easy Creamy Mushroom Sauce

    Easy Spring Recipes

    • Baked steelhead fillet on a metal sheet pan, topped with fresh parsley and lemon slices and cut into portions.
      Lemon Garlic Butter Steelhead
    • Pea pesto in a small glass bowl with a white ceramic spoon.
      5 Minute Pea Pesto
    • Blackberry whiskey lemonade in a mason jar filled with ice, topped with a striped paper straw and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
      Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade (With Video)
    • Glass bowl of orzo pasta salad with wooden spoon.
      Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad (Video)


    Featured In

    A collection of logos from press outlets that have featured Life As A Strawberry.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    ABOUT US

    • Meet Our Team
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility

    RESOURCES

    • Subscriber Resource Library
    • Meal Planning Resources
    • Sustainability Resources
    • Social Responsibility
    • At The Table Podcast
    • Everyday Artisan Bread Course

    RECIPES

    • Recipe Index
    • Homemade Bread
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Meal Ideas

    JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST!

    Life As A Strawberry logo
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    About - Recipes - Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2012-2023 LIFE AS A STRAWBERRY