How long does fresh watermelon juice last?

This watermelon juice will last up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator! Use it in this watermelon rosemary cocktail recipe or save it for other watermelon cocktails (or mocktails!) throughout the week.

Can I make these cocktails alcohol-free?

Yes! Skip the vodka and stir the watermelon juice and lemon juice together, then top with club soda or tonic water. You can also use your favorite nonalcoholic gin in place of the vodka: We've tested and liked both Ritual Non-Alcoholic Gin Alternative and the Drink Monday Zero Alcohol Gin .

What other drinks can I make with watermelon juice?

Watermelon juice is delicious in so many drinks! Add it to another watermelon vodka cocktail variation, watermelon margarita, mojitos, a watermelon sangria, or aguas frescas . The best watermelon drinks can be simple: In summer, we love a glass of watermelon juice topped with a squeeze of lime and a mint sprig.

What alcohol goes with watermelon?

We like using vodka in these drinks because it's light and refreshing, but any lighter liquor works well here! Gin, tequila, or a light rum work well with watermelon: Their light flavors add depth without competing too much with the delicate flavor of the melon.

What if my watermelon juice isn't very flavorful?

If your watermelon juice isn't as flavorful as you'd like, stir in a small pinch of kosher salt to help the flavor "pop"!

Watermelon Cocktails with Lemon and Rosemary

Description

These homemade watermelon cocktails feature fresh rosemary and bright lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Watermelon Juice:

2 cups roughly chopped watermelon (rinds removed)

For the Cocktails:

2 fresh rosemary sprigs
8 ounces watermelon juice (1 cup)
4 ounces vodka (1/2 cup)
4 ounces fresh lemon juice (1/2 cup, or 1-2 large lemons)
Plenty of ice

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh rosemary sprigs
Lemon (wedges, slices, or a lemon twist)
Small watermelon slices

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Instructions

Make the Watermelon Juice:

Place chopped watermelon in a large blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Place a wire strainer over a large mixing bowl or measuring cup; pour the blended watermelon through the strainer and let the juice fall into the bowl.
Use a spoon or spatula to stir the watermelon as it sits in the strainer, gently pressing it into the mesh to coax as much juice as possible out of the melon. You'll be left with a small scoop of thick watermelon pulp: Discard or compost this pulp, or save it in the freezer to add to smoothies.
Use watermelon juice immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Assemble the Cocktails:

Fill two cocktail glasses with ice (optional - you can also serve this cocktail in a chilled glass without additional ice if you prefer it straight up). Set aside while you mix the cocktails.
Add fresh rosemary sprigs to a cocktail shaker. Use a spoon to muddle the herbs a bit.
Add watermelon juice, vodka, and lemon juice to the cocktail shaker. Add a generous handful of ice, attach the lid, and shake well.
Strain cocktails into prepared glasses. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, a small watermelon slice, or a lemon twist (optional). Serve immediately.

Notes

Make Ahead Tip. Prepare the watermelon juice as directed, and store in an airtight container (we like mason jars) in the fridge for up to a week.

Use fresh squeezed lemon juice here - it makes a huge difference and packs more flavor than bottled juice from the store.

Make it a mocktail. Omit the vodka and top these cocktails with a splash of tonic water, club soda, or sparkling water.

Additions and Substitutions. Use gin, tequila, or light rum instead of vodka, or use your favorite non-alcoholic gin substitute. Swap the rosemary for fresh mint. Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.