Watermelon Cooler

This Watermelon Cocktail made with watermelon and vodka is what summer party legends are made of. You want to be the one bringing this to the BBQ! Alcohol-free version included as well!

Most, if not all, of my friends, have had this Watermelon Cocktail aka Watermelon Cooler at one summer party or another. It happens (it has to!) every summer and for good reason.

This is one of the most refreshing and easy to drink summer cocktails out there. Probably too easy to drink but who is keeping track?

Let’s dig in. This is a quick and easy summer punch that is perfect for every single weekend, BBQ and random Tuesdays. 😉

WATERMELON COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:

• Coconut Sugar OR Monkfruit Sweetener
• Boiling Water
• Lemon Juice
• Watermelon Juice
• Citron Vodka
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Ice, Lemon Slices, and Club Soda for Serving

HOW TO MAKE WATERMELON COOLER

1. Prepare the watermelon by slicing in cubes.
2. Place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
3. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
4. Combine sugar with boiling water until dissolved. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
5. Add lemon juice, watermelon juice, vodka, and fresh mint.
6. Serve immediately over ice, topped with a sprig of fresh mint, slice of lemon and splash of club soda!

WATERMELON COCKTAIL TIPS AND TRICKS

• Note that depending on where you are from, you will hear this called Watermelon Cooler or Watermelon Cocktail. I have also heard this called Watermelon Vodka drink.
• Citron Vodka is the way to go. I usually go with Absolut Citron or Grey Goose Le Citron. I have tested this with plain vodka and it works but it’s not nearly as tasty!
• Make this watermelon cocktail a mocktail by skipping the vodka. Sometimes I will make the whole batch “kid-friendly” for the littles and everyone who doesn’t want vodka and serve with a bottle of chilled Citron on the side. In that case, you just need to add 1.5 ounces of Citron Vodka to the glass with ice before adding the watermelon mixture.
• Do not add the club soda until the very last minute so that you can get that nice fizz.
• You can prepare the watermelon juice in advance and freeze it. Just defrost the day before you are ready to make the watermelon cocktail.
• I have always used organic sugar or coconut sugar but just tested this with both liquid and powdered monkfruit sweetener and it was delicious.

Love Watermelon? Kids are huge fans of my easy Watermelon Pizza and Watermelon Popsicles!

Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!

Watermelon Cooler

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

 

This Watermelon Cocktail made with watermelon and vodka is what summer party legends are made of. You want to be the one bringing this to the BBQ!

Course: Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to make watermelon drinks, watermelon cocktail, Watermelon Cooler, watermelon vodka

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 169 kcal

Author: Alyssa Brantley

5 from 2 votes

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Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons coconut palm sugar (can sub monkfruit)
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 medium lemons
• 6 cups watermelon juice
• 12 ounces Citron Vodka
• 6 sprigs mint plus more for serving
• 2 cups club soda for serving
• ice and lemon slices for serving

Instructions

To Make Watermelon Juice:

1. You can make watermelon juice in a blender, high-speed blender or food processor. Just cut the watermelon into 1" cubes and process in batches until liquefied.

   Note that if you do use a food processor or standard blender, you may want to strain the watermelon juice through a sieve.

To Make The Cooler:

1. In a pitcher or large measuring cup, combine coconut palm sugar with boiling hot water until dissolved. Add lemon juice and stir. Allow to cool for a couple minutes.

2. Add watermelon juice and vodka along with fresh mint.

   Stir to combine, serve immediately OR cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. 

To Serve The Cooler:

1. Serve over ice with a fresh sprig of mint and slice of lemon. Top with club soda (about 1") and Enjoy!

NOTES:

• Note that depending on where you are from, you will hear this called Watermelon Cooler or Watermelon Cocktail. I have also heard this called Watermelon Vodka drink.
• Citron Vodka is the way to go. I usually go with Absolut Citron or Grey Goose Le Citron. I have tested this with plain vodka and it works but it's not nearly as tasty!
• Make this watermelon cocktail a mocktail by skipping the vodka. Sometimes I will make the whole batch "kid-friendly" for the littles and everyone who doesn't want vodka and serve with a bottle of chilled Citron on the side. In that case, you just need to add 1.5 ounces of Citron Vodka to the glass with ice before adding the watermelon mixture.
• Do not add the club soda until the very last minute so that you can get that nice fizz.
• You can prepare the watermelon juice in advance and freeze it. Just defrost the day before you are ready to make the watermelon cocktail.
• I have always used organic sugar or coconut sugar but just tested this with both liquid and powdered monkfruit sweetener and it was delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Watermelon Cooler

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 169 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 37mg2%

Potassium 208mg6%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 30IU1%

Vitamin C 3.2mg4%

Calcium 8mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.

UPDATE NOTES: Please note that this recipe was originally published in May 2014, and was updated in May 2019 with edited images, helpful recipe notes, and nutrition information.