There’s something magical about the first sip of a frosty, fruity cocktail on a hot day, and let me tell you, the Dreamy Watermelon Mint Frosé is honestly my latest obsession. I discovered this recipe last summer while hanging out with my neighbor, who’s a total genius with fresh fruit drinks. We were sweltering in the backyard, watermelon slices everywhere, and she just threw together this icy, pink concoction that looked way too gorgeous not to try.
If you’re anything like me, you want a drink that’s easy, beautiful, and tastes like vacation in a glass. That’s exactly why this Watermelon Mint Frosé is a total game-changer. It’s super simple (three main steps, you guys!) but feels fancy enough to impress your friends. Whether you’re chilling by the pool, hosting a BBQ, or just need something fun to sip while you binge-watch your favorite show, this cocktail brings instant summer vibes. I’ve made it way too many times to count, and every single batch is a hit.
So, grab your blender and let’s get ready for some frosty bliss. I promise, this Watermelon Mint Frosé is about to become your go-to summer treat!
Drink Inspiration & Background
Watermelon Mint Frosé actually started as a happy accident for me. I’d seen those pretty frosé drinks all over Instagram and Pinterest, but they always seemed a little intimidating. One scorcher of a weekend, I had a leftover bottle of rosé and a big chunk of watermelon from a family picnic, and I just thought, “Why not?” The combo was pure magic – sweet, fruity, and so refreshing!
Frosé (frozen rosé) itself is a summer classic, but adding watermelon and fresh mint takes it to a whole new level. Watermelon is basically the MVP of summer fruits, right? It’s juicy, subtly sweet, and blends up perfectly for frozen cocktails. Mint adds that cool, herbal kick that makes every sip super bright and refreshing. Plus, the color is totally Pinterest-worthy – think soft pink with flecks of green.
This Watermelon Mint Frosé is perfect for all the warm-weather occasions. It’s a lifesaver at backyard parties, pool days, and even lazy afternoons when you just want to treat yourself. The best part? You can make it ahead and keep a batch in the freezer for whenever the mood strikes. Trust me, you’ll want this one on repeat all summer long.
What Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s the fun part – the ingredient list is super simple, but each one plays a starring role in this dreamy cocktail. Let me break it down for you:
- Rosé wine: Pick a dry rosé for the best flavor – not too sweet, not too tart. I usually go for a mid-range bottle (no need to splurge), and honestly, the color is almost as important as the taste. Bright pink rosés make the prettiest drinks!
- Fresh watermelon: Seedless is easiest, but any juicy watermelon works. The fresher, the better – you want that sweetness to shine. If the watermelon isn’t super sweet, add a touch more simple syrup, but usually it’s perfect on its own.
- Fresh mint leaves: This is what makes the drink pop. I always grab a bunch from my garden, but store-bought is fine too. Just make sure the leaves are bright green and fragrant.
- Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed is the way to go. It adds a little zing and balances the sweetness. If you only have bottled lime juice, it’ll still work – just use a little less.
- Simple syrup: Equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. You don’t need a lot, just enough to bring out the flavors. If you’re watching your sugar, you can use honey or even skip it if your watermelon is super ripe.
- Ice cubes: To get that perfect slushy texture! If you want it extra thick, freeze some watermelon chunks ahead of time instead of using ice.
Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. And if not, the grocery run is totally worth it. Pro tip: Get extra watermelon and mint for garnish – it makes the drinks look so cute in photos. If you’re missing mint, basil works too! And if you want to mix things up, you can even toss in a few strawberries or raspberries for a twist.
Each ingredient brings something special: rosé for that grown-up flavor, watermelon for sweetness and color, mint for freshness, lime for tang, and syrup for balance. The ice is what transforms it into that dreamy, frozen treat. I’ve tried different combos, but this one is always the winner.
Equipment & Tools
Good news – you don’t need any fancy gear to make Watermelon Mint Frosé. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Blender: Any blender will do, even a basic one. Just make sure it can handle ice and frozen fruit.
- Measuring cups/spoons: Optional, but helpful for getting the balance right.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping watermelon and mint.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional): If you want a smoother texture, but I usually skip it and enjoy the little bits of mint.
- Glasses: I love stemless wine glasses or mason jars – they look so cute!
If you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor, or even mash the watermelon by hand and shake everything with ice in a jar. It won’t be quite as smooth, but it’ll taste awesome. I’ve even used a stick blender in a pinch!
How to Make Dreamy Watermelon Mint Frosé
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Making Watermelon Mint Frosé is honestly so easy, and I promise anyone can do it. Here’s my go-to method:
- Prep your ingredients: Cut your watermelon into bite-sized chunks (about 2 cups worth). Pluck a good handful of mint leaves, and squeeze a lime. If you want a super thick frosé, freeze the watermelon chunks for a couple hours before blending.
- Blend: Toss the watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup into your blender. Pour in about half a bottle of rosé (about 1.5 cups). Add a handful of ice cubes (about 1 cup). Blend until everything is smooth and slushy. If it’s too thick, add more rosé or a splash of water. If it’s too thin, toss in more ice or a few extra frozen watermelon cubes.
- Taste and adjust: This is key! Give it a taste and tweak as needed. Too sweet? Add a little more lime. Not sweet enough? Drizzle in more syrup. Want it extra minty? Toss in a few more leaves and pulse again.
- Serve: Pour into your favorite glasses. Garnish with a tiny wedge of watermelon, a sprig of mint, or even a lime wheel if you’re feeling fancy.
- Make ahead tip: If you want to prep in advance, blend everything and pour into a shallow pan or ice cube tray. Freeze for a couple hours, then scrape with a fork to get that perfect slushy texture before serving.
Some little things I’ve learned: Don’t over-blend, or you’ll lose that icy texture. If your blender gets stuck, stop and give it a stir with a spoon. And if you’re making a big batch, just double (or triple) everything – it scales up perfectly.
If you want to get extra Pinterest-y, rim your glasses with lime juice and sugar before pouring. It’s a small touch, but makes the drink pop in photos. Seriously, this recipe is foolproof, and you’ll have a frosty cocktail ready in no time!
Tips & Tricks
After making Watermelon Mint Frosé about a hundred times (not exaggerating, I swear), I’ve picked up some tricks that really make a difference:
- Freeze your rosé: For an even thicker, icier frosé, pour the rosé into ice cube trays and freeze for a few hours before blending. It makes the drink super slushy and cold.
- Use super ripe watermelon: The riper, the sweeter. If your watermelon isn’t super flavorful, add a little extra syrup or a splash of grenadine.
- Chill your glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. It keeps the frosé cold and looks so fancy.
- Watch the mint: Mint is strong! Start with a few leaves and add more if you want extra freshness. Too much can make the drink taste grassy.
- Don’t skip the lime: Lime balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop. If you’re out of lime, lemon juice works too.
- Make it ahead: Blend everything and freeze in a container. Scrape with a fork to serve – it’s like grown-up watermelon sorbet!
I’ve definitely made the mistake of using too much ice and watered the drink down, so keep an eye on the consistency. Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go – that’s what makes homemade cocktails so much fun. If you want to get really creative, try adding a splash of elderflower liqueur or a few basil leaves for a twist.
Variations & Customizations
This Watermelon Mint Frosé is super flexible, and you can totally make it your own. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
- Sparkling Frosé: Add a splash of sparkling water or prosecco at the end for bubbles.
- Berry twist: Toss in a handful of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries with the watermelon.
- Herbal swap: Try basil or cilantro instead of mint for a new flavor profile.
- Non-alcoholic version: Use sparkling pink lemonade or a watermelon-flavored soda instead of rosé. It’s still super tasty and perfect for everyone.
- Low-sugar option: Skip the syrup or use a sugar substitute. If your watermelon is sweet, you might not need extra sugar at all.
- Extra boozy: Add a shot of vodka or gin for a stronger kick (just don’t go overboard or you’ll lose the icy texture).
Personally, I love adding a handful of strawberries when I’ve got them – it makes the color even brighter and the flavor extra summery. You can totally experiment and find your favorite combo. Just remember to adjust the ice and sweetness as you go!
Serving & Storage
Serving Watermelon Mint Frosé is honestly half the fun. I love pouring it into chilled stemless wine glasses or cute mason jars – it just feels summery and festive. Garnish with a little wedge of watermelon and a sprig of mint, and you’ve got a drink that’s totally Instagram- and Pinterest-ready.
This cocktail is best served icy cold, right after blending. If you’re making a big batch for a party, you can blend everything ahead, pour it into a freezer-safe container, and freeze. Just scrape with a fork to fluff it up before serving. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to a week – though mine never lasts that long!
If you have leftovers, store them covered in the freezer. You can re-blend with a splash of rosé or water to bring it back to life. For hot days, it’s basically grown-up watermelon slush, and I’m not mad about it.
Health Benefits
Let’s be honest, Watermelon Mint Frosé is more about fun than health, but there are some perks! Watermelon is packed with hydration, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Mint aids digestion and gives a nice burst of freshness. If you use a dry rosé, it’s usually pretty low in sugar compared to other cocktails.
You can easily make it dairy-free and low-sugar by tweaking the syrup or skipping it altogether. And hey, at least you’re getting a serving of fruit with your happy hour!
FAQs
Can I make Watermelon Mint Frosé without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just swap the rosé for sparkling pink lemonade or a watermelon soda. It’s still super tasty and refreshing.
How do I keep my frosé from getting watery?
Freeze your watermelon chunks and rosé before blending, and don’t overdo the ice. Start with less and add more if you need it thicker.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Blend everything, freeze in a container, and scrape with a fork before serving. It keeps well for up to a week in the freezer.
What if I don’t have fresh mint?
Basil works great as a substitute, or you can use a splash of mint extract (just a tiny bit!).
Can I use other fruits?
Totally! Try strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a fun twist. Just adjust the sweetness as needed.
Watermelon Mint Frosé
This dreamy Watermelon Mint Frosé is a frosty, fruity frozen cocktail perfect for summer. With juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and crisp rosé, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress at any warm-weather gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dry rosé wine (about half a bottle)
- 2 cups fresh watermelon, cut into chunks (seedless preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Watermelon wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into bite-sized chunks (about 2 cups). Pluck mint leaves and squeeze the lime for juice.
- Optional: For a thicker frosé, freeze the watermelon chunks for 2 hours before blending.
- Add watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, rosé wine, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and slushy. If too thick, add more rosé or a splash of water. If too thin, add more ice or frozen watermelon.
- Taste and adjust: Add more lime juice for tang, more syrup for sweetness, or more mint for freshness. Blend again if needed.
- Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and mint sprig.
- To make ahead: Blend all ingredients, pour into a shallow pan or ice cube tray, and freeze for 2 hours. Scrape with a fork before serving for a slushy texture.
Notes
For a thicker texture, freeze both the watermelon and rosé in advance. Taste and adjust sweetness and mint to your liking. Chill glasses before serving for extra frosty results. To make non-alcoholic, substitute rosé with sparkling pink lemonade or watermelon soda.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: watermelon frosé, frozen cocktail, summer drink, rosé cocktail, mint cocktail, easy frosé, watermelon cocktail, poolside drink, party drink, slushy cocktail