Prepare yourself for the burst of summer you didn’t know you needed—Watermelon Mojito Sorbet! This refreshingly frosty treat blends all the best elements of a classic mojito with juicy watermelon for a dessert that’s as captivatingly vibrant as it is cooling. It’s impossibly easy, wildly delicious, and the very definition of sunshine in a scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Refreshing: Combines sweet, juicy watermelon with bright lime and cool mint for a dessert that instantly beats the heat.
- No Churn Necessary: All you need is a food processor or high-powered blender—no fancy equipment or ice cream maker required!
- Naturally Sweet & Guilt-Free: Packed with fruit and fresh herbs, Watermelon Mojito Sorbet is the perfect light treat for any day or occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s easy to make alcohol-free or boozy, so everyone at your BBQ or picnic can enjoy it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Watermelon Mojito Sorbet keeps things beautifully simple, but every ingredient brings its own magic to the party. Here’s how each element works together to create a sorbet that’s brilliantly flavorful, stunningly pink, and wonderfully smooth.
- Watermelon cubes: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for maximum sweetness and color; freezing the cubes individually guarantees a creamy blend.
- Fresh lime juice: A squeeze of lime wakes up all the flavors, bringing tangy brightness and balancing the watermelon’s natural sweetness.
- Fresh mint leaves: Mint is the signature mojito touch; use a generous handful for an infusion of cooling freshness.
- Water or white rum: Go classic with white rum for a grown-up twist, or use water for a pure, family-friendly treat; a splash of either helps that perfect sorbet texture.
Variations
This Watermelon Mojito Sorbet is as adaptable as your cravings—don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some quick twists to suit different tastes, occasions, and needs.
- Berry Mojito Sorbet: Swap out half the watermelon for frozen strawberries or raspberries for a tangy berry twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or a few fresh basil leaves alongside the mint for a creative flavor pop.
- Extra Zesty: Stir in a teaspoon of extra lime zest for even bigger citrus flair.
- Low-Sugar Option: If your watermelon is extra sweet, there’s no need for additional sugar, but you can always add a touch of honey or agave if desired.
How to Make Watermelon Mojito Sorbet
Step 1: Freeze the Watermelon
First things first: pile your watermelon cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or plastic wrap. Freezing them separately overnight is the culinary secret that lets you blend up a soft, dreamy sorbet later (trust me, skipping this step leads to a rock-solid block you’ll regret!).
Step 2: Blend to Perfection
Toss your frozen watermelon cubes into a food processor or high-powered blender, along with the lime juice, mint leaves, and your choice of water or rum. Blend until the mixture is luxuriously smooth—stop and scrape down the sides if needed, making sure all the mint is incorporated for maximum mojito flavor. You’re aiming for a soft-serve texture at this stage.
Step 3: Freeze Into Sorbet
Scoop the blended mixture into a loaf pan or other freezer-safe container, then spread it into an even layer. Freeze for at least 2 hours, until the Watermelon Mojito Sorbet is scoopable (think: just-firm gelato). If you leave it longer than 2–3 hours, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften before grabbing your ice cream scoop!
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Mojito Sorbet
- Single-Layer Freeze: Spread watermelon cubes in a single layer to avoid clumps—this makes blending (and cleanup!) a total breeze.
- Blender Power: Using a strong food processor or blender guarantees the smoothest, creamiest sorbet—less powerful machines might need a splash more water or rum to help things along.
- Rum for Scoopability: Don’t skip this tip: a splash of white rum keeps your sorbet soft and scoopable, thanks to alcohol’s lower freezing point (and adds just a hint of grown-up flair).
- Herb Hack: For even brighter flavor, clap your mint leaves between your hands before blending—this releases all their aromatic oils into the sorbet!
How to Serve Watermelon Mojito Sorbet
Garnishes
Add a final touch of elegance with a few fresh mint leaves, a twist of lime zest, or even a handful of tiny watermelon balls for double the fun! If you’re serving this at a dinner party, a crisp paper-thin lime wheel looks gorgeous perched on each scoop of Watermelon Mojito Sorbet.
Side Dishes
This icy treat pairs beautifully with all things al fresco—think grilled shrimp skewers, salty tortilla chips with guacamole, or a fresh fruit salad. Honestly, Watermelon Mojito Sorbet is a standout palate cleanser for any summer meal or BBQ feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving scoops in hollowed-out lime halves or mini watermelon bowls for a show-stopping centerpiece! Or, pile scoops into cocktail glasses and top with a splash of club soda for a “sorbet fizz” that looks like a gourmet mocktail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Watermelon Mojito Sorbet tightly covered in its loaf pan or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to one week—if it even lasts that long!
Freezing
For best results, store your sorbet in the coldest part of your freezer. If it becomes too firm, simply let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes—this softens it just enough for easy scooping without melting the magic.
Reheating
No actual reheating required, but if your sorbet is rock solid straight from the freezer, a short rest at room temp is all it needs. Avoid the microwave—a quick, gentle thaw is perfect for that gorgeous, scoopable texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Mojito Sorbet without alcohol?
Absolutely! For a kid-friendly and alcohol-free version, just use water instead of rum. The rum helps keep it a bit softer when frozen, but the flavor stays deliciously fresh with water alone.
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How do I know when the watermelon is ripe enough for this recipe?
Look for a deep, hollow sound when you tap it, creamy yellow “ground spot,” and a sweet scent. The success of Watermelon Mojito Sorbet really depends on perfectly juicy, sweet watermelon!
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My sorbet is too hard! Help?
No worries—if your Watermelon Mojito Sorbet has frozen too solid (especially if you used water instead of rum), just let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes and it will soften up beautifully for scooping.
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Can I double this recipe for a party?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and blend in batches if needed—just be sure to freeze your watermelon cubes on large trays to ensure even freezing and easy blending for a crowd-sized batch of Watermelon Mojito Sorbet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the flavor of summer in a scoop, Watermelon Mojito Sorbet is your answer! I hope you’ll give this luscious frozen treat a whirl—it’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and always met with smiles. Enjoy every refreshing spoonful!
Print
Watermelon Mojito Sorbet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Mojito Sorbet is a refreshing and flavorful frozen treat perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh watermelon, mint, and a hint of lime, it’s a light and delicious dessert or palate cleanser.
Ingredients
Watermelon Cubes:
- 5 heaping cups watermelon cubes
Lime Juice:
- juice of 1 lime
Fresh Mint Leaves:
- 3 tablespoons packed fresh mint leaves (about 2 sprigs)
Water or White Rum:
- 2 tablespoons water or white rum*
Instructions
- Freeze Watermelon: Arrange watermelon cubes in a single layer on a plastic wrap or parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze overnight.
- Blend Ingredients: Blend the frozen watermelon, lime juice, mint leaves, and water or rum in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Freeze Sorbet: Spread the mixture into a loaf pan or container and freeze for at least 2 hours until scoop-able.
Notes
- *Using water will result in a very solid sorbet when frozen overnight, while rum will create a slightly more scoop-able version. If avoiding alcohol or serving to kids, use water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
