Summer in Canada is the perfect time to sip refreshing cocktails that capture the season’s laid-back vibe. Whether you’re hosting a patio party or unwinding after a long day, crafting the perfect drink is easier than you think. This guide shares tips for creating vibrant summer cocktails, along with a crowd-pleasing recipe for a Watermelon Mojito. Get ready to shake, stir, and savour the flavours of summer!
Tips for Crafting Summer Cocktails
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Summer’s bounty—think berries, citrus, or herbs like mint—adds natural sweetness and vibrancy. Hit up local markets for the freshest picks.
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Keep It Chilled: Pre-chill glasses in the fridge or fill them with ice water before pouring. Use plenty of ice to keep drinks crisp without diluting too quickly.
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Balance Flavours: A great cocktail balances sweet, sour, and bitter. Taste as you go and adjust with simple syrup, citrus juice, or bitters.
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Simple Garnishes: A sprig of rosemary, a citrus twist, or edible flowers elevate presentation without fuss.
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Batch for Ease: For parties, premix cocktails in a pitcher (minus ice) to save time. Add ice and garnishes just before serving.
Recipe: Watermelon Mojito
This Watermelon Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic, blending juicy watermelon with zesty lime and cooling mint. It’s light, summery, and perfect for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love It
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Ultra-Refreshing: Watermelon and mint make it a heatwave hero.
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Quick to Make: Ready in under 10 minutes.
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Customizable: Adjust sweetness or add a splash of soda for extra fizz.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
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2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
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10 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
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2 oz white rum
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1 oz fresh lime juice
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1 tbsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
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1/2 cup club soda
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Ice cubes
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Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
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Muddle Watermelon: In a cocktail shaker, blend or mash watermelon cubes until smooth. Strain juice into the shaker, discarding pulp.
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Add Mint: Gently muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup to release oils (avoid over-crushing).
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Mix Cocktail: Add rum and a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
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Serve: Fill two glasses with ice. Strain mixture evenly into glasses, top with club soda, and stir gently.
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Garnish: Add a mint sprig and lime wedge to each glass. Serve immediately.
Tips: For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and add more club soda. Freeze watermelon cubes for an extra-chilly drink.
Make Your Cocktail Hour Pop
Pair your Watermelon Mojito with light bites like shrimp skewers or a cheese board to keep things festive. Experiment with other summer fruits like peaches or raspberries for endless variations. With these tips, you’ll be mixing drinks like a pro all season long.
Explore high-quality cocktail shakers to craft your Watermelon Mojito with ease, ensuring perfectly blended flavours every time.