A Watermelon Smash is the ultimate summer cocktail. Vodka, fresh watermelon, mint, and lime combine for a super refreshing drink that is sure to become your new favorite for beating the summer heat.

For more refreshing Drink Recipes, be sure to check out my Strawberry Pineapple Mojitos, Peach Sweet Tea, and Watermelon Lemonade.

up close of a glass of ice, watermelon, and mint.

Temperatures have been soaring here in Texas over the past few weeks. It’s the kind of hot where you’re already sweating in the 30 seconds it takes to walk to the car.

If you’re dealing with sweltering temps too, then I’ve got the perfect drink to keep you cool!

the top of a cocktail glass with ice, mint, and watermelon.

Oh yes, this Watermelon Smash is so refreshing, y’all. It is my favorite drink for summer!

Fresh juicy watermelon, lime, and mint are one of my favorite combos already. Muddle it all together with some simple syrup and a generous splash of some good vodka, and you’ll have the perfect cocktail that you’ll want to make all summer long!

two glasses filled with ice, vodka, and watermelon.

Ingredients for a Watermelon Smash (See measurements in recipe card below!)

  • vodka
  • fresh watermelon
  • mint leaves
  • lime juice
  • simple syrup
a bottle of vodka, watermelon, mint, and limes, on a countertop.

How to Make a Watermelon Smash – Step by Step

Step 1: Muddle

Place the chopped watermelon and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and muddle them together.

Step 2: Add vodka

Add in the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Step 3: Shake

Fill the shaker with ice. Place the lid on top and shake.

Step 4: Strain and serve

Strain your watermelon smash into a glass filled with ice. Top with a sprig of mint and a slice of watermelon. 

a cocktail shaker pouring into a glass of ice next to a slice of watermelon.

Watermelon Smash – Tips and Notes

  • Use crushed ice or nugget ice! I love to serve this with either crushed ice or nugget ice, like the kind you get from Sonic. If you don’t have access to either type of ice, just put some regular ice cubes in a blender and pulse a few times to make your own!
  • Liquor variations: watermelon blends well with so many types of liquors, so feel free to try this out with something else if you don’t have vodka on hand. I recommend this Watermelon Smash with white rum, tequila, or gin.
  • If you’d like to make a frozen watermelon smash, you will need to freeze your watermelon beforehand. Once it’s frozen, blend all of the ingredients with ½ a cup of ice in a blender until smooth. 
  • For a nonalcoholic mocktail, swap out the vodka for water, seltzer, or club soda!
the top of a cocktail glass with ice, mint, and watermelon.

FAQs

Where can I buy simple syrup?

You can purchase bottled simple syrup at liquor stores or grocery stores that carry mixers. I found some at the grocery stores in my area including HEB, Kroger, and Walmart. I actually recommend making your own, though. It’s really easy!

How do you make simple syrup?

If you’d like to make your own simple syrup at home, it’s really simple (ha!) In a small saucepan, combine one cup of water and one cup of sugar and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool before using.

Can I make this in advance for a party?

Yes! This Watermelon Smash recipe is written for one glass, but you can easily make a pitcher and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it, up to 6 hours in advance.

the top of a cocktail glass with ice, mint, and watermelon.

More Summer Recipes You Should Try!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

two glasses filled with ice, vodka, and watermelon.
5 from 5 ratings

Recipe: Watermelon Smash

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
A Watermelon Smash is the ultimate summer cocktail. Vodka, fresh watermelon, mint, and lime combine for a super refreshing drink that is sure to become your new favorite for beating the summer heat.
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup watermelon, cut into cubes
  • 3 mint leaves
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker

Instructions
 

  • Place the chopped watermelon and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker, and muddle them together really well. If you don't have a muddler, use a wooden spoon or a fork to really mash them together, and get as much juice out of the watermelon as possible.
  • Add in the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  • Fill the shaker with ice. Place the lid on top and shake.
  • Strain the drink into a glass filled with ice. Top with a sprig of mint and a slice of watermelon. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use crushed ice or nugget ice! I love to serve this with either crushed ice or nugget ice, like the kind you get from Sonic. If you don’t have access to either type of ice, just put some regular ice cubes in a blender and pulse a few times to make your own!
  • Liquor variations: watermelon blends well with so many types of liquors, so feel free to try this out with something else if you don’t have vodka on hand. I recommend making this Watermelon Smash with vodka, white rum, tequila, or gin.
  • If you’d like to make a frozen watermelon smash, you will need to freeze your watermelon beforehand. Once it’s frozen, blend all of the ingredients with ½ a cup of ice in a blender until smooth. 
  • For a nonalcoholic mocktail, swap out the vodka for water, seltzer, or club soda!
Cuisine: American
Course: Drinks
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen
Calories: 262kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 20mg, Potassium: 239mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 1006IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.