The Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe is a delightful, refreshing drink that perfectly balances sweetness, tartness, and a hint of saltiness to keep you cool on warm days. Bursting with juicy watermelon and brightened by fresh mint and lime, this cooler offers a sophisticated twist on a summer classic. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers a vibrant flavor experience that keeps you coming back for more, making it an absolute must-try for any occasion where refreshment is key.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark rectangular tray placed on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are several triangular slices of red watermelon arranged in a slightly scattered way, with small cubes of watermelon around them. Bright green mint leaves are mixed among the watermelon pieces. There are also three lime wedges placed on and around the watermelon, adding a fresh green color contrast. A small wooden spoon filled with coarse white salt rests on the tray, some salt sprinkled over the watermelon. The overall look is fresh and colorful with a mix of red, green, and white tones, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredient list. Each component is essential, bringing a unique element to the cooler’s taste, texture, or appearance. Together, they create a flavorful, thirst-quenching experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Watermelon (1400 g / 3lb 1 oz, skin removed): The star ingredient, providing juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh Mint (30 g / 1 oz): Adds an invigorating coolness and herbal freshness that complements the watermelon perfectly.
Lime juice (160 ml / 2/3 cup, about 4 limes): Gives the cooler a zesty brightness that balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Sea salt flakes (1 tsp): Offers a subtle saltiness that sharpens the taste and heightens all the other flavors beautifully.

How to Make Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Watermelon

Start by cutting the watermelon into small chunks and removing all the seeds. To catch all the delicious juice, do this over a bowl. The fresh watermelon juice is essential for the cooler’s juicy base, making this step particularly important.

Step 2: Blend with Mint and Lime

Next, put the watermelon flesh and any collected juice into your blender. Add the fresh mint leaves and freshly squeezed lime juice. Blitz the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth and fragrant, ensuring the mint infuses throughout the juice.

Step 3: Strain for Smoothness

Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a jug. Use the back of a metal spoon to press down on the pulp, extracting every last drop of juice. This straining step ensures a silky, smooth texture for your cooler without any pulp getting in the way.

Step 4: Add Salt and Blend Again

Return the strained juice to the blender and sprinkle in the sea salt flakes. Blitz once more for about 30 seconds. The salt enhances the watermelon’s natural sweetness and adds a refreshing depth to the drink.

Step 5: Serve Over Ice

Pour your Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler over plenty of ice for that instant chill factor. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this revitalizing drink on a sunny afternoon or at any casual gathering.

How to Serve Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe

The image shows two tall clear glasses filled with a pinkish-red drink that has a slightly frothy texture on top. Each glass contains visible lime wedges and ice cubes. One glass is garnished with a lime slice, green mint leaves, and small watermelon chunks skewered on a metal pick resting on the rim. The background includes a jar of salt with a wooden spoon, scattered salt grains, lime wedges, and green mint leaves on a white marbled surface. In the far back, a black bowl holds more red watermelon cubes, and a metallic pitcher is slightly blurred. The whole setting has soft natural lighting and a simple, fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this cooler more than beautiful garnishes. Fresh mint sprigs add a lovely aroma and pop of green, while lime wedges bring a splash of color and extra tanginess. Small watermelon chunks placed on the rim or inside the glass create a playful, inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

This cooler pairs wonderfully with light, summery snacks. Think fresh fruit salads, grilled chicken skewers, or even a tangy feta and cucumber salad. The fresh and crisp notes of the cooler beautifully balance savory or mildly spiced dishes, making every bite and sip a refreshing delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, serve your Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe in mason jars or clear glasses to showcase its vibrant pink color. Adding fun striped straws or edible flowers on top can make it feel festive and extra inviting for parties or brunches. You can also freeze some watermelon chunks as ice cubes for an eye-catching twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler left after your gathering, no worries! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just remember to give it a good shake before serving to remix all the fresh flavors.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for the entire cooler due to texture changes, you can freeze fresh watermelon chunks or mint ice cubes ahead of time. This way, you’ll always have cooling elements ready for your next batch of the Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe.

Reheating

This cooler is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, so reheating is not recommended. Keep it cool and refreshing to ensure every sip bursts with the perfect balance of flavors you fell in love with at first taste.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

While fresh lime juice is best for brightness and flavor, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just be mindful it might lack some of the fresh zing, so adjust the quantity to taste.

Is it necessary to add salt to the watermelon cooler?

Yes, the salt is a key ingredient in the Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe because it lifts the sweetness of the watermelon and balances all the flavors beautifully.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

This cooler is naturally vegan and gluten-free, which makes it a perfect choice for a wide range of dietary preferences without any tweaks.

How long does the cooler stay fresh in the fridge?

You can keep the Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Just make sure to stir or shake it well before serving to re-incorporate all the flavors.

Can I add alcohol to this cooler?

Absolutely! The cooler makes a fantastic base for cocktails. Adding a splash of rum or vodka will create an easy, refreshing summer cocktail. Just adjust the balance with lime and salt to maintain the vibrant flavors.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe is like capturing the essence of summer in a glass. It’s simple, fresh, and thoroughly satisfying with every sip. Whether you’re hosting friends or need a quick refreshment yourself, this cooler will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 40 reviews

Author: Mary & Susan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing Salted Watermelon Mint Cooler blending juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and zesty lime juice with a touch of sea salt for the perfect summer drink. This vibrant cooler is quick to prepare and ideal for serving chilled over ice.

Ingredients

1400 g / 3 lb 1 oz Watermelon, skin removed and seeds discarded
30 g / 1 oz Fresh Mint leaves
160 ml / 2/3 cup Lime juice (from approximately 4 limes)
1 tsp Sea salt flakes

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Instructions

Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into small chunks, removing all seeds. Do this over a bowl to catch the juice released during cutting.
Blend the Ingredients: Place the watermelon chunks and collected juice in a blender along with fresh mint leaves and lime juice. Blitz the mixture for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Strain the Juice: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-meshed sieve into a jug. Use the back of a metal spoon to press the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining pulp.
Season and Blend Again: Return the strained juice to the blender, add sea salt flakes, and blitz for an additional 30 seconds to combine the flavors thoroughly.
Serve: Pour the cooler over ice cubes. Garnish with sprigs of mint, lime wedges, and chunks of watermelon for a visually appealing presentation.
Storage: Store any leftover cooler in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Shake well before serving to redistribute ingredients.

Notes

Use ripe watermelon for the sweetest flavor.
Adjust the sea salt quantity to taste depending on preference.
For a chilled drink, refrigerate the watermelon before preparation or serve immediately over plenty of ice.
This cooler can be garnished with additional fresh mint or watermelon cubes for added texture and appeal.
Shake or stir the cooler well before serving if stored, as ingredients may settle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American