Australia Day Watermelon & Mint Mocktail

Besides being a national holiday Australia Day is, in Aussie speak, ‘a stinka’. It’s pretty normal to be soaking up a very un-cool 32 degrees and this year I’m going to be ready with a refreshing Watermelon & Mint Mocktail in hand as I sit by the pool. 

Ingredients

¼ Seedless Watermelon (complete 24 hours before required)

½ Lime (less if you don’t like some bite)

1 bunch Mint, juiced

250ml Cran-Pomegrante Juice (Ocean Spray)

250ml Water

Method – Making the Watermelon Juice

1. Cut your watermelon into large cubes. Remove any excess seeds.
2. Blend the watermelon into a thick juice. You may need to do this in small amounts depending on what kitchen appliance you are using. I’ve found a hand blender works really well.
3. Pour the freshly made watermelon juice into small containers. It’s best to use containers that are smaller then the diameter of your blender (you’ll see why later).
4. Pop the containers into your freezer for at least 24 hours.

Method – Making the Watermelon & Mint Mocktail

1. Before you pop the frozen watermelon juice into the blender, I’ve found it useful to pop the frozen watermelon block into a plastic bag (i.e. freezer bag) and hit it with a rolling pin to create a ‘crushed ice’ effect. Pop this into the blender (or Thermomix).
2. Add in with the frozen watermelon juice, add the Cran-Pomegrante juice, water, lime and mint. Blend. NOTE: be careful not to work your blender too hard, or you might burn out the motor (and yes I have done this). If the mix is still too thick, just add in more water or Cran-Pomegrante juice. I’ve also found stopping the appliance and moving the ingredients around with a spoon works too.
3. Pour your Watermelon & Mint Mocktail into the glasses, I choose these really cute vintage inspired glasses as they came with a lid. Not sharing my Mocktail with any flies! To add a little more colour pop mint leaves or lime slices into you beverage.
4. Sit by the pool and ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY. My two really LOVED this Mocktail, to make it a little more child-friendly pull back on the amount of mint and lime juice you use. 

Now, if your not the designated driver, over 18 years and enjoy a little party in your glass, replace the ‘water’ with ‘vodka’ to make yourself a little tropical Australia Day Cocktail. It is delicious.

With the vodka, my husband recommends a count of 8 (I take no responsibility for how slow that 8 might be), but really it’s up to your personal taste. I’m yet to sample a coconut rum version!