Strawberry Watermelon Daiquiri Mint

There's something about summer that makes you chase the coldest, most refreshing thing you can find, and one sticky afternoon I discovered that strawberries and watermelon blended together taste like pure sunshine. My neighbor had dropped off a basket of strawberries from her garden, and I had half a watermelon sitting in the fridge, so I threw them both into the blender on a whim with some lime and mint. The result was so unexpectedly perfect that I've made it countless times since, each batch tasting like a small victory against the heat.

I remember making a batch for my sister's garden party when she was stressed about having enough options for non-drinkers, and watching everyone reach for seconds before they'd even finished their first glass told me everything I needed to know. Even the kids were asking for more, which honestly felt like the highest compliment a beverage could get.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: hulled and sliced, about 1 cup—pick ones that smell fragrant and feel slightly soft when you press them gently.
• Seedless watermelon: cubed into 2 cups—the fresher the melon, the sweeter your drink will be.
• Fresh lime juice: about 2 tablespoons from roughly 1 lime—bottled juice is fine in a pinch, but fresh makes a real difference in brightness.
• Agave syrup or simple syrup: 1–2 tablespoons depending on how sweet you like things—start with less and taste as you go.
• Fresh mint leaves: 6 leaves plus extras for garnish—tear them slightly as you add them to release their oils.
• Ice cubes: 1 cup packed—use filtered ice if you have it so it doesn't cloud your pretty drink.
• Lime wheels and strawberry slices: for garnish—these make it look intentional and feel special.

Instructions

Gather everything cold:

Chill your glasses in the freezer while you prep, and make sure your fruit is cool to the touch—this small step keeps your drink frosty longer. Use cubed watermelon and sliced strawberries so they blend evenly without creating chunks.

Build your blend:

Pour the strawberries, watermelon, lime juice, agave, and mint into your blender in any order, then top with ice. The fruit at the bottom helps the blades catch properly.

Blend until silky:

Run on high speed for about 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and you see a little foam forming on top—this is your sign it's ready. You'll hear the sound change from chunky to whispery when you're there.

Taste and tweak:

Pour a tiny bit into a glass and try it before serving the full batch—if it needs more sweetness, add agave a teaspoon at a time and pulse again. Sometimes the natural sweetness of your fruit surprises you.

Pour and present:

Divide evenly between your chilled glasses so both drinks stay equally cold. The glasses will frost up immediately, which is exactly what you want.

Garnish with intention:

Slide a lime wheel onto the rim, add a strawberry slice or two, and tuck in a sprig of mint so it's visible from the side. Serve immediately while it's at its coldest and most refreshing.

Save

What surprised me most was when my partner said this tasted exactly like summer felt, which is the kind of compliment that sticks with you. That's when I realized this wasn't just a drink—it was a moment in a glass.

Playing with Texture

If you want something between a smoothie and a drink, freeze your strawberries and watermelon cubes for a few hours before blending—you'll get a slushy consistency that feels more like eating a snow cone. The trade-off is it takes a little longer to blend, so give it an extra 10 seconds or so and listen for when the sound smooths out. This version is perfect for kids or anyone who likes something you can almost chew.

Flavor Variations Worth Trying

Once you've made this version a few times, you'll start seeing opportunities everywhere—swap the strawberries for raspberries or blackberries, or try a combination of both watermelon and cantaloupe. I've added a tiny pinch of fresh ginger for kick, or a few basil leaves instead of mint when I'm feeling adventurous. The ratio of fruit to liquid stays the same, so you can really trust your instincts once you understand the base.

Serving Suggestions

This drinks best on a warm day when you're about to eat something light—I serve it alongside grilled chicken, fresh salads, or even fish tacos because the bright flavors don't compete. It also works perfectly for brunch, parties, or those moments when you just want something cold and beautiful to hold while you sit outside. Here are three quick ways to make it feel like a special occasion:

• Add a splash of sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy version that feels more celebratory.
• Freeze edible flowers or berries in ice cubes beforehand so they slowly reveal themselves as you drink.
• Make a big batch in a pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 hours—blend it all at once, then pour over fresh ice as people want glasses.

Save

This mocktail taught me that sometimes the simplest ideas—good fruit, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime—are exactly what people want on a summer day. Make it, share it, and watch how quickly the glasses empty.

Recipe Help & Answers

→ Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries or watermelon cubes can be used to achieve a slushier texture and extra chill without dilution.

→ What sweeteners work well in this blend?

Agave syrup and simple syrup are recommended, but honey or maple syrup can be substituted if preferred, noting vegan considerations.

→ How can I make this drink fizzy?

Add a splash of sparkling water after blending for a light fizzy twist while maintaining the refreshing flavors.

→ Are there any allergen concerns with these ingredients?

This combination contains no common allergens. Always verify sweetener labels for any potential cross-contamination.

→ What dishes pair well with this beverage?

It complements light salads and grilled dishes, enhancing summer meals with its fruity and minty notes.