Prepare super easy Watermelon Mocktail that is perfect for a hot summers day! This non-alcoholic drink with watermelon, mint and lime is sweet, fizzy and so refreshing! Make it with just 4 ingredients in less than 10 minutes.
- Why you will love this recipe
- Ingredients for Watermelon Mocktail
- Equipment required
- How to make Watermelon Mocktail
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage
- Other Non Alcoholic Drink Recipes
In this Watermelon Mocktail recipe, a base is made with freshly crushed watermelon that is muddled with mint and lime. This syrup base is then topped with sparkling water.
It is a fantastic non alcoholic or “virgin” cocktail recipe that will be loved by adults and kids alike.
You could also call this recipe watermelon mint mocktail or watermelon mojito mocktail
It is so easy to prepare too but you can make things even simpler by using lemonade instead of sparkling water. You basically end up making a delicious Watermelon Lemonade within minutes!
Use leftover watermelon to make Watermelon Mint Mojito Salad or Watermelon Carpaccio Salad
Why you will love this recipe
To me, watermelon signifies all-inclusive holidays – laying on the beach under a hot sun! Without fail, I eat a few bowls of cooling watermelon throughout the day. This mocktail has similar vibes – it’s a reminder of lazy hot days but tastes exciting!
It is a:
Non-alcoholic summertime drink
Perfect for kids and adults alike
The right amount of sweet and tart
Easy to prepare for later
Ingredients for Watermelon Mocktail
Watermelon – I have used fresh watermelon.
Soda – I use basic sparkling water or club soda. For ease, use lemonade and then leave out the lime in the recipe. For example, you can use sprite which has a cool lemon lime flavour
Mint – use fresh mint for this watermelon mojito mocktail.
Lime – The lime adds a delicious zing and tartness which balances so well with sweet watermelon.
I like to use fresh lime juice but you can also use bottled. Alternatively, use lemons for lemon juice.
Stir in a little sugar to taste if your watermelon is not sweet enough. Other options include agave nectar aka agave syrup or honey.
Tip – to squeeze out extra juice, warm your lime in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It will become softer and easier to squeeze!
Optional
Instead of mint, directly replace with basil to make Watermelon Basil Mocktail
Make it without soda by using chilled water.
Instead of soda or sparkling water, use ginger-beer to make Watermelon Ginger Beer Mocktail
To make Spicy Watermelon Mocktail , add some fresh jalapenos when muddling the mint.
Instead of fresh watermelon, blend frozen to make a Frozen Watermelon Mocktail
To make a Watermelon Margherita Mocktail , or a virgin watermelon margherita, your best bet is to use a non-alcoholic tequila prepared with agave. There are many options available in store and online
To make the drink alcoholic, add white rum or vodka and mix with a cocktail shaker
Equipment required
Blender – you need a blender to crush the watermelon
Sieve/strainer – optionally use a sieve for smoother watermelon juice
Rolling pin – or wooden spoon to muddle the mint leaves
Knife – to roughly chop the watermelon
How to make Watermelon Mocktail
Firstly prepare the watermelon.
Place the chopped watermelon cubes into a blender and blend on high speed.
You may want to strain this watermelon juice through a sieve or strainer for an extra smooth drink. I did not.
Have a taste of the juice – if it is not sweet, you can add some extra sugar to it.
You can now set this aside in the fridge until serving or serve straightaway.
Muddle a handful of washed mint leaves and lime slices in a jug/pitcher, glass or a large bowl. You can use a rolling pin or the handle of a wooden spoon to muddle.
You may want to add ice in the glass. Pour the prepared watermelon mixture over until the glass is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 full.
Pour over the chilled soda / sparkling water, garnish it with extra fresh mint leaves, lime and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve Watermelon mocktail as a non-alcoholic drink during get-togethers such as parties, baby showers, game days and more!
I even love this mocktail during picnics – the watermelon flavor is so cooling and refreshing!
You may want to top the drink with other fruit such as sliced strawberries, more watermelon or berries.
For me, summertime is about salads. I love cold refreshing drinks with my Tuscan White Bean Panzanella and our readers favourite Instant Pot Mediterranean Orzo Salad .
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day. You may want to top up with a bit more soda to create fizz.
Other Non Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Mango Mocktail
Cranberry Mocktail
Non Alcoholic Mimosa
Rose Mocktail
Virgin Cardamom Mojito
Non-alcoholic Green Apple Martini
Virgin Mixed Berry Caipirinha
Egg-free Eggnog
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Watermelon Mocktail
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup watermelon cut, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoon sugar optional
- 2 big lime cut into slices
- ¼ cup mint fresh
- 4 cup sparkling water or soda
To decorate the glass rim (optional)
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Instructions
Decorate the glass rim
- In a small plate mix 2 tablespoon sugar , 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lime zest .
- Rub lime slice on the rim of the 4 glasses.
- Dip glass rim in to the sugar and lime, leave it aside.
Watermelon Mocktail recipe
- Place 1 cup watermelon in a blender jug.
- Blend until you have smooth watermelon juice.
- In each glass add 2 big lime slices. (leave few for garnishing)
- Then add torned 1/4 cup mint leaves (leave few to garnish)
- Add sugar (if using)
- Muddle everything using a rolling pin.
- Add ice if using.
- Then pour over watermelon juice.
- Top it up with 4 cup sparkling water , mix well
- Garnish the drink with remaining mint and lime slices.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Watermelon Mocktail
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup watermelon cut, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoon sugar optional
- 2 big lime cut into slices
- ¼ cup mint fresh
- 4 cup sparkling water or soda
To decorate the glass rim (optional)
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Instructions
Decorate the glass rim
- In a small plate mix 2 tablespoon sugar , 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lime zest .
- Rub lime slice on the rim of the 4 glasses.
- Dip glass rim in to the sugar and lime, leave it aside.
Watermelon Mocktail recipe
- Place 1 cup watermelon in a blender jug.
- Blend until you have smooth watermelon juice.
- In each glass add 2 big lime slices. (leave few for garnishing)
- Then add torned 1/4 cup mint leaves (leave few to garnish)
- Add sugar (if using)
- Muddle everything using a rolling pin.
- Add ice if using.
- Then pour over watermelon juice.
- Top it up with 4 cup sparkling water , mix well
- Garnish the drink with remaining mint and lime slices.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Prepare this perfect jeera rice alongside your Indian meal. It is prepared with basmati rice and cumin seeds. Each grain is separate, fluffy and non-sticky!
This simple jeera rice recipe has only 4 ingredients and takes little time to make. I pair this gluten-free and vegan dish as a side for soft Gujarati rotlis , Indian curries and dals.
Included is how to make jeera rice in Instant Pot .
- Jeera Rice Ingredients
- Jeera rice water ratio
- How to make Jeera Rice
- Pro Tips
- Instant Pot Jeera Rice recipe & Stove top pressure cooker
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage
Jeera rice is also known as Indian Cumin Rice , jeera bhaat or zeera rice. It is a popular rice dish that is served with indian curry.
Jeera Rice seems so simple but yet the recipe is so easy to get wrong. Takeaway and Restaurant style Jeera Rice is always fluffy and not mushy. Each grain of rice is separate and yet the rice doesn’t taste dry.
You can easily create the same style of rice at home, you just need to follow a few tips and tricks!
This fluffy cumin rice has just three main ingredients – rice, cumin seeds and oil. It is automatically vegan jeera rice.
Some may add green peas and green chilies making it into more of a jeera pulao or make veg pulao
Jeera Rice Ingredients
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post
This flavorful jeera rice requires simple ingredients that are easily available in your nearest grocery store.
Basmati Rice – if you can find it, use a good quality long grain basmati rice – it makes all the difference when it comes to flavour and texture.
For this particular recipe we will use plain basmati white rice, however brown rice can be used too. I use Tilda Grand Extra Long Basmati Rice.
If possible use aged basmati rice as it requires more moisture. This leads to fluffier rice compared with new rice that becomes mushy easily.
Cumin seeds – aka jeera or jeeru. You need whole cumin seeds rather than ground cumin powder.
Cumin seeds are easily available in supermarkets in the world food aisle but South Asian grocery stores will definitely have them.
Oil – I have used olive oil but you can use ghee or other flavourless oil. Rememebr that if you use ghee, this rice will no longer labled as vegan.
Pinch of salt to taste
Optional:
Garam Masala – I find that adding a very small pinch of garam masala gives wonderful fragrance without having to add individual whole spices.
Instead of garam masala, you can optionally add other fragrant whole spices to the tempering such as bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamom or star anise This gets you fragrant jeera rice just like indian restaurants.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves (coriander leaves)
Jeera rice water ratio
As an approximate, use 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups water.
Depending on the type of rice, this ratio is likely to change. Rice varieties have different water content levels so require varying amounts of water.
How to make Jeera Rice
- Rinse the rice in cold water (tap water) 5-6 times or until the water runs clear to remove extra starch from the rice. Soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the soaked rice (drain the excess water before adding it) and stir well so that the rice is coated with the oil and cumin seeds.
Add 1 and 1/4 cups of water or just enough water to cover the rice, add salt and garam masala.
Increase the flame on high heat and bring the water to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the flame on low heat, cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes until the water has been completely absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
Remove from the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Pro Tips
The most important to note is that different brands will all require different amounts of water and timings. The best way to cook perfect rice is to practice a few times!
For fluffy rice, rinse or wash rice grains in cold water until water runs clear to remove the excess starch.
Wait until the oil is hot, then add the cumin seeds. This way, they will immediately sizzle allowing you to add the rice.
Cumin seeds burn fast so work quickly and have all your ingredients prepared.
Try not to over stir the rice as it cooks as it will release extra starch.
Do not use sharp edge spoon but rather a soft spatula to prevent the rice grains from breaking.
Use hot water when added to the recipe.
Instant Pot Jeera Rice recipe & Stove top pressure cooker
The instant pot method allows you to prepare quick jeera rice.
You can use the Instant Pot pressure cooker or any other electric pressure cooker.
For pressure cookers, I use a ratio of 1:1 rice to water.
Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot.
Add ghee or vegetable oil to the inner pot of the Instant Pot and allow it to heat up.
Add jeera to the hot oil and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Drain the rinsed rice and add it to the pot. Sauté the rice for about 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to coat it with the oil and cumin seeds.
Add water to the pot and season with salt according to your taste preferences. Give it a quick stir to combine all the ingredients.
Cancel the sauté function and close the Instant Pot lid. Make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “sealing” position.
Select the “rice” or “pressure cook” function on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to 2 minutes at high pressure.
Allow for natural pressure release for about 5 minutes. After that, perform a quick pressure release by turning the pressure release valve to the “venting” position.
Stove top pressure cooker
You can also use a stovetop pressure cooker. Use the same ratio of 1:1 water to rice.
Seal the lid and allow to cook for 1 whistle. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Serving Suggestions
What to eat with basmati rice is a great starting point.
Jeera Rice is a great side dish for dal recipes.
Tarka Dahl
Dal tadka
Dhaba style Dal fry
Dal Makhani or Dishoom Black Dal
You can serve it with any curry of your choice but I find that curries with a gravy go better with rice. Examples include:
Authentic Chana Masala
Paneer Butter Masala
Rajma Masala
You can make your own poppadoms at home by following this poppadom recipe . I like to serve mine alongside these poppadom dips
Storage
Boiled rice is a highly perishable food. As soon as the leftover rice is cooled, store in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan with a tiny splash of water.
You can freeze leftover cumin rice. Allow cooked rice to cool down completely, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw in the fridge then reheat in the microwave.
Other Indian Rice Dish Recipes
Takeaway style Pilau Rice
Coconut Milk Pulao Rice
Schezwan Fried Rice
Tofu Fried Rice
Ghee Rice
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 ¼ cups water boiling
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoon coriander optional
Instructions
- Take rice in a bowl.
- Rinse the 1 cup basmati rice in cold water (tap water) 5-6 times or until the water runs clear to remoce extra starch from the rice. Soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- Soaked rice is ready to cook.
- Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat .
- Add 1 tablespoon cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the soaked rice (drian the water before adding it) and stir well so that the rice is coated with the oil and cumin seeds.
- Saute for a minute or so.
- Add 1 1/4 cups water or just enough water to cover the rice.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon garam masala . Increase the flame on high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the flame on low heat , cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes until the water has been completely absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
- Remove from the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. 9. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish it with 2 tablespoon coriander and serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
