Make a splash this summer with these refreshing and delicious Watermelon-Banana Rum Coolers. Rum and Cointreau play nicely together in each glass.
Yesterday was National Watermelon Day…not that I need a reason to indulge in one of my favorite foods. I’m almost a little sad about summer winding down, which means watermelon will not be as ready available. I literally buy up those personal watermelons and enjoy them daily. In fact I think I’m bordering on a watermelon addiction, but who cares.
And while I love watermelon salads, popsicles and appetizers, I also love watermelon as a beverage, especially these Watermelon-Banana Rum Coolers. Schlurp, schlurp.
I originally thought vodka was going to be the perfect alcohol choice for this drink, but truly vodka did not do this mixture justice. It was too strong and erased all the fruity nuances of the watermelon juice. Rum, with its lower alcohol content was perfect and banana rum was sheer perfection. The subtle banana flavor plays so nicely with the light taste of watermelon juice. You’ll see.
I served these lovely cocktails for girl’s night several weeks ago…they went fast!
Don’t let the summer pass you by before making a few batches.
My favorite Banana Rum is made by Cruzan, but there are other choices out there. Don’t forget to pick some up.
Other watermelon beverages you might enjoy:
Watermelon Mimosas – Laylita’s Recipes
Watermelon Daiquiri – Noble Pig
Fresh Mint and Watermelon Soda Floats – How Sweet It Is
Three Years Ago: Buttermilk-Maple French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel
Five Years Ago: Couscous with Dried Fruit and Feta
Six Years Ago: Snickerdoodle Ice Cream
Seven Years Ago: Fuzzy Melba’s
Watermelon-Banana Rum Coolers
Ingredients
Watermelon Juice Mixture (Makes a pitcher)
- 8 cups seedless watermelon cubes
- 8 Tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
Watermelon-Banana Rum Cooler (individual Drink)
- 2 oz banana rum
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- juice of half a lime
- watermelon juice mixture
- mint and lime slices for garnish
Directions
- For the watermelon juice mixture, puree watermelon in a blender or food processor. Strain into a bowl through a fine-mesh sieve. Stir in honey and lime juice. Transfer to pitcher; stir in 1-1/2 cups water. Chill until cold and stir well before adding it to your mixed drinks.
- For each individual drink, Fill a 12 oz glass with cubed ice. Add banana rum, Cointreau and lime juice. Fill the rest of the glass with the watermelon juice mixture and garnish with mint and lime. (You can always add another splash of rum if you a little more alcohol.)