Category: Drink

Spiked Apple Cider

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Spiked Apple Cider

There’s nothing better than a warm drink in hand when the weather is chilly. Here’s a classic that’s required for fall, in our opinion: Hot Spiked Apple Cider! There’s something about the combination of sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul warming. The liquor melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. This recipe has just the right balance of spices with alcohol: and a side benefit: it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle.

What’s in this spiked apple cider recipe?

Apple cider is a drink that’s been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Romans in 55 BC! This spiked apple cider recipe is simmered with mulling spices, then combined with bourbon or rum for a tasty finish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • High-quality apple cider, preferably from your farmers market or local orchard. Look for unfiltered cider, which maintains the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch and want to make your life super easy, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that.
  • Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Make sure to use the whole versions of these spices, not ground, which is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique of these spices to the American kitchen: it should be available at most grocery stores or you can buy star anise online.
Apple cider spices

How to make spiced apple cider: basic method

Making this hot spiked apple cider recipe is incredibly easy: all you need is time! Here are the basic steps:

  • Toast the spices: Toast the spices for a few minutes on the stovetop. This releases their fragrance (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).
  • Simmer: Add the apple cider and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot: see below.
  • Filter: You’ll notice that particulate rises to the top of the cider while it’s cooking. Use a fine mesh strainer or sieve to strain it off (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot).
  • Spike it: Add the rum or bourbon all at once, or add about 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving. Spiking each drink separately lets you serve both non-alcoholic hot cider and spiked cider at the same time!
Spiked Cider

Serving spiked apple cider for a party

Here are a few tips if you plan on serving this warming drink at a party!

  • Double or triple it: You’ll need to use a larger pot to accommodate.
  • Consider Crockpot or Instant Pot: Using a slow cooker to keep the spiked cider warm is great for parties. Head to our Slow Cooker Apple Cider.
  • Spike the drinks individually: When you’re serving a crowd, it’s nice to have the flexibility to spike the cider for each person individually. Then the drink works for both kids and adults.

Use bourbon or rum

What’s the best alcohol to use for a spiked apple cider recipe? Rum or bourbon are the best choices. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum (aged or dark will add more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes). Any type of bourbon works as well! The rum melds more seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Bourbon is a close second, and has a slightly more prominent flavor on the finish.

Hot Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

More cozy drinks

Outside of this spiked apple cider recipe, there are so many winter drinks and hot cocktails to try! Try these cozy options:

This hot spiked apple cider recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan.

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Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider

  • Author: A Couple Cooks
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 drinks
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • 3 star anise
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup rum (of any kind) or bourbon
  • For the garnish: star anise, cinnamon stick, orange slice

Instructions

  1. Toast the spices: Add the spices to the bottom of a pot*. Toast over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
  2. Simmer: Turn the heat to low. Pour in the apple cider and bring to below a simmer, just barely bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes and reduce to low heat (don’t let it simmer).
  3. Filter: Skim off any particulate that rises to the top of the pot using a fine mesh sieve or strainer (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot). 
  4. Serve: Pour in the rum or bourbon (or add 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving). Ladle into 8 mugs. If desired, garnish with star anise, cinnamon stick, or an orange slice.

Notes

*Or, go to Crockpot Apple Cider for slow cooker or Instant Pot instructions. Make the cider, then add the rum or bourbon before serving. 

  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spiked apple cider, spiked apple cider recipe, spiked cider, spiked hot apple cider

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Coffee Smoothie

Wake up to this frosty coffee smoothie recipe! The fragrant coffee flavor is paired with banana, oats and almond butter.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Wake up to this frosty coffee smoothie recipe! The fragrant coffee flavor is paired with banana, oats and almond butter.

Coffee Smoothie

Are you a coffee lover? Here’s a way to drink your cup of joe with a few healthy ingredients in the mix. Try this Coffee Smoothie! Because if you’re going to drink coffee, why not add bananas, oats and almond butter to the mix? This puree has just the right bittersweet flavor without lots of added sugar, and smooth, creamy texture. Drink it as a tasty afternoon snack (tastes like a milkshake!) or add protein to make it a morning meal. You choose!

Ingredients in this coffee smoothie recipe

This coffee smoothie recipe has taken us a while to hone to perfection: because it’s hard to get just the right coffee flavor and icy texture! Luckily, we finally found the combination that gets it to the consistency of a Wendy’s frosty, but using healthy ingredients. The recipe is similar to a drink at a local coffee shop in town: there they call it the Healthy Elephant (so you can call it that, if you like!). Here’s what you need for this recipe:

  • Frozen bananas
  • Espresso, cold brew or strong coffee: see notes on the methods to use below!
  • Oats
  • Almond butter
  • Milk of choice: dairy or non-dairy
  • Honey
  • Ice
Coffee Smoothie recipe

Coffee methods to use

The key to this coffee smoothie recipe? Strong coffee. You must use a very strong coffee or espresso to get just the right coffee flavor, otherwise it’s much too weak. This is key to making a great coffee smoothie, so don’t skimp here! Here’s what to use:

Coffee banana smoothie

How to freeze bananas

The other necessity for this coffee smoothie recipe? Frozen bananas. This is important because you want to get an icy, creamy texture without watering down the flavor with too much ice. For most of our smoothie recipes we try to use non-frozen bananas, but in this one it is key.

  • How to freeze bananas? Slice them into rounds and place them on a baking sheet so they don’t clump together. For this smoothie, you can just throw the slices into a sealed container if you’d like.
  • How long to freeze bananas? The shortest time you can get away with is 1 ½ hours. Or just freeze them overnight!

Sweeten to taste!

What we like about this coffee smoothie recipe is that it’s not too sweet! It lets the bitter coffee shine through, with just enough sweetness from the banana and honey. But keep in mind: you can sweeten this coffee smoothie to taste! The sweetness definitely depends on the bananas, so if they’re not as ripe you may need more honey.

Want to make a vegan coffee smoothie? No problem! Use maple syrup or agave syrup to sweeten, and of course your favorite non-dairy milk (ours is oat milk).

Coffee Smoothie

Adding protein to this coffee banana smoothie recipe

Want to drink this coffee banana smoothie as a breakfast? You’ll probably want to add a little protein for staying powder. The best way to add more protein here? Protein powder. We don’t often use it, but it’s a nice way to pack in quite a bit without affecting the overall flavor too much. Here’s how to find a healthy protein powder:

And that’s it! Let us know what you think of this creamy coffee smoothie in the comments below.

More coffee drinks

Love coffee? Us too! Here are a few more coffee drinks you’ll love:

This coffee smoothie recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Coffee smoothie

Coffee Smoothie

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small or 1 large smoothie
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Wake up to this frosty coffee smoothie recipe! The fragrant coffee flavor is paired with banana, oats and almond butter.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium frozen bananas (sliced and frozen at least 1 1/2 hours)
  • ¼ cup Old Fashioned oats
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • ¼ cup milk of choice (dairy, oat milk or almond milk)
  • ¼ cup espresso, cold brew, Moka pot coffee, or strong coffee (brewed double strength)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey, plus more if desired (agave syrup or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 cup ice
  • Protein adder: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional

Instructions

  1. If you haven’t already, slice the bananas and freeze them for at least 1 ½ hours until solid.
  2. Blend all ingredients in a blender. Taste and add additional sweetener if desired.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Smoothies

Keywords: Coffee smoothie, coffee smoothie recipe, coffee banana smoothie

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Frozen Mojito

This Frozen Mojito recipe might be even better than the classic drink! It’s minty, icy, and outrageously refreshing. When the…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This Frozen Mojito recipe might be even better than the classic drink! It’s minty, icy, and outrageously refreshing.

Frozen Mojito

When the summer heat is is at sky high levels, here’s a drink that will cool you to your core: the Frozen Mojito! The Classic Mojito is one of our top greatest cocktails of all time, and we’ve made just about every fruity variation on the theme. But this frozen spin…well, it made our heads turn! It’s icy and outrageously refreshing: like someone amped up the dial on the mint volume. It immediately jumped to the top of our must-make frozen cocktails list. Here’s how to make it!

What’s in a Frozen Mojito?

This frozen mojito is an icy spin on the Mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. Some say the origins of this drink go all the way back to the 1500’s with an early combination of lime, sugar, and rum used as medicine. The modern version of got popular in the 1930’s, when writer Ernest Hemingway fell in love with the drink.

The Frozen Mojito uses all the same ingredients as a classic Mojito, except it substitutes ice for soda water. Instead of diluting the drink with bubbles, it turns it into a frozen slushie. Here’s what you’ll need for a Frozen Mojito:

Mint

How to make a Frozen Mojito

The best part about this Frozen Mojito? It requires no advanced planning whatsoever. You can make it on the spot! This is unique because many frozen cocktails need time to freeze over night, like with this Frozen Margarita or Frozen Sangria. But with the Mojito, you can whip one up right away. Here’s what to do:

  • Add ½ cup white rum, ¼ cup each lime juice and simple syrup, 1 handful mint leaves, and 2 cups ice to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth! Serve immediately garnished with a lime wedge.

The glasses to use

You can use many different shapes of glasses for serving a Frozen Mojito. Here we served it in a non-standard presentation with a stemmed cocktail glass, just for fun! A Mojito is often served in a low-ball or high-ball glass, so that works as well. Another option is a Hurricane glass, which is often used for tropical drinks.

Making Mojitos for a crowd

Want to increase the serving size? No problem! One of the great things about blender cocktails is that they’re easy to make multiple servings. Just make double the recipe for 4 servings, or quadruple it for 8. Use the 2x button in the recipe below for an easy way to double the ingredients.

Want to pair it with food? Try any of these 55 Summer Recipes to Try This Season or 15 Best Summer Dinner Ideas.

Frozen Mojito

More frozen cocktails

Love frozen cocktails? This Frozen Mojito is our favorite, but there are lots more fun ideas to try. Here are a few of our top frozen alcoholic drinks:

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Frozen Mojito

Frozen Mojito

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This Frozen Mojito recipe might be even better than the classic drink! It’s minty, icy, and outrageously refreshing.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces (½ cup) white rum
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) lime juice, plus more wedges to garnish
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) simple syrup
  • 1 handful mint leaves (10–12 leaves)
  • 2 cups ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into two glasses and garnish with lime wedges.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Frozen mojito, Frozen mojito recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

4 Summer-Perfect Mocktails Starring LaCroix’s New Flavors

We’ve teamed up with LaCroix Sparkling Water to highlight their new summer flavors—from the tropical-inspired Guava São Paulo to their cooling Beach Plum—in super-refreshing mocktails. These fruity sparkling waters are free of sugar and artificial ingr…

We've teamed up with LaCroix Sparkling Water to highlight their new summer flavors—from the tropical-inspired Guava São Paulo to their cooling Beach Plum—in super-refreshing mocktails. These fruity sparkling waters are free of sugar and artificial ingredients, making them our pick for all-day sipping and mixing.

Raise your hand if you've ever bought a case of LaCroix Sparkling Water based on the aesthetic of the packaging alone. There's something about the glossy color palette and laid-back cursive font that sparks joy, making me want a stack of cans chilling in my fridge at all times.

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Perfect Iced Latte

Here’s how to make an iced latte at home! This classic coffee drink is perfectly creamy, refreshing and espresso-forward. What’s…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make an iced latte at home! This classic coffee drink is perfectly creamy, refreshing and espresso-forward.

Iced Latte

What’s more refreshing than an iced latte? It’s no wonder this espresso drink is massively popular. The combination of bitter coffee balanced by delicate sweetness and creamy, frothed milk is an absolute delight. There’s no need to run to your favorite coffee shop for this one: it’s easy to make homemade! To us, there’s nothing better on summer afternoons (or anytime, really).

What’s an iced latte?

An iced latte is a drink with espresso, milk and optional sweetener. The milk is often frothed to simulate the steamed milk in a standard latte. So what’s the difference vs iced coffee? Iced coffee uses brewed coffee and optional milk. Because an iced latte uses espresso, it has a stronger, darker flavor.

How to make an iced latte: basic steps

Here’s the outline of how to make an iced latte at home:

  • Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso.
  • Step 2: Froth ¼ cup whole milk by shaking it in a covered jar or whisking until frothy.
  • Step 3: Pour the espresso and 1 teaspoon maple syrup over ice. Add milk and serve.

Below are a few notes on the methods for how to make espresso and how to froth the milk.

How to make an iced latte

How to make the espresso

What makes an iced latte an iced latte? The espresso! Strong coffee will not do here. You’ll need the following items to make a double shot of espresso:

  • Espresso roast coffee: The roast is important to get the right dark, bitter flavor. Use a fine grind on the espresso beans.
  • Espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Aeropress: This espresso machine is fantastic: it’s pricey but it makes the best espresso. A manual espresso maker is much cheaper and portable, and makes great espresso. French press espresso also works well: it’s our top choice for decent espresso without a specific tool. Aeropress espresso works in a pinch: the flavor isn’t great, but it’s the cheapest option.

Milk to use for an iced latte

If you’re a latte fan, you’ll know: the best milk for a latte is whole milk. Why? Whole milk froths the best because it has the highest milk fat. With an iced latte, the exact texture of the milk is less important because it’s a cold drink. So you can get away with 2% if you’d like: it just tastes less rich!

The best milk for a vegan iced latte? Oat milk! Oat milk froths the best of any non-dairy milk. Since the cold version of a latte is less touchy than the hot one, you can substitute any other non-dairy milk if you choose: almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, etc.

Frothing milk

Frothing the milk: a few options!

A good iced latte has lightly frothed milk, though some coffeehouses use straight milk. You can skip this step, but it adds a nice texture (and otherwise the drink strays into iced coffee territory). There are a few tools for the job that are easy to use:

  • Jar: You can simply place the milk in a jar and shake until it’s foamy!
  • Whisk. A whisk works too, and has a similar effect.
  • Handheld milk frother. If you already have a handheld milk frother for lattes, this is the best tool! It makes the thickest, creamiest frothed milk. See the recipe below for instructions.
  • French press. If you have a French press, it’s also great for making foam! It makes a nice frothy foam with bubbles a little larger than the frother.

For the last two methods, it’s easiest to use more milk than the recipe calls for because it froths better with a larger quantity. You can save it to make more iced lattes. And that’s it! Let us know if you make this iced latte in the comments below.

Iced latte

More latte recipes

Love a good latte? There are lots more to try: both espresso drinks and tea lattes! Here are some favorite recipes:

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Iced Latte

Perfect Iced Latte

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to make an iced latte at home! This classic coffee drink is perfectly creamy, refreshing and espresso-forward.

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or simple syrup)
  • ¼ cup whole milk (or oat milk for vegan)
  • Ice (try clear ice!)

Instructions

  1. Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Aeropress.
  2. Froth the milk: Use one of the following methods:
    1. Jar method: Place the milk in a covered jar and shake until foamy.
    2. Whisk method: Add the milk to a bowl and use a whisk to vigorously whisk it until foamy bubbles form.
    3. Milk frother: Use a handheld milk frother, which makes the frothiest milk. Place the milk in a tall container. Hold the container at an angle and turn on the frother. Move the frother up and down until foamy bubbles form, about 20 seconds or so. It’s easiest to use at least ½ cup milk (use the remainder for another iced latte).
    4. French press: Add the milk to a French press and pump using quick, short plunges until foamy bubbles form, about 30 seconds. It’s easiest to use ½ cup to 1 cup milk (use the remainder for more iced lattes).
  3. Add the espresso to ice-filled glass. Stir in the maple syrup and top with the frothed milk. Enjoy immediately.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Espresso
  • Cuisine: Latte

Keywords: Iced latte

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

5 New Beer Trends That Are Here to Stay

From the west coast pale ale, fruity and sweet hazy IPAs, and heavily fruited sour beers, the beer industry is used to change and chasing trends. With nearly 9,000 breweries across America, it’s just about impossible to keep up with what’s going on wit…

From the west coast pale ale, fruity and sweet hazy IPAs, and heavily fruited sour beers, the beer industry is used to change and chasing trends. With nearly 9,000 breweries across America, it's just about impossible to keep up with what's going on with beer these days—unless you're committed to continually tasting a seemingly unending number of styles and flavors.

Luckily, we are committed. So if you're looking to stay on top of what's all the rage in the industry right now, or just want to try something you usually wouldn't, we've assembled a list of what's been trendy in the beer world and what recent styles are here to stay.

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Peach Mojito

The peach mojito is fresh and sweet: the ideal summer drink! Grab a few ripe peaches and a handful of…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The peach mojito is fresh and sweet: the ideal summer drink! Grab a few ripe peaches and a handful of mint for this impressive cocktail.

Peach mojito

Here’s a cocktail recipe that’s summer in a tall, ice-cube-clinking glass…the Peach Mojito! Imagine: the juicy flavor of that ripe summer fruit, paired with hints of fresh mint, zingy lime, and white rum. It’s light, refreshing and altogether irresistible. We’ve tried over 300 homemade cocktails, but the Mojito is remains one of our favorite drinks of all time. It’s ideal for fruity riffs like this one!

What’s in a peach mojito?

This peach mojito is a fruity spin on the Mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. Some say the origins of this drink go all the way back to the 1500’s with an early combination of lime, sugar, and rum. The modern version of got popular in the 1930’s, when writer Ernest Hemingway fell in love with the drink.

It’s now on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, which means it has an official definition. For the peach variation, you’ll simply add fresh ripe peaches. Here’s what you’ll need:

Peach mojito

Skip this drink if you don’t have ripe peaches!

Give those peaches a squeeze. Does the fruit feel soft and have quite a bit of give? Then you’ve got the peaches you need for a peach mojito! Don’t even attempt this drink if you don’t have the ripest of summer fruit.

Don’t worry: you can still make peach drinks when peaches aren’t in season. The answer? Peach schnapps. Head over to our favorite Peach Schnapps drinks, like the Peach Daiquiri, Peach Martini, and more.

Also try our Peach Cocktails: the Peach Margarita, Bellini, and more!

Muddle the fruit right into the drink

Here’s how to add that lovely peach flavor to this drink: by muddling the fruit right into it! Muddling is gently mashing herbs or fruits to release their juices, which helps their flavors to incorporate into the drink. Here’s what to know about muddling:

  • Use a cocktail muddler. It’s the right tool for the job! Here’s a cocktail muddler, or you can use an unfinished wooden spoon (it’s a little more clunky, but works!).
  • Gently mash the mint! The key to muddling herbs is to be gentle and use a light touch. Don’t mash it with a lot of force.
  • Add the peaches and muddle again. You’ll want to get the fruit mashed down into a juice here.
Peach mojito

Make a peach mojito pitcher (for 8!)

Mixing up this peach mojito for a crowd? Instead of making one drink at a time, try our Mojito Pitcher! All you have to do is muddle up the peaches in advance. You’ll also make a mint syrup to infuse the entire drink with freshness. Here’s what to do:

  • Slice up 8 small peaches or 4 large. Then muddle them into a juice, just like for the single drink.
  • Make the Mojito Pitcher recipe, adding the muddled peaches to the pitcher with the mint syrup.
  • Add additional sliced peaches to the pitcher as a garnish. That’s it!

More mojito variations

Love the mighty Mojito? Because we’ve got lots more variations! Here are some of our top fruity and citrusy types of Mojitos:

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Peach mojito

Perfect Peach Mojito

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

The peach mojito is fresh and sweet: the ideal summer drink! Grab a few ripe peaches and a handful of mint for this impressive cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 6 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
  • 1 small or 1/2 large ripe peach
  • 2 ounces* white rum
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup or maple syrup
  • 4 ounces soda water

Instructions

  1. Cut the peach into slices. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves. Add the peach slices and muddle again until all the juices are released. Add the rum, lime juice and simple syrup and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold.
  2. Strain the drink into an ice-filled glass. Top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with additional mint leaves and sliced peaches.
  3. Pitcher variation: Muddle the slices from 8 small peaches or 4 large peaches. Then add to this Mojito Pitcher recipe, and garnish with additional sliced peaches.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Peach mojito

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Watermelon Smash

The watermelon smash is a refreshing summer drink that pairs melon with lime, rum and vodka. Serve over crushed ice!…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

The watermelon smash is a refreshing summer drink that pairs melon with lime, rum and vodka. Serve over crushed ice!

Watermelon smash

Here’s a watermelon drink idea that’s the definition of refreshing: the Watermelon Smash! This fruity spin on the classic Whiskey Smash is delicately sweet, the best combination of pure melon with fresh mint. Pairing vodka and rum adds intrigue in flavor (though you can opt for just vodka for simplicity). Serve with crushed ice, and it’s a stunning signature drink for sipping poolside or next to the grill.

What’s a watermelon smash?

The watermelon smash is a spin on the Whiskey Smash using watermelon, fresh mint, and vodka. The Whiskey Smash originated in the Victorian era as a cooling summer cocktail, and was first published in a bartender guide in 1887. That first smash had lemon, mint, whiskey, and sweetener, and served with crushed ice. Many variations have popped up over time, like the Berry Vodka Smash and the Gin Basil Smash.

The watermelon smash is another fruity spin: for this recipe we used both vodka and rum to bring extra nuance in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Watermelon cubes (or watermelon juice)
  • Fresh mint
  • Vodka
  • White rum
  • Lime juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Crushed ice
Watermelon smash drink

How to make crushed ice!

The most characteristic part of a smash cocktail? The crushed ice! What’s the best way to crush ice? Luckily, we’ve tried a bunch of methods and found the best way. And no: you don’t have to whack at ice with a rolling pin! Here’s the best way to crush ice:

  • Place the ice in a blender.
  • Fill the blender about halfway with cold water. This is the important part! The water helps everything blend to a uniform size.
  • Pulse until it’s uniformly crushed! Then strain. Pick out any large chunks with your fingers, but this method should result in a great texture.

How to make a watermelon smash: 3 tips

Once you’ve got your crushed ice, let’s get started! Here are a few tips for making this drink (or skip right to the recipe below):

  • Use watermelon cubes or make the juice. If you’re planning to make more than one drink, make Watermelon Juice in a blender first.
  • Muddle the mint gently to release the oils. Here are all our tips on How to Muddle Mint, including equipment.
  • Use vodka and white rum for best flavor, or go just vodka. We love the flavor combination of both! But if you don’t have rum on hand, just vodka is good too.
Watermelon smash

More watermelon drinks

Watermelon is our favorite summer fruit for cocktails! Here are a few more of our top watermelon drink ideas:

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Watermelon smash

Watermelon Smash

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

The watermelon smash is a refreshing summer drink that pairs melon with lime, rum and vodka. Serve over crushed ice!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chopped watermelon (or ¼ cup watermelon juice)
  • 4 large mint leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1 ounce* vodka
  • 1 ounce white rum (or use all vodka)
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • Crushed ice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the crushed ice.
  2. Add the mint to a cocktail shaker and muddle it gently. Add the watermelon cubes and use the muddler to release all of the juice. (If you’re using watermelon juice, simply muddle the mint first then add the juice in Step 2.)
  3. Add the vodka, rum, lime juice and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake until cold.
  4. Fill a lowball glass with the crushed ice, then strain in the drink. Garnish with additional watermelon slices and mint.

Notes

*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Watermelon smash

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

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You may have noticed something new around here (and on Instagram!). We’re thrilled to share: Today marks the launch of our brand-new hub for all things sippable, Drinks52. Read More >>

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