How are we already in July, friend?! Summer is flying by. We’ve been hitting the farmers market almost every weekend, and I can’t seem to stop buying watermelon. It’s just too good right now! Sweet, juicy, perfect for snacking…and even better for cocktails.
Speaking of which, some big news: I was just featured in Martha Stewart (!!) sharing my favorite summer cocktail tips, which feels so wild to say. I'm still freaking out about it!
Y’all know I love a good seasonal sipper, and this watermelon mimosa is exactly that. It’s easy, it’s refreshing, and it’s the kind of drink you make once and keep coming back to all summer long.
A little brunchy menu to enjoy these mimosas with: a light and yummy strawberry spinach salad, savory croque madame sandwiches and shrimp and grits, and nibble on a perfect summer charcuterie board.
Sweet Summer Watermelon Mimosas!
A fruity summer drink is a mainstay here on Sweet Tea + Thyme, especially mimosas. Just like how easy it is to make a classic mimosa with orange juice or peach puree in a bellini, we are making a mimosa with fresh watermelon juice.
We’re not just tossing in flavored juice and calling it a day though, this recipe starts with real, sweet watermelon blended into fresh juice, so every sip is sweet and vibrant and full of that summery goodness.
If your melon’s a little mellow, we’re adjusting with just a touch of simple syrup (because not all fruit hits the same, and that’s okay).
Then we bring in the bubbles with good champagne or prosecco that lifts the whole thing up without overpowering it. It’s fruity, bright, and not overly sweet. Honestly better than any mimosa you’ve ordered at brunch.
Why You'll Love these Bubbly Mimosas
- Made with real watermelon, not store-bought juice – Freshly blended for that clean, juicy summer flavor!
- No weird pulp or grit – The watermelon juice gets strained, so every sip is smooth.
- Customizable sweetness – Add a splash of simple syrup only if you need it. We're letting the
- Quick, simple, and gorgeous – Five minutes, one blender, and you’ve got a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients Needed
Full ingredients, measurements, and printable instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Fresh Watermelon - if you're making this outside of watermelon season, use your favorite store bought watermelon juice.
- Bubbly White Wine - I always say use your favorite bubbly, but I'll also say to leave the sweet stuff aside. A brut champagne, prosecco or cava works perfectly.
- Simple Syrup - this is optional and very easy to make at home: 1 part water to 1 part sugar that's simmered until the sugar dissolves and cooled. If your watermelon isn't sweet enough, that's where this comes in.
How to Make this Watermelon Mimosa Cocktail
Step 1 | Blend up the watermelon in a blender until smooth and juicy. If the sweetness of the watermelon is lacking, that's where a little simple syrup comes in! Taste and add simple syrup to the juice as needed.
Step 2 | Strain the watermelon puree through a fine mesh strainer to make smooth watermelon juice.
Step 3 | Fill your champagne flute or coupe glass halfway with your wine, then top it off with the watermelon juice. Leave a good amount of headspace at the top of the glass and serve cold!
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Version
Swap the champagne for sparkling non-alcoholic wine, club soda (which turns it into watermelon soda!), or a splash of ginger beer for a fizzy non-alcoholic version.
Variations
- Rosé all day – Use a dry sparkling rosé instead of classic brut champagne for a slightly floral, berry-forward twist that pairs beautifully with the watermelon.
- Frozen watermelon mimosa – Freeze your cubed watermelon first, then blend it into a slushie-style mimosa. It’s like frosé’s cooler cousin.
- Herbaceous twist – A few fresh mint leaves in the glass or muddled into the juice adds depth and freshness. Sweet basil also works if you're feeling fancy.
Chef's Tips for Perfect Summer Mimosas
- Look for a watermelon with a creamy yellow field spot (that’s where it sat on the ground ripening) and a hollow sound when you knock on it. It should feel heavy for its size, be nice and round, and have a dull rind. Shiny = underripe.
- Seedless watermelon makes your life easier, but seeded watermelons like Sugar Baby watermelons are often sweeter and more flavorful. Remove the seeds before blending!
- When you add the sparkling wine, go slow and steady. Too fast and you’ll lose your fizz (and maybe overflow your glass).
- Warm bubbly is a one-way ticket to a flat, foamy mimosa. Chill the watermelon, the sparkling wine, even the glasses if you can. No one wants a lukewarm brunch cocktail.
Make Ahead + Storage
Juice ahead – Blend and strain your melon up to 2 days in advance. Keep the watermelon juice in the fridge in an airtight container.
Don’t mix until serving – Add the bubbly right before serving so it stays fizzy and fresh.
More Fresh Summer Drinks to Try
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Refreshing Watermelon Mimosas
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, about ½ of a medium melon
- 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup, optional, to taste
- 1 (750 mL) bottle chilled dry champagne, or prosecco or sparkling wine
- fresh mint or lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the cubed watermelon to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or pitcher, pressing to extract all the juice. You should get around 2 to 2½ cups of juice.4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- Give the juice a taste—if it’s not quite sweet enough, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of simple syrup. If it needs brightness, a little citrus goes a long way.1-2 tablespoons simple syrup
- Fill each glass about halfway with the watermelon juice, then slowly top with chilled sparkling wine. Give a gentle stir if needed.1 (750 mL) bottle chilled dry champagne
- Garnish with fresh mint or a wedge of lime if desired. Serve immediately while bubbly.fresh mint or lime wedges
Recipe Notes
Chef's Tips for Perfect Summer Mimosas
- Look for a watermelon with a creamy yellow field spot (that’s where it sat on the ground ripening) and a hollow sound when you knock on it. It should feel heavy for its size and have a dull—not shiny—rind. Shiny = underripe.
- Seedless watermelon makes your life easier, but seeded watermelons like Sugar Baby watermelons are often sweeter and more flavorful. Remove the seeds before blending!
- When you add the sparkling wine, go slow and steady. Too fast and you’ll lose your fizz (and maybe overflow your glass).
- Warm bubbly is a one-way ticket to a flat, foamy mimosa. Chill the watermelon, the sparkling wine, even the glasses if you can. No one wants a lukewarm brunch cocktail.
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