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    Home » MAKE IT EASY » 30 Minutes or Less

    Watermelon Wine Cooler with Lime

    Modified: Jan 2, 2025 by Susan Pridmore · This post may contain affiliate links · 37 Comments

    Watermelon wine cooler poured over ice in 2 glasses with sprigs of mint and straws.

    This refreshing wine cooler drink is made with inexpensive white Riesling wine, fresh watermelon, lime and mint syrup. And if you have some mint syrup left over, make these shortcut classic mojitos!

    For a party, make this wine cooler ahead of time, and keep in the refrigerator. Just before your guests arrive, pour into a pitcher with a container of ice cubes on the side, and you're all set with a signature drink for your guests!

    Jump to Recipe
    Two glasses of a watermelon wine cooler with mint and straws.

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    Want to make this recipe perfectly the first time? I want to help with that. So, check out this Table of Contents to see which sections of this post will help you the most.

    Jump to:
    • 🤷‍♀️ What is a wine cooler?
    • 🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes
    • 🔪 Recommended Equipment
    • 📝 Instructions Overview
    • 📇 Other Summer Cocktails You Need Tonight
    • Watermelon Wine Cooler with Lime and Mint Syrup

    Watermelon is a perfect dessert, salad or drink in the summer. Offering a signature drink, like this watermelon wine cooler, at your next BBQ is fun and easy. And because wine coolers typically use very inexpensive wines, they fit into most budgets.

    Other watermelon ideas for a summer BBQ that I love to make are a Watermelon and Peach Salsa, which can also be served as a salad, and a classic, easy Watermelon Salad with Feta. For dessert, it's sooooo easy to grill slices of watermelon, and then squirt the slices with lime, and scatter some mint over the top. Or make skewers of melon balls marinated in honey, ginger and lime. They make a great appetizer or dessert.

    4 dishes featuring watermelon: a watermelon salsa with cucumbers, a salad with feta, grilled watermelon, and skewers of different melons.
    4 Ways to Use Watermelon This Summer!

    🤷‍♀️ What is a wine cooler?

    So, what actually is a wine cooler? A wine cooler is loosely defined as a fizzy combination of an inexpensive wine, some kind of fruit juice, carbonated water and sugar. Bartles & Jaymes and Seagrams were huge players with a variety of flavors.

    Think of them as adult soda pops with an alcoholic content similar to beer.

    They were super popular in the 1980's, but suddenly disappeared from the market due to the way wine was suddenly taxed. The closest thing today is White Claw hard seltzer that has a 5% alcohol content.


    🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes

    The secret to faster and easier meals often lies in the ingredients. For example, store-bought items and ingredients you make ahead and store in the refrigerator (or freezer) can turn a 60-minute recipe into a 30-minutes meal or less.

    For the all of the ingredients, measurements and directions, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.

    • Seedless watermelon - be sure it's seedless, since you don't want to spend time removing the seeds!
    • Cheap white wine - I used a Gallo Riesling wine.
    • Lime juice
    • Fresh mint syrup - make your own mint syrup or purchase a bottle. It's so easy, though, to make it yourself, and fresher!

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.


    🔪 Recommended Equipment

    Having the right equipment for recipes makes prepping soooo much easier. If you want more fuss-free prepping and cooking, check out my updated list of favorite kitchen tools and equipment.

    • Sharp chef's knife
    • Blender or Food processor
    • Cheesecloth

    📝 Instructions Overview

    Detailed instructions for making this wine cooler are in the recipe card below, but here's an overview!

    Step 1

    Make the mint syrup. If you choose to make your own syrup stir equal amounts of sugar and water together in a small pan over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the mint leaves and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.

    Keep refrigerated until needed. It will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

    Step 2

    Make the watermelon juice. While the mint syrup cools, cut a seedless watermelon in half. Place it with the cut side facing down on a work surface. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut away the rind and discard.

    Chop the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, place in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade, and whirl like crazy until the watermelon is completely liquified.

    Strain the liquid through 2 layers of cheesecloth to remove the pulp. But this is strictly optional. A lot of people like watermelon juice with the pulp.

    Note: 1 small seedless watermelon makes around 8 cups, cubed, and about 4 ½ - 5 cups of juice with the pulp.

    Step 3

    Mix. Stir together all of the ingredients. Pour into a pitcher and chill until you're ready to serve.

    Step 4

    Serve over ice with a sprig of mint.

    📇 Other Summer Cocktails You Need Tonight

    • Sgroppino (Italian Cocktail) - if you're not familiar with this cocktail, it's like a Prosecco slushie.
    • Easy Peruvian Pisco Sour
    • Or make a Classic Easy Margarita that only needs 3 ingredients.

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Recipe
    Two glasses of a watermelon wine cooler with mint and straws.
    4.89 from 42 votes

    Watermelon Wine Cooler with Lime and Mint Syrup

    This refreshing wine cooler drink is made with inexpensive white Riesling wine, fresh watermelon, lime and mint syrup. For a party, make this wine cooler ahead of time, and keep in the refrigerator.
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe Add to Recipe Collection Go to Collections Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Prep Time25 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Cocktails, Drink
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: wine cooler
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 241kcal
    Author: Susan Pridmore
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Small pot to make the Mint Syrup
    • Chef's knife
    • high speed blender
    • cheesecloth

    Ingredients

    Wine Cooler

    • ½ small seedless watermelon
    • 3 cups white Riesling
    • 3 tablespoons mint syrup or to taste
    • 3 tablespoons lime juice
    • 2 ounces club soda

    Instructions

    • Make the watermelon juice. Cut a seedless watermelon in half. Place it with the cut side facing down on a work surface. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut away the rind and discard.
      Chop the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, place in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade, and whirl like crazy until the watermelon is completely liquified.
      Strain the liquid through 2 layers of cheesecloth to remove the pulp. But this is strictly optional. A lot of people like watermelon juice with the pulp.
      Note: 1 small seedless watermelon makes around 8 cups of cubed watermelon, and about 4 ½ - 5 cups of juice with the pulp. The amount of juice you get from your watermelon will depend on the size of the watermelon, how juicy it is, and the amount of pulp you include.
    • Mix. Stir in the wine, mint syrup, lime juice, and club soda. Pour into a pitcher and chill until ready to serve.
    • Serve over ice with a sprig of mint.

    Notes

    If you have watermelon juice made and kept in a jar in the refrigerator, along with the mint syrup, this refreshing drink comes together in about 3 minutes.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.7g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 0.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 18.3mg | Potassium: 531.1mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 31.8g | Vitamin A: 2217.2IU | Vitamin C: 33.2mg | Calcium: 44.4mg | Iron: 1.7mg
    « BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes (Slow Cooker + Instant Pot)
    Fresh Mint Simple Syrup (Great for Cocktails!) »

    About Susan Pridmore

    Susan Pridmore is an award-winning cookbook author and the owner of The Wimpy Vegetarian. She has been featured in Huffington Post, Healthline, BuzzFeed, and has written for and developed recipes for The Food Network and Parade Magazine. She is professionally trained and focuses on easy vegetarian recipes for busy lives, bread-baking, and tips for new vegetarians. Susan lives in the mountains in Lake Tahoe with her husband and mini-labradoodle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz

      August 22, 2014 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      Oh, man, THIS is the way to beat the heat! So beautiful and refreshing, Susan!!!

      Reply
    2. Renee

      August 22, 2014 at 3:45 am

      5 stars
      Watermelon is such a great summer flavor and having it part of a wine cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate Labor Day.

      Reply
    3. Katie

      August 22, 2014 at 4:02 am

      5 stars
      I cannot get over how REFRESHING this drink looks! The color is simply stunning as well. Where's my glass...fill it up!

      Reply
    4. Shaina

      August 22, 2014 at 5:01 am

      5 stars
      Watermelon, mint and lime...what a refreshing combination! And it just gets better when you add in the riesling. Love this drink!

      Reply
    5. Run DMT

      August 22, 2014 at 5:50 am

      5 stars
      This looks incredibly refreshing! Totally pinning this!

      Reply
    6. Emily {Jelly Toast}

      August 22, 2014 at 6:05 am

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely lovely, Susan!! Beautiful photo!

      Reply
    7. Nichole

      August 22, 2014 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      I bet a homemade wine cooler is MUCH better than anything I ever purchased in my early twenties claiming to be the same thing 🙂 I loved Gallo's Reisling as well; my new favorite these days!

      Reply
    8. Betsy @ Desserts Required

      August 22, 2014 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is a fabulous combination!! I love watermelon with lime and mint...add a fab Gallo wine to the mix and I will be a very happy camper!

      Reply
    9. cheri

      August 22, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      What a refreshing drink Susan. I can't believe how fast this summer has been going, we leave for phoenix the end of next month.

      Reply
    10. Alida

      August 22, 2014 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      The watermelon and riesling combination is absolutely genius! Add your tasty mint syrup, and you have perfection. Love this!!

      Reply
    11. Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      August 23, 2014 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      Oh I love watermelon in a cocktail, and I know it must have been fabulous with the Riesling!!

      Reply
    12. Kathia Rodriguez

      August 23, 2014 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great idea to used my watermelon, i can't wait to try it.

      Reply
    13. Thalia @ butter and brioche

      August 23, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      wish the weather was hot enough here that i could justify making a watermelon cooler, they look delicious. shame it's winter in Australia!

      Reply
    14. Heather // girlichef

      August 24, 2014 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      This looks so refreshing, Susan - definitely the perfect addition to a Labor Day (or any summer entertaining) menu!

      Reply
    15. Isabel Laessig

      August 24, 2014 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea for entertaining! This will be the hit of my next party.

      Reply
    16. Terra

      August 24, 2014 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      What a refreshing cocktail. I would love love this gorgeous drink. Perfect to serve at a BBQ or Summer party. Yum, Hugs, Terra

      Reply
    17. christina

      August 24, 2014 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      What a fabulous combination of flavors! And the color is so perfect for a summer drink. Reislings are one of my favorite wines, so I'm sure i'd love this!

      Reply
    18. Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

      August 24, 2014 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      Did you seriously say the "H", "T"", "C", and "NY" words? Nooo! I'm going to just sip on one of these and live in blissful denial!

      Reply
    19. Hezzi-D

      August 24, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      I never thought to add watermelon to my wine but I love the gorgeous color!!

      Reply
    20. Nicole

      August 25, 2014 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      Watermelon tastes so good this summer! I love it in this delicious beverage!

      Reply
    21. Anne @ Webicurean

      August 25, 2014 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      I needed a recipe for watermelon, and here it is! This sounds fantastic!

      Reply
    22. Mary

      August 25, 2014 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      These drinks look so refreshing! I bet they're delicious too.

      Reply
    23. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist

      August 25, 2014 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      That looks downright refreshing. I could use a glass (maybe a pitcher) right now.

      Reply
    24. Kim - Liv Life

      August 25, 2014 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      Oohh!! watermelon and mint is a fabulous combo… but add in a little Gallo and we have a treat!

      Reply
    25. The Food Hunter

      August 25, 2014 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      Cheers!

      Reply
    26. Marion@Life Tastes Good

      August 26, 2014 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Watermelon is one of my absolute favorite things ever! This sounds so refreshing!

      Reply
    27. Lori @ RecipeGirl

      August 26, 2014 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      This is my kind of cocktail! So refreshing and delicious!

      Reply
    28. Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon

      August 26, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      I can't believe it's Labor Day already either, I want summer back. I'll be sipping on some of these delicious cocktails this weekend!

      Reply
    29. Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons

      August 27, 2014 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      You are single-handedly changing my misconceptions about what a "wine cooler" really is. I mean, I don't think I've ever even HAD one of those awful bottled ones, but I bet they're awful. And this is the complete opposite of that. I cannot wait to try this! Need to get my hands on another bottle of Gallo Riesling!

      Reply
    30. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

      August 27, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love that wine - and this cooler sounds fabulous! Pinned!

      Reply
    31. Christie

      August 28, 2014 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      SUSAN! Your wine cooler looks FABULOUS!

      Reply
    32. Pure Grace Farms

      August 28, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Stopping by to let you know I featured your fabulous post on Foodie Fridays this week. Party starts at 9pm EST. Hope to see you there!
      Blessings,
      Shari

      Reply
    33. Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking

      August 28, 2014 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      I'm ready for the fall but in the same time I wish summer was still around with its abundance of fresh fruit, especially watermelons!
      These refreshing drinks sound just perfect for the Labor day celebrations!

      Reply
    34. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen

      August 29, 2014 at 7:04 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love those glasses! And what a refreshing cooler recipe 🙂

      Reply
    35. Michael

      July 04, 2015 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      Love this! I didn't have the same wine but I tried it with another white. It was great!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 04, 2015 at 5:56 pm

        Yay!! I'm so glad you like it!! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    36. Christopher Arnold

      June 08, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love those glasses of wine. It looks so refreshing. Watermelon is such a great for summer.

      Reply
    4.89 from 42 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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    about the author:

    Susan Pridmore

    Hi there! I'm an award-winning cookbook author, culinary school graduate, professional photographer and recipe developer. My cookbook Simply Vegetarian was named #1 best cookbook for new vegetarians, and I want to make it easier for you to cook fabulous vegetarian meals. Come join me in the kitchen!

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