Watermelon Margarita is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that blends sweet, juicy watermelon with zesty lime juice, smooth tequila, and a splash of orange liqueur. Perfect for summer gatherings or relaxing poolside, this drink delivers a crisp, fruity twist on the classic margarita.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet: Fresh watermelon brings natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
- Cool and Refreshing: Perfectly chilled for hot days.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Customizable: Make it spicy, frozen, or booze-free.
- Crowd Favorite: Ideal for parties, barbecues, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- ½ cup silver (blanco) tequila
- ¼ cup triple sec or Cointreau
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1–2 tablespoons agave syrup or simple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Salt or sugar, for rimming the glasses
- Lime wedges and small watermelon slices, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Glasses: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass and dip into salt or sugar. Set aside.
- Blend the Watermelon: In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp if a smoother drink is desired.
- Mix the Cocktail: Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup to the strained watermelon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Fill prepared glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over the top. Garnish with lime wedges and watermelon slices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Frozen Margarita: Freeze watermelon cubes and blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy version.
- Spicy Margarita: Add a few jalapeño slices to the blender for heat.
- Smoky Margarita: Swap tequila with mezcal for a smoky twist.
- Mocktail: Skip the alcohol and use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Pour leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze. Blend into a slushie later.
- Reheating: Not applicable—serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought watermelon juice?
Yes, but fresh watermelon gives better flavor and natural sweetness.
Do I have to strain the watermelon puree?
No, it’s optional. Straining removes pulp for a smoother drink.
What type of tequila is best?
Blanco (silver) tequila is best for its clean, smooth flavor.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, mix everything and store in the fridge. Stir before serving.
Is it very sweet?
It depends on your watermelon. Add sweetener only if needed.
What’s a good garnish?
Lime wedges, watermelon slices, or fresh mint sprigs.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, just multiply the ingredients and use a large pitcher.
How do I make it spicy?
Blend or muddle a few jalapeño slices into the mix.
What’s a good food pairing?
Grilled shrimp, tacos, chips and guacamole, or spicy barbecue.
Can I serve it without ice?
Yes, just chill the mix well and serve in cold glasses.
Conclusion
Watermelon Margarita is the ultimate summer drink—light, fruity, and full of refreshing flavor. Whether you serve it on the rocks or blended, with or without booze, this cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of sunshine to any gathering.
Print
Watermelon Margarita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Watermelon Margarita is a refreshing, fruity cocktail made with fresh watermelon, lime juice, tequila, and a touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect summer drink for parties, BBQs, or relaxing poolside.
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup triple sec (or orange liqueur)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tbsp simple syrup or agave nectar (to taste)
- Ice
- Salt or sugar, for rimming glasses (optional)
- Lime wedges and watermelon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, purée the watermelon until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp, if desired.
- In a pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup or agave. Stir well.
- Rim glasses with salt or sugar by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping into your chosen garnish.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour margarita mixture over the top.
- Garnish with lime wedges or watermelon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness and alcohol to taste.
- Use frozen watermelon cubes instead of ice for a slushie-style margarita.
- Make a large batch and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Add a few fresh mint leaves for an herbal twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg