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    Home » Beverages » Cocktails » Watermelon Margarita

    Watermelon Margarita

    Published: Jul 10, 2024 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    A Watermelon Margarita is just made for summer! This take on a traditional margarita is a refreshing combination of fresh, juicy watermelon, tequila, simple syrup, and a touch of lime. It's the perfect hot summer day thirst quencher.

    Two watermelon margaritas with watermelon wedge, lime and mint garnish.

    Table of contents

    • Watermelon recipes
    • Why you'll love sipping on a fresh watermelon margarita
    • Ingredients
    • Best tequila for watermelon margaritas
    • How to make watermelon margaritas
    • Recipe tips
    • Recipe variations - other liquor to use
    • Recipe variations - other flavors
    • Other ways to serve the margaritas
    • More Cocktail Recipes

    Watermelon recipes

    Watermelons aren't just for backyard picnics anymore! This sweet, refreshing summertime fruit is not only delicious but also versatile. From salads to salsas, popsicles to cocktails, this fruit is the star of summer.

    For summer salads there is nothing more refreshing than a Watermelon Cucumber Salad. For a cool thirst quencher, serve fresh watermelon juice or try your hand at my favorite watermelon drinks like Watermelon Sangria, Watermelon Pineapple Splash, or this easy Watermelon Margarita recipe. With just the right amount of sweet and tart, it’s like drinking summer in a glass!

    Overhead of two garnished margaritas.

    Why you'll love sipping on a fresh watermelon margarita

    When summer's heat is at its peak, there's nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to cool you down and lift your spirits. This Watermelon Margarita makes the perfect summer cocktail that I promise will become your new hot weather go-to!

    Bursting with Freshness: Juicy, ripe watermelon is this margarita's star ingredient where every sip is a burst of natural sweetness and hydration.

    Sweet & Tangy: This isn't your standard margarita! The homemade lime simple syrup adds a zesty edge that pairs well with the sweet watermelon.

    Easy to Make: With just a few easy steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this cocktail in no time. Blend, chill, and serve – that's it!

    Beautiful: This summer drink is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its deep red hue and colorful garnishes.

    Healthier Option: Fresh watermelon gives you a dose of vitamins and antioxidants with your cocktail. Use agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a lower glycemic index.

    Cooling and Hydrating: Watermelon has a high water content that makes this margarita not only tasty but hydrating as well. A perfect way to stay cool on a hot day.

    Ingredients

    First you'll need to gather what you need to make this recipe for watermelon margaritas. You'll find the exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.

    Lime simple syrup:

    Ingredients for lime simple syrup.
    • Sugar
    • Water
    • Lime peel

    For the watermelon margaritas:

    Ingredients for watermelon margaritas.
    • Fresh cubed watermelon
    • Lime simple syrup
    • Tequila - use your favorite tequila or see below for suggestions on the best tequila to use
    • Triple Sec - or other orange liqueur
    • Fresh lime juice - fresh lime juice gives the best results but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch
    • Crushed ice

    For salting the rims of the glasses:

    • Lime wedge
    • Kosher salt - or other coarse salt like margarita salt

    Best tequila for watermelon margaritas

    You want to choose just the right tequila for whipping up this perfect Watermelon Margarita, and Blanco, white/silver tequila, is the ideal choice. Blanco tequila has a clean, crisp flavor that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the watermelon, allowing the fresh fruit and lime simple syrup to shine.

    The top ones to try are 1800 Blanco, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, Don Julio Blanco, and Patron Silver.

    How to make watermelon margaritas

    Once you've gathered the ingredients, it's time to mix your homemade watermelon margarita! Start with the lime simple syrup and give it a chance to cool. It can be made several days in advance to speed up the process.

    Lime Simple Syrup

    Steps to make lime simple syrup.
    1. Place the water, sugar, and lime strips in a small saucepan.
    2. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly, then simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
    Lime simple syrup in a jar.

    NOTE: You can quadruple the recipe and use this lime simple syrup in other cocktails or to sweeten limeades. If you are in a rush, store-bought simple syrup can be subbed.

    Watermelon Margarita

    Prep steps to make a homemade watermelon margarita.
    1. Place watermelon chunks, lime simple syrup, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a high-speed blender.
    2. Blend until smooth.

    Salted Rim

    A salted rim is optional but totally delicious! It's easy to do, enhances the flavor, and adds just the right touch to this fresh cocktail.

    How to salt rim of glass.
    1. Rub a fresh lime wedge around the rim of the glass.
    2. Dip into coarse salt.
    Pouring watermelon cocktail into salt rimmed glass.

    Add crushed ice to the prepared glass then pour away! A next level margarita with classic margarita flavors for the perfect refreshing drink.

    Watermelon Margaritas on the rocks with fruit and mint garnish.

    So what are you waiting for? Grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and get ready to sip on the most refreshing and fun margarita of the season! Cheers to summer vibes and delicious drinks!

    Recipe tips

    Always use seedless watermelon to save time and ensure a smooth texture in your drink. If you can't find seedless, be sure to remove all seeds before blending.

    Chill your watermelon cubes in the fridge before blending. This helps to keep your margarita cold without needing as much ice, which can dilute the flavors.

    Recipe variations - other liquor to use

    One of the great things about a Watermelon Margarita is its versatility. You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or to try something new.

    Mezcal Instead of Tequila - For a smoky twist on the classic, try using mezcal instead of tequila. Its distinctive smoky flavor pairs well with the sweet taste of watermelon.

    Vodka Instead of Tequila - If tequila isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with vodka. Vodka has a neutral flavor that allows the watermelon and lime to really stand out.

    Watermelon Pucker Liqueur - Adding Watermelon Pucker liqueur intensifies the watermelon flavor for a fruitier drink. Use it in addition to or as a partial sub for tequila.

    Hennessy Cognac - For a richer, more complex flavor, try adding a splash of Hennessy cognac. The cognac’s deep, warm notes complement the fruity watermelon flavors.

    Cointreau Instead of Triple Sec - Switch out Triple Sec for Cointreau which has a more refined and balanced orange flavor that enhances the overall taste of the drink.

    Wine-Based Cocktails - If you want to keep a bit of the alcoholic vibe but with lower alcohol content, dry white wine can be a great substitute for tequila. It adds a subtle complexity and lightness to the margarita. For a bubbly twist, add a splash of Prosecco for some effervescence, making your drink even more refreshing.

    Non-alcoholic - Make a virgin watermelon margarita by replacing the tequila with a non-alcoholic substitute, such as Ritual Zero Proof, and sub orange juice for Triple Sec.

    Recipe variations - other flavors

    Kick up your Watermelon Margarita with these added flavors, transforming the classic cocktail into something original.

    Basil and Mint - Muddle fresh herbs for an aromatic twist.

    Cucumber, Strawberry, Mango, and Coconut - Different fruits add tasty dimensions to your margarita. Cucumber creates a crisp, cooling effect, fresh strawberries or mangoes enhance the tropical vibe, while coconut milk adds a creamy touch.

    Spicy Watermelon Margaritas - If you love a bit of heat, add habanero or jalapeño slices to your margarita or spice up the salt rim by mixing in chili powder.

    Other ways to serve the margaritas

    While the classic Watermelon Margarita on the rocks is a delight, there are plenty of other fun and creative ways to serve this refreshing cocktail.

    Frozen Watermelon Margarita - Make your margarita into a slushy, frozen treat by using frozen watermelon cubes. Simply blend the frozen cubes with the other ingredients to create a thick, icy beverage that will become your new favorite cocktail for hot summer days.

    Margarita Shots - A small version of the perfect margarita is a great option for summertime gatherings or barbecues. Just blend the ingredients as usual, pour into shot glasses, and garnish with a tiny piece of watermelon or a mini lime wedge.

    Margarita Popsicles - Whip up a delightful frozen treat by making popsicles. Blend as directed then pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. These boozy popsicles are a fun way to enjoy your favorite cocktail, perfect for summer parties or poolside.

    By the Pitcher - If you're hosting a party, making a big batch of Watermelon Margaritas in a pitcher is a convenient option. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, blend as usual, and pour the mixture into a large pitcher. Keep it chilled in the fridge until it's time to serve.

    More Cocktail Recipes

    Key Lime Pie Martini - a refreshing cocktail with a touch of the Florida Keys. It tastes just like key lime pie in a glass!

    South Beach Punch - a tropical cocktail straight from South Florida. A delicious combination of coconut rum, curacao & sparkling orange juice perfect for summer.

    Strawberry Jalapeno Moscow Mule Slushie - a cool, spicy, fruity twist to the standard Moscow Mule.

    Ranch Water Drink - a light and refreshing cocktail with tequila, lime, and sparkling mineral water.

    Find lots of cocktail recipes for any season or occasion right here on 2CM!

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    Watermelon Margarita

    A Watermelon Margarita is made for summer! A refreshing combination of juicy watermelon, tequila & a touch of lime makes this a perfect thirst quencher.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 cocktails
    Calories: 370kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    Simple Syrup (makes ¼ cup)

    • ¼ cup sugar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 3 strips of lime peel

    Margarita

    • ¼ cup lime simple syrup adjust more or less to your liking (store-bought simple syrup or agave nectar can be substituted)
    • 3 cups watermelon, cut up
    • ½ cup tequila
    • 2 Tablespoons Triple Sec
    • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • Crushed ice
    • Garnish: lime slice, watermelon wedge, sprig of mint

    Instructions

    Simple Syrup

    • Place sugar, water and lime strips in a small saucepan and heat to boiling while continuously stirring.
    • Continue to simmer for 3 minutes then remove from heat and let cool. Place in a bottle and store in refrigerator and use when simple syrup is called for in a recipe.

    To Prepare Margarita

    • In a blender, place lime simple syrup, watermelon, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Blend until pureed.
    • This can be done ahead of time and placed in the refrigerator until needed. Blend or stir slightly before pouring into glasses.
    • Take 2 margarita glasses and rub rim with lime wedge. Dip into coarse salt to lightly coat.
    • Add crushed ice to glasses and divide contents between both glasses.
    • Garnish the edge with a lime and/or a wedge of watermelon. Add a sprig of mint for more color.

    Notes

    Note: Time to prepare does not include the time it takes to make the simple syrup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 1297IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg

    This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and more helpful information. It was first published on June 11, 2013.

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    • Eggnog Pudding Shots

    Comments

    1. Samantha Dawn says

      May 01, 2018 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm ... when's happy hour? These margaritas are incredible! I love the bright flavour the watermelon adds.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        May 02, 2018 at 9:39 pm

        Well, it's got to be 5 o'clock somewhere so I'd say happy hour was right now! If you love watermelon you'll love this sweeter version of the classic margarita.

        Reply
    2. Jacqueline DiNuoscio says

      May 01, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      So perfect for Cinco de Mayo! Love that watermelon flavor!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        May 02, 2018 at 9:39 pm

        Thanks Jacqueline! It really is a great combo and something a little sweeter than the classic but just as delicious. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

        Reply
    3. zidane1972 says

      June 11, 2013 at 11:30 pm

      watermelon with salt? i meen you rimmed the glass like a classic margarita but u made a watermelon margarita ( which is sweet ) and also you put sugar syrup. It´s working?

      Reply
      • lindawarren says

        June 12, 2013 at 4:15 pm

        The salted rim actually works very well with this drink due to the tartness of the lime juice and the taste of the tequila. The flavor of the watermelon is there but it still has the distinct taste of a margarita. Give it a try - it is really quite delicious.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

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