Watermelon Margarita

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.

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!

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:

• Sugar
• Water
• Lime peel

For the 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

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.

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

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.

1. Rub a fresh lime wedge around the rim of the glass.
2. Dip into coarse salt.

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

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