Watermelon Margarita
Nothing says summer like a watermelon margarita! This fruity cocktail is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Not only does this drink look good, it tastes even better – sweet, tangy, and just a little bit spicy! One of the secrets is it’s made with fresh watermelon juice, which guarantees its being the ultimate refreshing cocktail.
We’ve all had margaritas that we love. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a margarita that I didn’t like. But what makes this fruity twist on the classic margarita stand out is the fresh watermelon juice.
Fresh juice takes it to another level and leaves you craving another sip.
When I made this margarita for Dishes Delish, I was also planning for our vacation. We were staying at my cousin’s beach home on Boston’s South Shore the following week, and I like to bring ingredients with me to make some of our cocktails.
I knew we would need at least 32 ounces of watermelon juice to satisfy all of our cocktail needs. I ended up buying a medium watermelon and blending most of the flesh which yielded over 64 ounces. One of the best things about having so much is that the fresh juice freezes well.
If you have a blender and are using fresh juice, make as little or as much juice as you like. It also tastes delicious on its own. Also, don’t forget to cut some chunks or small wedges of watermelon for the garnish. I used three pieces in one cocktail and two in the other.
We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful
Tips
- Fresh watermelon juice is easy to make, so I won’t be adding photos. All you have to do is blend chunks of watermelon and then strain the liquid by pouring it through cheesecloth into a jar or measuring glass.
- If you don’t have a blender to make the fresh juice, you can also use a food processor as watermelon breaks down fast. Just be sure to remove as many seeds as possible, even the white ones.
- If you don’t have a blender or a food processor, you can use store-bought juice but it usually comes with another flavor added so it will alter the taste of the margarita.
- Another way to extract the juice of this melon is by placing chunks of the fruit into a deep bowl and using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to get as much of the juice as possible. Just know that you will likely have small chunks in the juice, which you can strain with fine cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
- I like using a Blanco tequila like Patron Silver in this cocktail but use what you prefer. You can also use a Reposado tequila or Anejo tequila.
- You also have options for orange liqueur. I prefer Cointreau but triple sec will also work.
- I am using just a little simple syrup because the juice isn’t sweet enough. I chose to use chile simple syrup by Hipstirs. They have a nice variety of flavored simple syrups.
- Even though I’m using a spicy simple syrup, you can use unflavored simple syrup or even agave syrup if you prefer.
- This margarita lends itself to a salted rim. Lately, I’ve been using this pre-made blend.
- Here’s how to salt the rim of your glass. Dip your finger in some simple syrup, or lime juice. Rub along the edges of the rim with your finger. Either open up the container of pre-made salt or sprinkle some other salt like kosher or Maldon on a small plate. Dip the rim of the glass in the salt and with the glass upside down, shake any extra salt off the glass. Place right side up and set aside.
- It’s essential to wash citrus before you either juice it or place a wedge into your cocktail. The reason is you want to remove as much of the pesticides as you can.
- Here’s how – squirt some unscented, natural soap onto your hand and rub the lime between your palms. Then take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. And lastly, run the lime under cold water to rinse all the soap off.
- The other way to wash a lime is my preferred way: This vegetable and fruit cloth has a rough and smooth side. The rough side helps scrub the skin, and the smooth side shines the fruit. Run cold water on the fruit, take the rough side of the cloth, and rub the skin of the citrus. Rinse thoroughly before juicing.
How to make watermelon margaritas
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass, citrus squeezer, glassware, and martini picks for the garnish.
Cut 4 – 6 chunks of fresh watermelon and place as many as you like on each pick. Set aside for garnish.
If you are going to salt the rims, do so now. See the helpful tips in the note section on how.
After measuring out the ingredients, add to the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – tequila, orange liqueur, watermelon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. (A)
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of tequila. (B)
Step three
Measure out 2 ounces of orange liqueur. (C)
Step four
Measure out 1 1/2 ounces of fresh lime juice. (D)
Step five
Measure out 1 ounce of simple syrup (chile or unflavored). (E)
Step six
Measure out 6 ounces of watermelon juice.
Step seven
Add fresh ice cubes to the margarita glasses. I like big ice cubes. Here are the trays that I use.
Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Divide, pour, and strain the liquid between the two glasses. Try not to pour over the salted rim as you don’t want a salty margarita.
Add a pick of fresh watermelon to each cocktail. You can also garnish this drink with a lime wedge.
Doesn’t that look delicious?
Don’t you feel refreshed just looking at it? I certainly do.
I hope you enjoyed this easy watermelon margarita recipe! It’s so delicious.
Other fruity margaritas
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 ounces tequila
- 2 ounces orange liqueur (I use Cointreau)
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup (I use chile simple syrup)
- 6 ounces watermelon juice (freshly blended, see notes below on how)
Garnish
- 6 chunks watermelon (place as many chunks on the picks and set aside as garnish)
- salt (for the rims – optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass, and glassware.Also, if you're going to salt the rims of the glasses, do so now – see notes below on how.salt
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh watermelon juice.4 ounces tequila, 2 ounces orange liqueur, 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, 6 ounces watermelon juice
- Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Add fresh ice to the glasses. Divide, strain, and pour the margarita between the two glasses. Be careful not to pour the liquid over the salt).
- Add a pick with the watermelon to each glass.6 chunks watermelon
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Helpful tips
- Fresh watermelon juice is easy to make, so I won’t be adding photos. All you have to do is blend chunks of watermelon and then strain the liquid by pouring it through cheesecloth into a jar or measuring glass.
- If you don’t have a blender to make the fresh juice, you can also use a food processor as watermelon breaks down fast. Just be sure to remove as many seeds as possible, even the white ones.
- If you don’t have a blender or a food processor, you can use store-bought juice but it usually comes with another flavor added so it will alter the taste of the margarita.
- Another way to extract the juice of this melon is by placing chunks of the fruit into a deep bowl and using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to get as much of the juice as possible. Just know that you will likely have small chunks in the juice, which you can strain with fine cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
- I like using a Blanco tequila like Patron Silver in this cocktail but use what you prefer. You can also use a Reposado tequila or Anejo tequila.
- You also have options for orange liqueur. I prefer Cointreau but triple sec will also work.
- I am using just a little simple syrup because the juice isn’t sweet enough. I chose to use chile simple syrup by Hipstirs. They have a nice variety of flavored simple syrups.
- Even though I’m using a spicy simple syrup, you can use unflavored simple syrup or even agave syrup if you prefer.
- This margarita lends itself to a salted rim. Lately, I’ve been using this pre-made blend.
- Here’s how to salt the rim of your glass. Dip your finger in some simple syrup, or lime juice. Rub along the edges of the rim with your finger. Either open up the container of pre-made salt or sprinkle some other salt like kosher or Maldon on a small plate. Dip the rim of the glass in the salt and with the glass upside down, shake any extra salt off the glass. Place right side up and set aside.
- It’s essential to wash citrus before you either juice it or place a wedge into your cocktail. The reason is you want to remove as much of the pesticides as you can.
- Here’s how – squirt some unscented, natural soap onto your hand and rub the lime between your palms. Then take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. And lastly, run the lime under cold water to rinse all the soap off.
- The other way to wash a lime is my preferred way: This vegetable and fruit cloth has a rough and smooth side. The rough side helps scrub the skin, and the smooth side shines the fruit. Run cold water on the fruit, take the rough side of the cloth, and rub the skin of the citrus. Rinse thoroughly before juicing.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
I used a jalapeño lime simple syrup in this watermelon margarita and it was so perfectly refreshing! Every one of my friends asked for the recipe!
That’s awesome, Marta. Thanks so much for letting me know and I’m happy you enjoyed it.
This margarita recipe was such a great way to use up a lot of watermelon! I always buy a full melon for us, even though we’re only two at home now. The solution is to eat half and make margaritas with the rest!
Woohoo, Bernice! I like your thinking. Thank you for your comment.
What a super margarita recipe. We eat a lot of watermelon in summer so I always have some in the fridge. This was a unique way to use it and seriously delicious!
Thanks, Jacqueline!! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
These watermelon margaritas are popular in my house! I love that it calls for fresh watermelon. My new favorite beverage, thanks so much!
Thanks, Kathryn. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love it myself.
Served over ice, it’s was fantastic way to cool down on a warm day and to add a tropical twist to your evening
Thanks so much, Sophie! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
With watermelon being in season these are the perfect summer drink by the pool. Every one loved them.
I’m so happy to hear that, Sean. Thanks for your comment.
We made a pitcher of these watermelon margaritas last night for a party and they were a HIT! So fresh and so perfect for a summer pool party/movie night with friends.
Yay! I’m glad you all enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much, Lauren.
This drink screams summer to me! It was so tasty! A perfect summer drink! Thanks for the recipe share!
You’re welcome, Ann. Thanks and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
The freshness of this was amazing! Combined with the orange liqueur, it was a hit at the pool over the weekend 🙂
Yay! I’m happy to hear that Jessica! 🙂
Watermelon margarita was so good, everyone enjoyed it and my friends asked for the recipe 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that, Hayley! Thanks for letting me know.