Fresh Watermelon Margarita

Fresh Watermelon Margaritas

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 2 cocktails

Watermelon margaritas are irresistible on hot summer days. Based on the classic margarita, this recipe pairs reposado tequila, triple sec, and lime juice with the sweet taste of fresh watermelon juice. Spice it up with a chili-salt rim and add a cool mint garnish if you like. It takes minimal effort and you'll have a refreshing watermelon cocktail to enjoy in just a few minutes.

For this watermelon margarita recipe, you don't have to dig out the blender (unless you'd like to), and there's no need to process it into juice first. Instead, all you need is a muddler and a cocktail shaker. Watermelon is naturally very juicy and the easiest fruit to juice. The cubes break down easily with just a few turns of the wrist, while straining removes the seeds and pulp.

When served over a lot of ice, this makes two mellow cocktails. If you prefer to serve it without ice, it's a tall drink for one person. Whether you want to add fruit or herbs or make it spicier, there are also many variations you can try as well.

"Fresh watermelon takes this cocktail up a notch. While you may choose to go the frozen route with your margarita, when watermelon is in season, simply muddling the juicy crushable watermelon cubes saves you the trouble of dragging out your blender. Add watermelon wedges and mint sprigs, and you’ve got the quintessential summer cocktail.” —Joan Velush

Watermelon Margarita
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup sea salt, for rimming, optional

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, for rimming, optional

  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, plus wedges for rimming and garnish

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen watermelon cubes, plus wedges for garnish

  • 2 ounces reposado tequila, or blanco tequila

  • 1 ounce triple sec

  • Mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Watermelon Margarita
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
  2. If desired, rim two double old-fashioned glasses: Mix the salt and chili powder in a shallow dish, wet the rim by wiping it with a lime wedge, then dip or roll it into the chili salt.

    Chili Salt Rim for a Watermelon Margarita
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
  3. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the watermelon cubes into a juicy pulp.

    Muddling Fresh Watermelon for a Margarita
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
  4. Fill the shaker with ice and add the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.

    Mixing a Fresh Watermelon Margarita
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
  5. Shake well.

    Shaking a Fresh Watermelon Margarita
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
  6. Use both a cocktail strainer and a mesh strainer to fine-strain the drink over fresh ice into the prepared glasses.

    Fine Straining a Fresh Watermelon Margarita
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
  7. Garnish with watermelon and lime wedges and a sprig of mint. Serve and enjoy.

    Fresh Watermelon Margaritas
    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Tips

  • This recipe is a great use for leftover watermelon or the grocer's pre-cut wedges. You can also use bottled 2 to 3 ounces of watermelon juice and skip the muddle.
  • While cubing the watermelon, cut small wedges with the rind to use as a garnish.
  • When rimming the glasses, some people prefer to roll it on the side rather than dipping it straight into the salt. The advantage of rolling is that none of the salt will drop into the drink and alter the taste.
  • If you're not sure that you'd like the rim, dress up only half the glass so you can sip from either side as you drink. Plain salt or sugar are good alternatives when you'd prefer to skip the spice.

Recipe Variations

  • As with many margaritas, this one is excellent when frozen. Simply toss all of the ingredients into a blender with 1 cup of ice (about 5 or 6 average cubes) and blend until smooth. For more of a spiked watermelon slushy, use 2 cups of frozen watermelon cubes and skip the ice.
  • Make a spicy watermelon margarita by adding 3 or 4 jalapeño slices to the muddle. Remove most of the white membrane and seeds to reduce the heat and create a well-balanced flavor. Jalapeño simple syrup can also be used; split it evenly with the triple sec.
  • Other fruits that pair well with watermelon can be muddled in as well. Try blueberries, cantaloupe, mango, raspberries, or strawberries, or add a few lime wedges. Cucumber and watermelon are a perfect match, too.
  • Give the margarita an herbal twist. Toss a few basil, mint, or parsley leaves into the shaker when muddling.
  • Instead of chili powder, mix the salt with freshly ground black pepper. Try dipping the watermelon garnishes in the salt-pepper blend for a tasty bite.

How Strong Is a Watermelon Margarita?

A casual cocktail, this watermelon margarita is relatively light and similar to a glass of wine. On average, its alcohol content will fall in the 12 percent ABV (24 proof) range. That makes it a good choice for hot days when it's best to keep alcohol to a minimum in order to avoid dehydration.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
137 Calories
0g Fat
15g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 137
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 23mg 114%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 153mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)