Watermelon Margarita Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Watermelon Margarita recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Tequila
Alcohol 14%
Calories 280 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 1g
Carbohydrates 32g
Prep time 5 minutes

Picture this: you’re lounging by the pool on a hot day, and what could be more perfect than a Watermelon Margarita in your hand? This drink is a delicious twist on the classic Margarita, blending sweet watermelon and tangy lime for a refreshing summer sip. We’ll explore its rich history, dive into its vibrant taste, and share tips on serving this delightful concoction. Ready to immerse yourself in the world of Watermelon Margaritas? Let’s begin! ⬇️

History

The Watermelon Margarita is a modern variation of the traditional Margarita cocktail, which has been enjoyed for decades. Its creation was inspired by the desire to infuse the classic drink with fresh, fruity flavors. The Watermelon Margarita quickly became a summer favorite, capturing the essence of sunny days and fun-filled gatherings.

  • The name Margarita is Spanish for “daisy,” which reflects the cocktail’s fresh and floral nature.
  • Watermelon was introduced to Margaritas as a seasonal twist, bringing a new dimension to the classic drink.
  • The Watermelon Margarita gained popularity as a staple in beachside bars and summer parties.

The taste of a Watermelon Margarita?

A Watermelon Margarita tastes like a sweet escape to a tropical paradise. The first sip welcomes you with juicy watermelon and tart lime, followed by a hint of smooth tequila warmth.

I personally love Watermelon Margaritas because they remind me of joyful summer days spent laughing with friends.

Interesting facts about Watermelon Margarita

  • Watermelon juice in Margaritas not only adds flavor but also a vibrant pink hue that’s visually stunning.
  • Some mixologists infuse tequila with watermelon for several days to intensify the flavor in the cocktail.
  • The Watermelon Margarita can be served frozen or on the rocks, catering to different texture preferences.

Ingredients 📃

  • Tequila: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Watermelon juice: 1 cup (240ml)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Triple sec: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml) (optional)
  • Ice cubes: As needed
  • Salt: For the rim (optional)
  • Watermelon slice: For garnish

Margarita glasses are the best choice for serving Watermelon Margaritas to honor their classic heritage. The wide rim is perfect for salting and the broad bowl showcases the drink’s vibrant color. Alternatively, a stemless wine glass can also be used for a more casual presentation.

Recipe. How to make Watermelon Margarita 🍹

  1. Rim the glass with salt if desired by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it into salt.
  2. In a shaker, combine 2 oz of tequila, 1 cup of watermelon juice, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1 oz of triple sec.
  3. If you like it sweeter, add 0.5 oz of simple syrup.
  4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
  5. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
  6. Garnish with a watermelon slice and enjoy!

Watermelon Margaritas, while delightful, do come with sugar and calories to consider. To keep it healthier, swap out simple syrup for natural sweeteners like agave, or skip it entirely. Plus, watermelon is packed with hydration and vitamins, so that’s a win!

Rate this recipe


Food Pairings

Every sip of Watermelon Margarita beckons for just the right bite to accompany it. Here are some food pairings that match the cocktail’s freshness and zest.

Grilled Shrimp

The smoky sweetness of grilled shrimp is a match made in heaven with the fruity notes of a Watermelon Margarita. The cocktail’s acidity balances the richness of the seafood.

Spicy Tacos

The refreshing Watermelon Margarita perfectly cuts through the heat of spicy tacos, cleansing the palate and complementing bold flavors.

Summer Salads

A crisp summer salad with feta and arugula pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of the Watermelon Margarita, creating a light and refreshing meal.

I find the taste of Watermelon Margaritas simply irresistible. It’s like a jubilant summer dance on my tongue, with every sip more inviting than the last.


🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
Receive the freshest cocktail recipes and bar trends directly in your inbox.
Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh watermelon juice for the brightest flavor and natural sweetness.
  • For an extra kick, infuse your tequila with jalapeños or fresh herbs a few days before mixing.
  • Don’t skimp on the shaking; a well-shaken Margarita is perfectly chilled and blends the flavors seamlessly.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Watermelon Margarita, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Watermelon Margarita

  • Tequila: Swap for mezcal for a smoky twist.
  • Triple sec: Can be replaced with other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the simple syrup or substitute with honey or agave nectar.

Watermelon Margarita Variations

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

  • Ingredients: Add muddled jalapeños to the original recipe.
  • Recipe: Muddle jalapeños in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

  • Ingredients: Replace ice cubes with frozen watermelon chunks.
  • Recipe: Blend all ingredients with frozen watermelon until smooth.

Watermelon Basil Margarita

  • Ingredients: Include fresh basil leaves.
  • Recipe: Muddle basil leaves with watermelon juice before shaking.

A Virgin Watermelon Margarita is just as delightful without the kick of tequila. Blend fresh watermelon juice with lime and a dash of soda water for a refreshing, non-alcoholic treat.

Q&A

Can I make Watermelon Margarita in advance?

Absolutely! Mix everything but the ice ahead of time, and give it a good shake before serving. It’s like a little time capsule of flavor, waiting to burst open at your party.

What’s the best way to get watermelon juice?

Blend fresh watermelon and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. It’s a bit of a workout, but hey, who needs the gym when you’ve got cocktails to craft?

How can I make my Watermelon Margarita less sweet?

Easy peasy! Just reduce or eliminate the simple syrup, and let the natural sweetness of the watermelon shine. It’s all about that fruit, really.

Is there a way to make Watermelon Margaritas for a large crowd?

Sure thing! Multiply the ingredients based on your guest count and mix it in a large pitcher. It’s like being a party wizard, conjuring up deliciousness in a flash.

Can Watermelon Margaritas be frozen?

Oh yes, turn that drink into a slushy wonderland by blending it with ice, or freeze it into popsicles for a grown-up treat. Who said adults can’t have fun?

Are there any tricks to garnishing my Watermelon Margarita?

Get creative! A small watermelon wedge on the rim looks cute, or sprinkle some chili powder on top for a surprise kick. It’s like the cocktail’s wearing a little hat.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

Silver Bullet

The Silver Bullet is a smooth, zesty cocktail that combines the warm bite of gin with the sharp tang of lemon juice, all mellowed by a hint of licorice flavor from Kummel liqueur. It’s a sophisticated yet simple concoction that delivers a clean and invigorating taste experience.

Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is a tangy and crisp cocktail combining grapefruit juice with the smooth warmth of gin, edged by a salty rim on the glass. It offers a delightful balance of savory and sharp flavors, making it a unique and enjoyable beverage.

Wrecked Pirate

The Wrecked Pirate cocktail is a daring blend, rich with the flavors of spiced rum and tropical fruit juices, creating a taste that's both adventurous and smooth. It's a spirited concoction that invites you to set sail on a flavor journey with every sip.

Mango Daiquiri

A Mango Daiquiri is a vibrant and smooth cocktail that blends the luscious sweetness of ripe mangoes with the crispness of rum. It is a delightful concoction that is both exhilarating to the taste buds and pleasing to the eye.

Streetcar

The Streetcar is a smooth, inviting cocktail that blends the warmth of bourbon with the citrusy zing of fresh lemon juice. It is a harmonious mix that tantalizes the taste buds with a sweet and sour dance, perfect for a relaxing sip.

Mojito Mocktail

The Mojito Mocktail is a vibrant, non-alcoholic drink bursting with the zesty flavors of fresh lime and mint leaves, sweetened to perfection without the warmth of rum. It's a delightful concoction that tickles the taste buds while offering a cooling sensation, perfect for a sunny day.