Watermelon Margarita
Introduction
This fresh watermelon margarita is fruity, icy, and so refreshing, like summer in a glass.
It’s perfect for backyard cookouts, taco nights, or any easy happy-hour at home.
Sweet watermelon, bright lime, and smooth silver tequila blend into a cocktail that feels light yet still tastes indulgent.
Ingredients (2 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Watermelon Margarita
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Prep the watermelon
Cut the watermelon into cubes, remove any seeds, and measure about 2 cups of juicy fruit for blending.
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Prepare the glasses
If you like a salted rim, rub a lime wedge around each glass, then dip the rim into coarse sea salt.
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Blend the watermelon
Add the watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until completely smooth and frothy.
For a smoother drink, pour the puree through a fine strainer; for a pulpier texture, skip this step.
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Add everything to the shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and all the blended watermelon juice.
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Shake and strain
Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, then strain into the prepared glasses over fresh ice.
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Garnish and serve
Garnish with lime wedges or small watermelon slices, and serve right away while icy cold.
Substitutions
- Tequila: Use mezcal instead of silver tequila
- Mezcal brings a lightly smoky note that plays really well with sweet watermelon and lime, giving the drink more depth.
- Triple sec: Swap with Cointreau
- Cointreau tastes a bit more refined and bright, so the orange flavor pops without adding extra sweetness or heaviness.
- Agave syrup: Use simple syrup or honey
- Simple syrup keeps the flavor neutral, while honey adds a floral note that pairs nicely with the fruity watermelon.
Tips
- Use very cold ingredients
- Cold watermelon and chilled spirits help the margarita stay frosty, so the ice melts slower and does not water it down.
- Balance the sweetness
- Watermelon sweetness can vary, so taste the blended juice first and adjust the agave up or down as needed.
- Salt only half the rim
- Salting just half the glass lets guests choose a sip with or without salt, which keeps the drink more customizable.
- Make a pitcher
- Scale everything up and blend a large batch of watermelon, then shake drinks to order with ice for best texture.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 264 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2 | g |
| Total Fat | 1 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I make this watermelon margarita ahead of time?
- You can blend the watermelon and mix it with tequila, triple sec, lime, and agave up to one day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, then shake each drink with fresh ice right before serving.
- What if my margarita tastes too weak or watery?
- If it tastes weak, add a splash more tequila and a pinch of salt, then shake again with fresh ice. If it seems watery, use more watermelon and less ice next time, or freeze watermelon cubes before blending.
- Can I make a frozen watermelon margarita instead?
- Yes, freeze the watermelon cubes in a single layer, then blend them with the liquid ingredients and a little extra ice. You may not need as much agave, since frozen drinks often taste slightly sweeter.
- How can I make this margarita without alcohol?
- Skip the tequila and triple sec, then add extra watermelon juice, lime juice, and a splash of orange juice. You still get a fun, bright watermelon drink that feels special and party ready.
Serving Suggestions
This watermelon margarita shines with spicy tacos, grilled shrimp, or a big bowl of salty chips and guacamole.
For a fun twist, rim the glass with chili salt and garnish with a tiny watermelon wedge on a cocktail pick.
You can also swirl in a little blended strawberry for a two-tone drink that looks pretty and tastes extra fruity.
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