Watermelon Margarita
10 min
|
easy
|
gluten-free,
lactose-free,
low-fat,
vegan,
vegetarian
Recipe by Eunice
Introduction
This watermelon margarita is summer in a glass, fresh and juicy with a coarse salt rim that makes the fruit sing, and no neon mix allowed.
Perfect for rooftop happy hour or backyard grilling, it shakes up fast with real watermelon, silver tequila, triple sec, lime, and a touch of agave for a bright, clean finish.
Ingredients (2 servings)
Get Ingredients →Order the ingredients from your local store for pickup or delivery. You’ll check out through Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh watermelon (cubed, seeds removed) small fresh watermelon 0.13 ct
- 3 fl oz silver tequila silver tequila 3 fl oz
- 1 fl oz triple sec orange liqueur triple sec orange liqueur 1 fl oz
- 1 fl oz fresh lime juice lime 1 ct (for fresh lime juice)
- 2 tsp agave syrup agave syrup 0.33 fl oz
- ice (for shaking) ice
- coarse sea salt (for rimming, optional) coarse sea salt 0.17 oz
How to Make Watermelon Margarita
-
Chill and rim the glasses
Chill two rocks or coupe glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes so your drink stays icy, not watery.
Run a lime wedge around the outside rim and dip lightly into coarse sea salt or Tajin, leaving a half rim so you control each sip.
-
Blend the watermelon
Add 2 cups cubed, seedless watermelon to a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds.
-
Strain or not
For a silky margarita, pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract the juice.
For a fuller, fruitier texture with more body, skip the straining and keep the pulp.
-
Build the drink
In a cocktail shaker, add 3 oz silver tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 2 tsp agave syrup, and 6 to 8 oz of the blended watermelon.
Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice to chill fast without shredding the drink.
-
Shake like you mean it
Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and your hands are slightly numb.
Taste quickly and adjust with a splash of lime or a drizzle of agave if needed.
-
Serve clean and cold
Strain into the prepared glasses over fresh ice for crystal clarity, or dump-shake for a juicier look.
Garnish with a small watermelon wedge or a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Triple sec -> Cointreau or dry curacao
- Cointreau or dry curacao brings a brighter, more elegant orange note that tightens up the finish and makes the watermelon pop.
- Tequila -> Mezcal
- Mezcal swaps in smoky depth that plays beautifully with sweet melon, giving you a sultry, more complex cocktail without changing the structure.
- Agave syrup -> 1:1 simple syrup or honey syrup
- Simple syrup keeps the profile neutral while honey syrup adds a floral roundness; both dissolve instantly and keep the texture smooth.
Tips
- Freeze the watermelon for zero dilution
- Use frozen watermelon cubes in the shaker or blender to chill and thicken the drink without watering it down.
- Partial rim for control
- Salt only half the rim so you can choose every sip between clean fruit or that savory snap.
- Fine strain vs texture
- Fine straining gives you a sleek, bar-style finish, while unstrained puree adds body and intense melon character.
- Pinch of salt inside the tin
- A tiny pinch of salt in the shaker wakes up the watermelon and balances bitterness from lime and orange liqueur.
- Mind your ratio
- Aim for about 2 oz tequila, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz lime, and 3 to 4 oz watermelon per drink, then adjust sweetness to taste.
- Use big ice to serve
- Large cubes melt slower so your margarita stays bold from first sip to last.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 64 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Total Fat | 0 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why does my margarita taste watery?
- Your ice might be too small or you shook too long; switch to larger cubes and shake 12 to 15 seconds, or use frozen watermelon to chill without dilution.
- What if my watermelon is bland?
- Add a pinch of salt and a touch more lime to sharpen the fruit, or blend in a few ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and color.
- Can I make this ahead for a party?
- Yes, blend and strain the watermelon and combine with tequila, triple sec, and agave, then chill; add lime and shake with ice just before serving for the brightest flavor.
- Do I have to strain the watermelon?
- No, straining is optional; choose silky and clear with straining or go unstrained for a thicker, fruit-forward sip.
- I do not have a cocktail shaker, what now?
- Use a mason jar with a tight lid, shake hard, then strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- How do I keep the salt rim from clumping or falling off?
- Moisten the outside rim only with a lime wedge, dip gently into salt, and let it set for a minute in the freezer before pouring.
Serving Suggestions
A spicy Tajin rim and a few muddled jalapeno slices turn this into a heat-meets-sweet number that hits like a New York summer sidewalk after rain.
Pair it with grilled shrimp tacos or a salty crumb of cotija to make the melon sing, or swap in mezcal and a smoked salt rim when you want that sultry rooftop vibe.
Reviews
We haven’t received any feedback on this recipe yet.
Made this recipe? How did it go?
Please leave your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!
