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Watermelon Margarita

An icon representing a clock 10 min | easy | gluten-free, lactose-free, low-fat, vegan
Three watermelon margaritas in short glasses on a marble surface, each filled with bright pink drink and ice, rims crusted with coarse salt; one is garnished with a lime wheel, with whole and halved limes and a watermelon wedge nearby.
Published Mar 27, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
10 min 0 min 10 min
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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)

Adjust servings:

Ingredients

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Three bright pink watermelon margaritas with ice in salt-rimmed glasses on a wooden board, with halved limes nearby.

How to Make Watermelon Margarita

  1. Prep the watermelon

    Cut the watermelon into cubes, remove any seeds, and measure about 2 cups of juicy fruit for blending.

  2. Prepare the glasses

    If you like a salted rim, rub a lime wedge around each glass, then dip the rim into coarse sea salt.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Shake and strain

    Shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, then strain into the prepared glasses over fresh ice.

  6. Garnish and serve

    Garnish with lime wedges or small watermelon slices, and serve right away while icy cold.

Overhead view of two glasses of bright pink watermelon margaritas filled with ice, each with a coarse salt rim and a lime wedge garnish on a light countertop.

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.
Three bright pink watermelon margaritas in short glasses with coarse salt rims and ice; the front glass is garnished with a lime wheel, with scattered whole and halved limes on a marble surface in the background.

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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Recipe by Eunice.
“I learned to cook by standing in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into meals that fed our entire family. That’s where it started. Today, I create recipes for real life, real kitchens, and anyone who wants good food without overthinking it.” Read more.

Reviews

  • Noreen, Buffalo, NY: My boyfriend and I made this tonight for the first time, and I'd have to say its the best margarita I've ever had. — 5 ★

    Eunice: Glad it was such a hit, Noreen.

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