There is something magical about the first sip of a Watermelon Margarita. It is icy, juicy and bright pink, with sweet melon up front, a sharp squeeze of lime in the middle and a gentle kick of tequila at the finish. The salty rim ties it all together and makes every sip taste like a pool day.
I make this cocktail whenever the weather turns hot and a watermelon is sitting on the counter. It is perfect for backyard barbecues, Fourth of July parties, girls' nights on the patio and any afternoon that calls for something cold. Because the base is simply blended fruit, it comes together in minutes and scales easily for a crowd.
SaveThe first time I made these, I had half a watermelon left over from a picnic and a handful of friends coming by. I tossed it in the blender with a few limes and some tequila, and the pitcher was empty in twenty minutes. Now it is the drink everyone asks me to bring. This recipe is for adults 21 and older, and I have included an alcohol-free version below so everyone can join in.
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients
Watermelon Margarita
Salted Chili Rim and Garnish
Instructions
- Chill your glasses
Place four margarita or rocks glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you prep. Cold glasses keep the cocktail frosty for longer and help the salt rim stay crisp.
- Prep the watermelon
Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing any stray seeds and the rind. Measure out 6 cups. Using well-chilled fruit gives you a colder drink with less ice needed.
- Juice the limes
Roll the limes firmly on the counter to loosen the juice, cut them in half and squeeze until you have 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice. Strain out any seeds. Fresh juice makes a big difference compared to bottled.
- Blend the watermelon base
Add the watermelon cubes to a blender and blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until completely smooth and juicy. For a silkier cocktail, pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup, pressing gently on the pulp.
- Add the spirits and lime
Return the watermelon juice to the blender, or pour it into a pitcher. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave nectar. Stir or pulse briefly to combine.
- Taste and adjust
Take a small sip and adjust before adding ice. If your watermelon is very sweet, add a splash more lime juice. If it tastes tart, stir in another teaspoon of agave nectar. The flavor will mellow slightly once the ice melts, so aim for slightly bold.
- Salt the rims
Mix the coarse salt and chili-lime seasoning on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each chilled glass, then dip the rim into the salt mixture and turn to coat evenly. Fill each glass about halfway with fresh ice.
- Blend with ice
Add the 2 cups of ice to the blender with the margarita mixture and pulse 5 to 8 times for a slushy texture, or blend longer for a smoother frozen cocktail. If you prefer it on the rocks, skip this step and simply shake or stir the mixture over ice.
- Pour and garnish
Divide the margarita among the prepared glasses, pouring slowly so you do not wash away the salt. Garnish each with a lime wheel and a small watermelon wedge, and serve right away while it is icy cold.
Substitutions and variations
- For an alcohol-free Watermelon Margarita, leave out the tequila and orange liqueur, then add 1/2 cup sparkling water and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice for a bright, refreshing mocktail.
- Use blanco tequila for a clean flavor or reposado for a slightly warmer, oaky note.
- Swap the agave nectar for honey, simple syrup or a pinch of sugar, depending on how sweet your watermelon is.
- Add a few slices of fresh jalapeno to the blender for a spicy watermelon margarita.
- Use frozen watermelon chunks in place of the ice for a thicker, slushier cocktail that does not water down.
Chloe's tips
- Choose a heavy watermelon with a creamy yellow field spot, which signals ripeness and sweetness.
- Chill the watermelon for several hours before blending so the cocktail stays cold without too much ice.
- Strain the puree if you want a clean, juice-like texture, or leave the pulp in for a thicker, slushier drink.
- Rim the glasses only on the outside edge so salt does not fall into the drink and make it too salty.
- To make a pitcher ahead, mix the juice, tequila, liqueur and lime juice up to 6 hours in advance and refrigerate, then add ice just before serving.
How to store it
- Store leftover margarita mixture without ice in a covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving, as the juice will separate.
- Freeze leftover mixture in ice cube trays, then blend the cubes for an instant frozen margarita later.
- Blended drinks with ice do not keep well, so only add ice to the portion you plan to serve right away.
Serving suggestions
Serve these refreshing margaritas alongside salty, spicy or grilled favorites.
- Chips with fresh guacamole or pico de gallo
- Shrimp or chicken tacos with lime crema
- Grilled street corn and queso fresco
- A summer fruit platter with feta and mint
- Spicy nachos for a patio party
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a Watermelon Margarita without a blender?
Yes. Mash the cubed watermelon well with a potato masher or muddler, then press it through a fine strainer. Shake the juice with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave nectar over ice, and strain into glasses.
What kind of tequila is best?
A 100 percent agave silver (blanco) tequila is ideal because it tastes clean and lets the watermelon shine. Reposado also works if you like a smoother, slightly richer flavor.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
You can mix the watermelon juice, tequila, liqueur and lime juice up to 6 hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Add ice and blend, or pour over ice, just before serving so it stays fresh and frosty.
How do I make it less sweet or more tart?
Skip the agave nectar and add an extra splash of lime juice. Ripe watermelon is already quite sweet, so many people find they need very little added sweetener.
Is this recipe for kids?
The cocktail version is for adults 21 and older only. For kids and anyone who skips alcohol, use the alcohol-free variation in the substitutions list, which keeps all the fresh watermelon and lime flavor.
Let's get cooking!
A pitcher of Watermelon Margaritas turns any ordinary day into a little celebration. Grab a ripe melon, squeeze some limes and enjoy the frosty, fruity sips with the people you love. Please drink responsibly, and cheers to a sunny summer!
