Sweet, juicy, tart, and salty, this Watermelon Margarita recipe is a summertime classic. I share how to make a single marg just for you, or a pitcher for a crowd!
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A refreshing cocktail to enjoy all summer long!
Margaritas are a year-round cocktail for sure, and you’ll definitely find me sipping on a Skinny Margarita or Grapefruit Margarita from January to December.
But I think margs really shine in the summer thanks to their light, refreshing, and bright flavor.
With watermelon season upon us, I wanted to whip up some watermelon margaritas for Ben and myself to enjoy with Shrimp Tacos and Mexican Street Corn Salad for dinner…and then I realized they were just too good not to share!
- These watermelon margaritas are perfect if you don’t have a fully stocked liquor cabinet since you only need tequila—no orange liqueur!
- I have instructions for making a single margarita (or double it for you and your significant other), but you can also make a pitcher that serves 6. And that can also be scaled up for a bigger party!
- The flavor is nicely balanced between the sweetness of watermelon and the tart lime juice. Tajîn will add a little bit of heat to the rim or go all out and make it spicy with some jalapeño (a la my reader favorite Spicy Margarita Recipe).
Watermelon Margarita Variations
- Make It Frozen. This method works for the big batch recipe. Freeze the watermelon cubes, then when you’re ready to make the margaritas, blend all the ingredients in your blender. You can either skip the ice cubes (since the frozen watermelon will do the job) or add a few ice cubes to balance the flavor and make it frostier, if needed.
- Add Basil. Add a sprig of basil to the cocktail shaker to infuse your watermelon margarita with basil flavor. Garnish with a sprig of basil too!
- Make It Minty. Swap the basil for fresh mint.
- Add Some Smokiness. Swap the tequila for mezcal, which has a smoky flavor.
What to Serve With Your Margs
- Tacos. You can’t beat this classic pairing! These Salmon Tacos and Cauliflower Tacos are light and summery.
- Other Mexican Dishes. Shrimp Fajitas are even better with a watermelon margarita for sipping.
- Grilling Recipes. These Grilled Chicken Thighs have been on frequent repeat in our house lately.
- Summery Apps. Like this Bruschetta Recipe or Corn Salsa.
Watermelon Margarita
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Ingredients
For the Watermelon:
- 2 ½ cups 1-inch cubed watermelon
- 2 tablespoons light agave nectar or simple syrup
For a Single Margarita:
- ¼ cup watermelon juice
- 2 ounces silver/blanco tequila 3 tablespoons
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 small lime) 2 tablespoons
- 1 thin slice jalapeno optional
- Kosher or margarita salt or Tajin for the rim
- To garnish: fresh lime slices, small slice of melon, jalapeno
- Ice
For a Whole Pitcher (6 drinks):
- 1 batch watermelon juice about 1 ½ cups
- 12 ounces silver/blanco tequila (1 ½ cups)
- 6 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6 small limes) ¾ cup
Instructions
- Rim the glass(es): Run a lime wedge around the edge to moisten the rim of the glass, then dip in salt or Tajin. Fill with ice.
- Make the watermelon juice: Place the cut melon cubes and agave in a blender and puree until very smooth. If it's pulpy, pass it through a mesh strainer, using a big spoon to squish the liquid through. Discard the pulp. You should be left with about 1 1/2 cups juice.
- For a single margarita: fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, and a jalapeno slice (if using). Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into a prepared glass. Enjoy immediately, garnished as desired.
- For a pitcher: Add the lime juice and tequila to the blender with the watermelon juice and pulse to combine. Transfer to a serving pitcher if desired. Pour into prepared glasses or refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 6 hours. Immediately before serving, give the mixture a vigorous stir, then pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish as desired.
Nutrition
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Such a fun twist on a margarita! I usually go classic lime, but the fresh watermelon really brings a summer feel. I skipped the salt rim and went with Tajin, which I highly recommend. It gives the drink an extra layer of flavor without much effort.
So glad you enjoyed it, Chandra! Thank you!
10/10!!!
Thank you Elaine!
Wow, I really liked how natural and fresh this tasted. I used Tajin for the rim and it added such a good contrast with the sweetness of the watermelon. The measurements were just right and not too strong, but definitely had a nice margarita buzz to it.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Peyton! Thank you!
Tried this out over the weekend and it was such a refreshing treat! The watermelon flavor comes through really nicely, and the lime balances it out well. I skipped the jalapeño for my first batch, but I’ll definitely try it next time for a little kick.
Glad to hear, Shelby! Thank you!