This Watermelon Margarita recipe is the perfect refreshing drink to sip during the summer months. With only 5 ingredients, this incredibly tasty cocktail has the fruity and sweet taste of fresh watermelon, a bit of zing from fresh lime juice and of course your favorite tequila!
Nothing goes better with a margarita than my favorite homemade salsa, the best easy guacamole ever! And of course there is nothing quite like freshly made tortilla chips! Now you have a fiesta!
Watermelon Margarita
There is no better way to start the weekend than with a vibrant and refreshing cocktail in hand.
As much as I love all kinds of margaritas, whether there are made with tequila or mezcal, on the rocks, frozen or blended, smoky, fruity or spicy, and of course my absolute favorite – a simple classic margarita on the rocks with salt on the rim, a bright red, deliciously refreshing, summer fruit cocktail can’t be beat!
This watermelon margarita puts you in a good mood just by its color and, after a quick taste, it will transport you to your favorite vacation spot or remind you of relaxing summer nights sitting at the patio with family and friends, backyard barbecues or days by the pool.
What’s In A Margarita?
A classic margarita is made with only 3 ingredients:
- Tequila
- Fresh lime juice (it must be fresh)
- Triple sec
The 3 – ingredient classic cocktail can be made in an array of flavors with added liqueurs like grand marnier and sweeteners like agave syrup or simple syrup.
A margarita can also be blended or frozen and if you go to restaurants often, some restaurant bars made this tequila cocktail with margarita mix.
During happy hour, some places water-down and diluted the drink to the point you think you are drinking a cooler while still having to pay premium prices. The solution? Homemade margaritas! Make them by the glass or by the pitcher. Homemade margaritas are super easy to make, taste better, you know what is going into your drink and you’ll be saving money!
Watermelon Margarita Ingredients
- Watermelon: This is kind of an important ingredient! I buy seedless watermelon and love the small ones. I think they are easier to work with and always sweet and bright red inside.
- Limes: For a great tasting drink, great ingredients are a must and nothing can compare to freshly-squeezed lime juice. Throw the bottle stuff away!
- Tequila: I usually make cocktails with tequila blanco, also known as silver tequila. I also make mixed drinks with tequila reposado, which is aged in oak barrels for as little as two months and up to a year.
- Triple Sec: Grand Marnier (an orange liqueur) can also be used.
Optional Ingredients:
- Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup: Add a sweet touch with one of this ingredients. If your watermelon is fully ripe and sweet, you will not need to add a sweetener.
- Salt: For the rims, you can use Kosher salt or you can make chili-salt. Flavored salts are super easy to make an add both flavor and color.
- Garnishes: Lemon or lime slices and watermelon wedges are my favorite option for this recipe.
Equipment Needed:
- A blender or food processor (or both in one!) to make the watermelon juice.
- A cocktail shaker
- Glasses, these glasses even have a frustration-free packaging option which I had no idea existed but I want it!!
How Do You Make Watermelon Margaritas
This fresh watermelon margarita recipe is super easy to make. For detailed instructions, check the recipe card below.
- Make Watermelon Juice: This requires absolutely no effort! Simply put pieces, chunks or big cubes of watermelon in a blender and turn it on!
- Strain: Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids (I may, or may have not skip this step in the past). Not straining is fine but, you will have to stir your drink once in a while as the solids will settle at the bottom of the glass – or you will have to drink it fast!This is not a big deal for me but I wouldn’t want my guests having to do that.
- Prepare your Glasses: I like to chill cocktail glasses in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes before serving the drink. This is an optional step. Place the salt in a shallow dish or saucer (and Tajin or chili powder if making chile-salt). Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the salt, coating the top edge.
- Combine Ingredients in a Cocktail Shaker: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and agave nectar or simple syrup (if using).
- Shake, Strain and Serve: Shake until frothy and well chilled, at least 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glasses and garnish with watermelon wedge or lime slices.
What Tequila Should I Buy For Margaritas?
Unless you enjoy headaches, always buy good quality tequila. Price doesn’t always equate to quality.
Make sure you choose a tequila that says 100% agave or puro agave. Tequila oro or mixto is a lower quality spirit mixed (or cut) with inferior cane products and sometimes artificial coloring. In other words, no bueno!
Tequila Blanco or Silver is a great option for mixing margaritas (and the most popular). Tequila blanco has the purest taste of agave. This type of tequila is not aged in wood barrels and has the least impurities.
Tequila Reposado is also a good option to make margaritas. This type of tequila is aged in oak barrels for up to a year. Reposado is a favorite among many bartenders as it has a more complex flavor.
Take A Look At These Other Amazing Cocktail Recipes:
- Pomegranate Margarita
- Prickly Pear Margarita
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Lychee Martini
- Cosmopolitan Martini
- French Martini Cocktail
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Watermelon Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
Watermelon Juice
- 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
Chili-Salt For the Rims
- You can use Coarse Kosher salt Tajin or a combination of 1 part chili powder mixed with 1 part Kosher salt
- Lime wedges
Watermelon Margarita
- 8 ounces 1 cup watermelon juice
- 2 ounces 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces 1/2 cup tequila (silver or blanco)
- 1 ounce triple sec or Grand Marnier
- 1-2 ounces agave nectar or simple syrup optional depending on the sweetness of the watermelon
Garnish
- Small watermelon wedges or lime slices
Instructions
To Make the Watermelon Juice:
- To make the watermelon juice, put the watermelon cubes into a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids.
Prepare the Glasses:
- Chill two margarita glasses in the freezer for 15-30 minutes. Place the salt (Tajin or Chili salt) in a shallow dish or saucer. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the salt, coating the top edge.
Make Margaritas:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and agave nectar or simple syrup (if using). Shake until frothy and well chilled, at least 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glasses and garnish with watermelon wedge or lime slices.
Simple Syrup:
- You can make simple syrup by combining equal parts of water and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool before using. Simple syrup can also be made in the microwave. Microwave 30 seconds at a time stirring in between each interval. It should take about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes total.
Chef’s Tips
- You can use regular Kosher salt to rim the glasses as well as a combination of Kosher salt and Tajin for a little spicy kick!
Nutrition
Farmer’s Market Week is always the first week in August. Whether you have a great local farm stand or market, are a member of a CSA or purchase your fruits and vegetables at the supermarket, follow our Pinterest board, for great recipes including those for appetizers, drinks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and more.
Here’s more Farmer’s Market Week Recipes
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Lisa Kerhin says
Such a pretty drink!
Ashley Lecker says
I love watermelon so much and margaritas too! This sounds delicious!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Oh yes, please! This is a perfect refreshing summer cocktail for a hot day!
Julie Menghini says
You are singing my song with this beauty! We just loved how fresh and delicious this margarita was making it very dangerous!
The Freshman Cook says
You had me at Margarita! What a pretty color!
Rebecca says
So fruity and fresh! Absolutely delicious!
Karen @Karen's Kitchen Stories says
Oh yes! Send me that margarita please!
Hezzi-D says
This sounds so refreshing on a hot summer night!
Kathleen Pope says
Loved your tequila tips! This was so delicious, I am in love with Watermelon cocktails right now, so fresh and vibrant, a winner!
Wendy Klik says
Sounds wonderfully refreshing. Cheers.
Jolene says
TGIF! I definitely could use one of these (or two)!
Sheila Thigpen says
I love this refreshing summer drink — it’s perfect for parties and tastes amazing!