Watermelon margaritas for summertime: fresh watermelon blended with lime juice, a simple syrup, and a splash of tequila make these watermelon margaritas a refreshing seasonal favorite.
Watermelon Margaritas Recipe
While many people start thinking about fall as August winds down, our garden watermelons are just coming into season. Instead of reaching for pumpkin, we’re savoring ripe melons piled on the counter. I hold off on pumpkins until my birthday in late September — until then, August belongs to watermelon.
My kids could easily polish off a whole melon in a day, so I keep an eye on their late-afternoon snacking. Too much watermelon before bedtime means extra laundry the next morning, and I prefer to avoid that!
Cocktails for two
After the kids go to bed, we like to blend up a couple of watermelon margaritas. I usually make the simple syrup earlier so it has time to cool in the fridge. Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated briefly until the sugar dissolves, then chilled. It dissolves into cold drinks better than granulated sugar. If you prefer, agave syrup is a great substitute and pairs well with tequila.
Use the tequila you enjoy most; we often choose a local brand when possible. A clear blanco tequila preserves the fresh melon flavor best. If you’re a mezcal fan, you can use it for a smoky twist, though the smokiness competes with the watermelon for me personally.
This recipe yields two margaritas but can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger gathering.
For frozen watermelon margaritas:
To make frozen watermelon margaritas, freeze the cubed watermelon for a few hours first. Use very cold ingredients — including the tequila — and blend just until combined. Add a handful of ice at the end for an extra slushy texture if you like your drinks super frosty.
If you enjoy slushy cocktails, you might also like other fruity margarita or wine slushie variations. For a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the tequila to make a refreshing virgin watermelon drink that the kids will love; a salted rim can still make it feel special.
One morning after making these the night before, my daughter found the leftover watermelon juice and asked to try it. I poured her a virgin version without tequila, and she was delighted by the salty rim.
Watermelon margaritas recipe below:
Watermelon Margaritas
Fresh watermelon, lime, simple syrup, and tequila combine to make a bright, refreshing margarita for two. Easily scaled up for more guests.
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cups fresh cold watermelon chunks (1-2″ cubes)
- 2 limes, juiced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 shots tequila
- Coarse salt for glass rims (optional)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and whisk. Heat to a simmer until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat, whisk again, pour into a container, and chill in the refrigerator.
- In a blender, add the cold watermelon chunks and the juice of the two limes. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the blended watermelon into a jar to remove pulp, then refrigerate until you are ready to mix the cocktails.
- To assemble each margarita: if desired, rim the glass with a lime wedge and dip in coarse salt. Pour half of the watermelon juice into a glass, add half of the simple syrup, and one shot of tequila. Add ice, stir to combine, and garnish with an extra lime. Repeat to make the second margarita.
Notes
*Simple syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to a month—make extra to have on hand for cocktails and iced drinks.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 291
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 44g
Protein: 1g
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