Sip on the flavors of summer any time of year with this easy recipe for a fun, fruity, tequila-laced adult beverage!
Summer flies by so quickly. Living in a northern state, I often wish there was a way to savor that season after the weather turns cold. This watermelon margarita recipe lets me do exactly that!
It hinges on the most summer-like fruit of all: watermelon! I have fond memories of munching on watermelon slices as a kid, then vying for the dubious honor of spitting the seeds further than my brothers could! The bright red flesh was so sweet and so effective at cooling us off in the sweltering heat—we hardly noticed that we were eating healthy fruit!
This watermelon margarita brings that childlike joy to a fun adult beverage. Each sip delivers the unmistakable sweetness and ruby hue of the fruit, brightened by a little citrus and laced with tequila’s earthy mineral notes.
Whether you’re sipping poolside under a blazing sun or fireside under a cozy blanket, this cocktail brings summer to mind any time of year!
Variations on a watermelon theme
- Add a fiery kick by tossing a jalapeño slice or two into the blender for a bit of summer heat any time of the year.
- Keep it extra cool and crisp by blending in a few slices of cucumber, which pairs exceptionally well with the sweet fruit.
- Bring in herbaceous freshness with basil either blended into the drink or as an aromatic garnish.
- Swap the tequila with mezcal to give your cocktail a hint of smokiness that evokes a summer cookout.
- Make it a virgin watermelon margarita by skipping the tequila and adding a splash of kid-friendly soda water.
- For a party-perfect twist, go for frozen margaritas! Freeze your watermelon cubes in advance by spreading them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freezing until solid—about 3 hours or overnight—then transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Combine them in your blender with the rest of the ingredients as measured in the recipe, then add half to one cup of ice. Blend until smooth and slushy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover watermelon margaritas—sans ice and garnish—in an airtight container or lidded pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze this drink for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It won’t freeze solid, so you can either let it thaw for a few hours in the fridge, then shake or stir and serve—or pop the semi-frozen leftovers into a blender with a handful of ice and blend it into a fun slushy version.
Serving suggestions
Serve watermelon margaritas alongside dishes that deliver the flavors of summer. Start with a Cucumber-Mint Salad, then dig into Orange-Lime Grilled Grouper with sides of Grilled Squash and Grilled Potato Wedges. Finish with a Fruit Pizza that looks as gorgeous as it tastes!
Ingredients
- Lime wedges optional, for rimming the glass and garnish
- Salt optional, for rimming the glass
- 1 cup fresh watermelon cubes
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- If desired, rim a glass with salt. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the edge into a small plate of salt to coat.
- Add the watermelon cubes, tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment