This watermelon margarita is a refreshing summer cocktail that will keep you motivated throughout these long, hot days. Have it sweet or a little spicy, depending on your mood!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Do you do anything special to celebrate? If you are, then you might want to put this watermelon margarita on your list.
It's so fruity and refreshing, especially after you've been inhaling like 10 tacos (don't tell me I'm the only one planning on eating their weight in tacos).
Plus, you can control the spice level on this cocktail depending on your mood. Personally, I like mine pretty spicy!
Ingredients
If you've ever wondered what goes into a watermelon margarita, it's simple. We only need a few ingredients to make the most refreshing cocktail ever!
- Watermelon - Pick out a nicely ripened watermelon. It should have a creamy yellow area on one side and feel heavy for its size.
- Sliced jalapenos (optional) - If you like a bit of spice, I highly recommend picking up a few fresh jalapenos.
- Granulated sugar - The sugar is needed to help make a simple syrup to add a bit of sweetness to the drink.
- Lime juice - The limes add a wonderful brightness that makes this margarita a delight to drink.
- Triple sec - The orange flavor adds more fruitiness and rounds out the flavors.
- White tequila - The white tequila will have a more floral flavor that pairs well with the watermelon and allows the color of the watermelon to shine.
- Salt and sugar - We use these for the garnish. I recommend using both but you can choose one or the other.
- Mint, lime, and jalapeno - For the garnish. They're beautiful and add some flavor.
How to Make
- Make your simple syrup and set aside to allow it to cool.
- Blend the watermelon with the lime juice, triple sec, and tequila.
- Mix together the watermelon mixture and cooled simple syrup.
- Add your salt and sugar to the rim of your glass.
- Pour your margaritas, and serve!
That's it! Simple, easy, and so much fun. You can make the simple syrup ahead of time. You can even double or triple the recipe so you can have simple syrup any time you want to make another drink!
Customizing your margaritas
If you want a spicy watermelon margarita, add jalapenos to your simple syrup as you make it then let sliced jalapenos soak in the watermelon juice.
I also like to add a pinch of cayenne to my salt/sugar mix. The longer you let your jalapenos soak, the spicier the margarita will get, so you can really amp up the spice if you want! But if spice isn't your thing then skip the jalapenos altogether.
You can easily turn this into a frozen watermelon margarita by freezing the watermelon mixture without the alcohol in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, add the cubes, plus the alcohol to a blender, and blend well.
Making ahead of time
This watermelon margarita can be made ahead of time, so you can make it up tonight and have it ready for tomorrow. If you are making it spicy, I would recommend taking out the jalapenos after a few hours unless you want it super spicy!
F.A.Q.s
Yes, if you want to make a frozen watermelon margarita, it is simple, but will require additional time. First, cut your watermelon into small cubes, then freeze. Add the frozen watermelon with the other ingredients as normal, then add a handful of ice. Blend, then stir in the simple syrup!
Absolutely not! You can use one or neither rim. Adjust to your personal tastes.
Recipes you may enjoy
The recipe is enough to make a decent-sized pitcher so you can serve a few glasses. If you want to make a few different margaritas you need to try my blood orange margarita, fresh fig margarita, and my bloody mary margarita. If you want to make a neat twist to serve with your chips, try the creamy margarita dip! Don't forget to also check out my passion fruit mojito, watermelon mojito popsicles, key lime mojito popsicles, creamy coconut mojito shooters, and watermelon rose popsicles.
Recipe Card
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients
- 8 cups diced watermelon
- ½ cup lime juice
- ½ cup triple sec
- 1 ½ cups white tequila
- 3 sliced jalapenos divided (optional)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- salt and sugar for rim
- mint lime, jalapeno for garnish
Instructions
- Put the watermelon, lime juice, triple sec, and tequila in a blender and blend for about two minutes until completely liquefied. Strain twice through a fine mesh strainer.
- Place the watermelon juice and half the sliced jalapenos, if using, in a large pitcher. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Heat the sugar, water, and remaining jalapeno (if using). Cook for about 2 - 3 minutes. Set aside to cool. Strain the jalapeno.
- Add the simple syrup to the watermelon. Chill.
- Remove the jalapenos from the watermelon after 1 - 2 hours or until the margarita reaches your desired heat level. This is optional, or if you plan to serve the margaritas later in the day. You can leave them in or take them out if you plan on serving immediately.
- Lightly wet the rims of your glasses, then dip in the salt and sugar.
- Add ice and then serve the watermelon margaritas. Garnish with lime, mint, and sliced jalapeno.
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