How to Make a Bright and Zesty Watermelon Lime Margarita

The Recipe: Classic Watermelon Margarita

Ingredients:

• 3 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 1 oz tequila reposado
• 1 oz Clement Creole Shrubb (or triple sec)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Garnish: 1 lime wedge

Related: These are the best and worst tequilas to use in a margarita.

pin it to remember

Instructions:

1. Make the watermelon juice: Blend fresh watermelon until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp. Store-bought cold-pressed watermelon juice works too if you’re short on time.
2. Prepare your glass: Rim a coupe or rocks glass with salt—but just half the rim, because balance is key.
3. Shake it up: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds.
4. Serve: Strain into your prepared glass, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Fresh Watermelon Margarita

Yield: 1 Drink

A refreshing watermelon cocktail. Make sure to use fresh watermelon juice (blend then strain) and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 1 oz tequila reposado
• 1 oz Clement Creole Shrubb (or triple sec)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Garnish: 1 lime wedge

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice.
2. Shake for 30-45 seconds.
3. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass with a salt-rim (on half the rim).
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Notes

• To make watermelon juice, blend a watermelon, then strain through a mesh strainer. Or buy fresh cold-pressed juice.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice

Recommended Products

• 
  Tequila Reposado
• 
  Cointreau (Triple Sec)
• 
  My favorite Jigger (with measurements marked inside)

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

Feeling adventurous? Add some heat to your sweet!

How to Make It Spicy:

1. Infuse the tequila: Slice up a fresh jalapeño and let it hang out in your tequila for a few hours. Taste as you go—you want a kick, not a firestorm.
2. Spice the rim: Use Tajín or mix chili powder with your salt for a zesty, spicy edge.
3. Combine and shake: Follow the original recipe, but with your spicy tequila. Bonus points if you garnish with a thin slice of jalapeño for flair.

Related: Make these 5 refreshing watermelon drinks for summer

pin it to remember

Tips for the Perfect Watermelon Margarita

• Use fresh lime juice: Trust me, the bottled stuff won’t do your margarita justice.
• Balance is everything: If your watermelon isn’t super sweet, add a touch of simple syrup or honey to even things out.
• Chill your glass: A frosty glass makes all the difference.

Related: Want to make a classic margarita? Here’s my go-to Margarita recipe.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Mezcal instead of tequila? A: Absolutely! Mezcal (I love this delicious but not expensive Mezcal) adds a smoky depth that’s amazing with watermelon. Just be prepared for a bolder flavor profile.

Q: What’s the easiest way to make watermelon juice? A: Blend watermelon chunks until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer. No fancy juicer required.

Q: How can I make a frozen version? A: Blend frozen watermelon chunks with the rest of the ingredients (plus some extra ice) for a slushy twist. Perfect for poolside vibes.

Q: Is there a way to make this alcohol-free? A: Swap the tequila and orange liqueur for sparkling water or ginger beer. You’ll still get that bright watermelon flavor, minus the booze.

Q: What’s the deal with the saline solution I’ve heard about? A: A drop or two of saline solution (1:1 salt and water) can enhance the flavors in your cocktail, much like salting a dish. It’s optional but worth trying if your drink is feeling a little flat.

pin it to remember

Cheers to Summer (or Anytime)

There you have it: a watermelon margarita that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. Whether you keep it classic, spice it up, or take it frozen, this cocktail is guaranteed to impress. So grab your shaker, your juiciest watermelon, and let the margarita magic begin. Cheers!