If you are looking for the perfect summer drink, this watermelon margarita recipe is it. I make it over and over for warm weather gatherings because it is bright, simple, and somehow exactly what a hot afternoon asks for.
Fresh watermelon, sharp lime, and a splash of tequila come together with very little fuss. The lime keeps the sweetness honest, and a touch of jalapeño is optional if you like a little wake-up in the finish. I first sketched this idea one scorching July in Austin when I needed something that tasted like a breeze. It stuck.
It is easy to love because it is easy to make. Minimal equipment, minimal cleanup, and you get a drink that looks as good as it tastes. Try it once and you will be surprised how quickly it becomes a summer habit. Simple.
To make the Watermelon Margarita, you will need the following ingredients:
In a small jar or measuring jug, combine ½ cup blanco and half the jalapeño slices, if using. Set aside for 15 to 30 minutes to infuse. The longer it sits, the spicier it will be. If not using the jalapeño, skip this step and proceed with the recipe right away.
Pour some coarse salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rims of 4 rocks glasses. Dip each glass into the salt to coat the rim. Fill each glass with ice.
In a blender, combine 5 cups chopped watermelon with ½ cup fresh lime juice and a handful of ice. Blend until smooth.
Pour the watermelon juice into the prepared glasses. Gently stir 2 tablespoons tequila into each glass. Taste and adjust, if desired.
Garnish with the lime slices.
Sip and savor!
You only need a few everyday tools. A blender that can handle ice will make the drink smooth. A small jar or measuring jug works well for infusing tequila with jalapeño slices if you are using them. A sharp knife and a solid cutting board will speed the prep and keep things tidy.
For serving, have four rocks glasses ready, a small plate for coarse salt, lime wedges for rimming, and plenty of ice. If your blender leaves a bit of pulp, a simple strainer helps, but most good blenders will give you a silky result. Ready.
If you decide to infuse tequila with jalapeño, do it for about 15 to 30 minutes so the spice comes through without taking over. Tequila picks up flavor quickly, so check it early and taste as you go. This is the easiest way to make a spicy watermelon margarita that still feels fresh.
Choose a ripe watermelon. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and smells faintly sweet when you cut it open. Ripe fruit gives you real flavor, not watery juice. Blend the watermelon with fresh lime juice and a handful of ice so the mix is chilled and frothy. If you want the drink less spicy, remove the seeds from the jalapeño and use fewer slices.
When you rim the glass, run a lime wedge around the edge and dip it into coarse salt so the coating is even. Instead of mixing all the tequila in the blender, stir the infused tequila into each glass so you can adjust the strength per person. It keeps the flavor cleaner and lets everyone have the drink they prefer.
For a frozen version, add extra ice and blend until the texture is snow-like and fluffy. Skip the jalapeño if you want it milder or keep it for a chilly spice that surprises. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Muddle a handful of fresh basil leaves with the watermelon and lime for an herbal lift. Basil brightens the drink and keeps it light. If basil is too assertive, swap it for mint.
For a virgin version, blend the watermelon and lime, then top with sparkling water or ginger beer. It keeps the fizz and the fun without alcohol, which is great for warm afternoons when you want refreshment without a buzz.
Serve in chilled rocks glasses rimmed with salt and garnished with a lime slice. Grilled shrimp tacos are an easy match, the char balancing the fruit, or try pickled cauliflower tacos for a tangy counterpoint. Avoid heavy dairy with this drink because it can clash with the bright acid and fruit.
For a crowd, blend in batches and set up a little station so guests can stir in tequila to taste. Add cubes of fresh watermelon to the pitcher for a pretty, edible stirrer.
Yes. Infuse the tequila up to a day ahead in the fridge and blend the watermelon mix shortly before serving. Combine them when you are ready so the fresh watermelon flavor stays bright. The mix keeps for about 24 hours before the watermelon starts to lose its pop.
Use fewer jalapeño slices and remove the seeds and white membrane, or skip the jalapeño entirely. You can add cucumber slices for coolness instead of heat.
If the melon is not sweet enough, stir in a teaspoon of agave syrup per glass or blend a bit of honeydew with the watermelon. Taste as you go so you do not over-sweeten.
Looking for a refreshing way to beat the summer heat? This Watermelon Margarita is your answer. Bright, vibrant, and effortlessly simple, it brings together the sweetness of ripe watermelon and the zing of fresh lime, creating a drink that feels like sunshine in a glass. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this recipe is sure to be a delightful addition to your seasonal gatherings.
This is a perfect summer drink!
