Watermelon Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Watermelon Margarita Nutrition Facts

Calories:280

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:32g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Watermelon Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic Margarita, which originated in Mexico in the 1930s or 1940s. This fruity variation is perfect for those who love the original but want to try something new and exciting. Ideal for summer parties and gatherings, the Watermelon Margarita is a crowd-pleaser that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

  • Origin: Mexico
  • Time period: 1930s or 1940s
  • Perfect for: Summer parties, tropical-themed events

How Watermelon Margarita Tastes?

The Watermelon Margarita has a sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy taste. The watermelon adds a refreshing and juicy flavor, while the lime juice provides a hint of tartness. The tequila gives it a subtle kick, making it a well-balanced and delightful cocktail.

Interesting facts about Watermelon Margarita

  • The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and the Watermelon Margarita is a delicious variation of this classic.
  • Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, making this cocktail a lighter option for those watching their calorie intake.
  • The Watermelon Margarita is often served in a salt-rimmed glass, which adds a savory contrast to the sweet and fruity flavors.

Ingredients

Watermelon: 2 cups

Fresh watermelon adds a naturally sweet and hydrating element, perfect for a summery twist on a classic margarita. If you skip it, you miss out on the fresh flavor and the cocktail becomes a plain margarita. Using less will make the watermelon flavor less pronounced, using more may overpower the other ingredients.

Alex Green

Tequila: 4 oz

Tequila is the backbone of any margarita, providing the alcoholic kick and distinct flavor. Too little, and the drink is weak; too much might send you searching for the nearest siesta spot!

Mary Mitkina

Triple Sec: 2 oz

Triple sec adds a citrusy sweetness that complements the lime juice and tequila nicely. Without it, the cocktail would be less complex and missing that hint of orange. Cointreau can be a more upscale alternative, adding a smoother, more refined flavor.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lime Juice: 2 oz

Lime juice provides a necessary acidity, balancing the sweetness of the watermelon and triple sec. Leaving it out would make the cocktail overly sweet, while too much can make it too tart.

Alex Green

Ice: 2 cups

Ice is essential to chill the drink and create a slushie-like texture. No ice means a warm and less refreshing cocktail.

Mary Mitkina

Salt: 1 tsp

The salt rim complements the sweet and sour flavors within the margarita. It also adds a tactile sensation that enhances the drinking experience. A sugar rim could be a sweeter alternative, offering a different flavor profile.

Emma Rose

Lime wedge: 1

A lime wedge garnish adds visual appeal and allows guests to add an extra spritz of lime if desired.

Alex Green

Watermelon wedge: 1

A watermelon wedge garnish signals the drink's flavor and adds a fun, festive touch.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Watermelon Margarita Drink

  1. Prepare the glass:
    • Wet the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge.
    • Dip the rim in salt to coat it evenly.
  2. Make the cocktail:
    • In a blender, combine the watermelon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ice.
    • Blend until smooth.
  3. Serve:
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
    • Garnish with a lime wedge and a watermelon wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh watermelon: For the best flavor, use fresh watermelon instead of pre-packaged juice.
  • Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer.
  • Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice to suit your taste.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Seafood: A watermelon margarita's fruity and tangy notes compliment the natural sweetness of seafood, especially when it's grilled.
  • Chicken Tacos: The refreshing qualities of the cocktail balance the spicy and savory flavors in the tacos.
  • Summer Salads: Pair it with a light salad that has feta or goat cheese, the saltiness of the cheese will blend nicely with the watermelon's sweetness.
  • Salsa & Chips: The salt and crunch from the chips, combined with a zesty salsa, is another perfect match for this refreshing cocktail.

Drink Companions

  • Chilled Sangria: Share a pitcher of sangria along with the margarita for a fruity and wine-enriched experience.
  • Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, a bubbly, citrus-flavored sparkling water can cleanse the palate between sips.

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What you could change in Watermelon Margarita

  • Tequila: You can substitute the tequila with vodka or rum.
  • Triple sec: If you don't have triple sec, you can use any other orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
  • Fresh lime juice: If fresh limes are not available, you can use bottled lime juice.

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And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

  • Add: 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the salt rim mixture.
  • Change: Include a small slice of jalapeño in the blender.
  • Experience: This twist adds a fiery kick that amplifies the sweet watermelon and complements the tangy lime taste. Layering the spice and sweet will satisfy those who crave a bit of heat.

Frozen Watermelon Coconut Margarita

  • Substitute: Use coconut tequila instead of regular tequila.
  • Add: 1/4 cup of coconut cream to the blender.
  • Experience: The coconut element brings a tropical vibe and creamy consistency, making the drink even more indulgent and perfect for beach daydreams.

Watermelon Basil Margarita

  • Add: A handful of fresh basil leaves to the blender.
  • Experience: The herbal notes of basil introduce an aromatic complexity that's unexpectedly refreshing, creating a sophisticated twist on the fruity cocktail.

In case you forgot basics how to make Watermelon Margarita

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Watermelon Margarita

What is the best type of tequila to use for a Watermelon Margarita?

A silver or blanco tequila is generally the best choice for a Watermelon Margarita. These tequilas are young, only aged up to two months, and tend to have a clean, crisp flavor that doesn't overpower the other ingredients in the cocktail.

Is it necessary to use fresh watermelon for a Watermelon Margarita?

While it's not strictly necessary, using fresh watermelon can significantly improve the taste of your Watermelon Margarita, giving it a natural fruit flavor. However, a high-quality packaged juice can also yield good results.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Watermelon Margarita?

Yes, absolutely! You can leave out the alcohol for a refreshing watermelon mocktail. Replace the tequila and triple sec with a fizzy drink like club soda or ginger ale for a fun, non-alcoholic drink.

What are some variations of this cocktail?

Variations of the watermelon margarita can include adding fresh mint, jalapeno for a spicy kick or substituting the watermelon with another fruit like strawberry or mango.

Why is salt used to rim the glass of a margarita?

Salt is used to balance the sweetness of the cocktail and also to enhance the flavors of the drink. It also adds a tactile experience to every sip, which heightens the overall drinking experience.

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