Watermelon Margarita in a watermelon on a wooden table with a glass cup by the side

I’ll never forget the summer I spent with friends at a lakeside cabin, where we spent lazy afternoons under the sun and evenings around the fire. One of the highlights was our impromptu cocktail creation: a watermelon margarita in a watermelon!

This fun and refreshing drink is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. Imagine a juicy watermelon carved out and filled with a perfectly balanced margarita mixture, blending the sweetness of watermelon with the zesty tang of lime and a hint of tequila.

It’s like summer in a glass, and it’s the perfect way to cool down and celebrate with friends. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on its vibrant flavor and impressive presentation!

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How to Make a Frozen Watermelon Margarita in a Watermelon

This recipe makes two delightful, personal-sized watermelon margaritas using a small watermelon—perfect for a solo treat or an intimate gathering. Here’s what you’ll need:

Small Watermelon – Choose a small, ripe seedless watermelon (about the size of a cantaloupe). Cut it in half and carve them out to create natural cups for your margaritas.
Tequila – Use about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of high-quality blanco tequila. This is my personal favorite, but you can use whatever you prefer. Its clean, crisp flavor complements the watermelon perfectly.
Fresh Lime Juice – You’ll need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice to add that essential tang and balance the sweetness.
Triple Sec or other Orange Liqueur – Add 2 tablespoons of Triple Sec for a touch of orange flavor and sweetness.
Simple Syrup – Use about 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup or Agave Nector to sweeten the mix. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your watermelon.
Mint Leaves – A few fresh mint leaves for garnish, adding a refreshing note.
Ice Cubes – About 1 cup of ice to blend with the mixture.

How to Prepare: Carve out the small watermelon, saving the flesh to use in your drink. Add the watermelon flesh with tequila, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the carved watermelon. Stir gently. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Serve with a straw and enjoy your refreshing, personal-sized summer cocktail!

Find the full recipe with measurements below.

Watermelon Margarita Recipe Variations

Spicy Watermelon Margarita: For a bold kick, muddle a jalapeño slices with the watermelon before blending. The heat from the jalapeño adds a spicy contrast to the sweet watermelon and tangy lime. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your heat preference!

Basil Watermelon Margarita: Add a refreshing herbal twist by muddling a handful of fresh basil leaves with the watermelon. The basil complements the watermelon’s sweetness and adds an aromatic, earthy flavor. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Mint Watermelon Margarita: For a cool, minty touch, muddle a few fresh mint leaves with the watermelon. The mint enhances the refreshing qualities of the watermelon and adds a delightful herbal note. Garnish with mint sprigs for extra flair.

Coconut Watermelon Margarita: Incorporate a tropical twist by adding a splash of coconut cream or coconut milk to the mix. This variation adds a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet watermelon and tangy lime.

Serve in Mason Jars: For a charming touch, serve your cocktail in a mason jar instead of a watermelon. Run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass before pouring the cocktail in and dip in sugar or salt for a rim.

Tips for Making Your Watermelon Margarita

Use Fresh Watermelon Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly juiced watermelon. Blend the watermelon flesh until smooth, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp. This ensures a smooth, clean drink.
Choose a Ripe Watermelon: Select a ripe watermelon with a deep red color and a heavy feel. A sweet, juicy watermelon will make a significant difference in the flavor of your margarita.
Chill Your Ingredients: For a refreshing, cold margarita, chill your tequila and lime juice beforehand. This helps keep the drink cool without diluting it with too much ice.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your watermelon, you might need to adjust the amount of simple syrup. Start with less and add more if needed, tasting as you go.
Use a Fine Mesh Strainer: If you opt to make this a classic margarita instead of a frozen margarita, don’t add the ice to the blender. Then, after blending your watermelon and other ingredients, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to catch any remaining pulp or seeds. This step ensures a smooth, silky margarita. Take your watermelon cup, fill with ice, then pour the smooth mixture over it.
Garnish for Extra Flair: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves for a visually appealing and aromatic touch. It adds a lovely burst of flavor and enhances the overall presentation of your watermelon margarita.

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