This Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that combines the sweet flavor of fresh watermelon with the classic tartness of a margarita. The recipe starts with a watermelon puree, then mixed with tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a sweetener. This drink is perfect for summertime or anytime you’re in the mood for a refreshing and fruity cocktail.
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How to Select the Watermelon
You can grab a whole one or pre-cut. Pre-cut has already been sliced or cut into smaller pieces, typically sold in plastic containers in grocery stores. The pre-cut is often seedless, making it a lot more convenient. I almost always grab this. I love that it’s seedless.
Pre-cut is usually more expensive than buying a whole watermelon. Keep in mind that pre-cut fruit can lose its texture and flavor more quickly due to exposure to air. If you grab this be sure to use it quickly after purchasing.
If you’re going to grab a whole watermelon, choose one that is ripe. A ripe watermelon will be heavy for its size and have a deep, hollow sound when you thump it. Look for one that is uniform in shape. Irregular bumps or indentations may indicate that the watermelon didn’t grow evenly and may not be as sweet.
Avoid watermelons with bruises, cuts, or dents. These are signs that the watermelon is not fresh. Check the field spot. The field spot is the area of the watermelon where it was resting on the ground. It should be a creamy yellow color, indicating that the watermelon is ripe. If the field spot is white or green, the watermelon may be underripe.
Key Ingredients
- Watermelon: I wouldn’t spend a lot of time removing the seeds. Once you strain the watermelon, your stainer should catch the seeds.
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Sugar or Sweetener
- Tequila
- Water
How to Make a Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add the watermelon and water to a blender. Blend until the ingredients are combined.
- Place a mesh strainer over a cup and strain the mixture into the cup. This will create a watermelon puree/juice and will leave the drink with a smooth consistency. (You can make a smoothie using the watermelon pulp!)
- Add the watermelon juice, tequila, sweetener or sugar, and lime juice to the blender. Blend until combined.
- Pour the margaritas over ice or serve chilled.
How to Line the Rim of the Glass
You can use salt, sweetener (sugar), or Tajin (what I love to use) to garnish your glass if you wish.
- Pour a small amount of salt, sweetener, or Tajin onto a small plate, making sure that the salt layer is thick enough to cover the rim of the glass.
- Take a wedge of lime and run it around the rim of the glass to wet it. This will help the salt/sweetener to stick to the rim.
- Hold the glass upside down and dip the rim into the salt/sweetener on the plate, rotating it slightly to make sure the salt covers the entire rim.
- Gently tap the glass to remove any excess salt/sweetener.
Additional Flavors and Substitutions
- Strawberry
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Apple
How Long they Will Last
You can store leftover cocktails in the fridge for 3 days.
How to Make a Classic Margarita with No Fruit
You can easily swap out the fruit in this recipe and make a classic margarita using triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier. Use 1-2 ounces per cocktail.
Margarita Taste
The great thing about making your own cocktails is you control how it tastes. If you like sweet drinks add sugar or sweetener to suit what you want. If you like strong drinks use more liquor. You can tailor this drink to suit your needs with no need to rely solely on the recipe.
More Cocktail Recipes
Bacardi Rum Punch
Hennessy Margarita
Vodka Gimlet
Cranberry Mimosa
Jungle Juice
More Watermelon Recipes
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar or sweetener Adjust to taste. If you like sweet drinks you may need more.
- 1/4 cup lime juice I used fresh limes.
- 1/2-1 cup tequila Adjust to suit your taste and how strong you like your cocktails.
Instructions
- Add the watermelon and water to a blender. Blend until the ingredients are combined.
- Place a mesh strainer over a cup and strain the mixture into the cup. This will create a watermelon puree/juice and will leave the drink with a smooth consistency. (You can make a smoothie using the watermelon pulp!)
- Add the watermelon juice, tequila, sweetener or sugar, and lime juice to the blender. Blend until combined.
- Pour the margaritas over ice or serve chilled.