This Salted Fresh Watermelon Margarita Recipe Is Delicious And Naturally Sweetened See How To Make A Watermelon Margarita On The Rocks In 3 Easy Steps
Fellow watermelon fanatics, you are going to love this fresh watermelon margarita recipe! Its just so refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. Kick back and relax with an ice cold watermelon margarita on the rocks. I am really excited to share with you how to make a watermelon margarita, because I think it just might become your go-to summer drink. This salted watermelon margarita took some testing , but eventually I figured out the right ratios and it turned out even better than I imagined!
A little drizzle of honey makes this watermelon margarita even sweeter, and the sprinkle of chili powder adds a little bit of heat. But, if you prefer to do a lower sugar drink as I often do, you can easily make these watermelon tequila cocktails without the honey.
Restaurant Style Watermelon Margarita
· Modified: Nov 15, 2021 by Jessica Mode · This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through the link, at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure for more details.
Learn how to make a restaurant worthy margarita with only five ingredients. This is everything you love about a classic margarita recipe with a twist using watermelon juice.
Ive always been a fan of ordering a large restaurant margarita. Its a perfectly balanced, yet slightly tart cocktail that I look forward to drinking. Plus, it has to be my favorite summer cocktail!
Through its history, this classic drink has gone through many different variations. Some restaurant margarita mixes have a higher ratio of tequila , while others have equal parts tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice.
There are many ways to make a great margarita, so its really up to you to decide which formula you prefer. This recipe is similar to many of the restaurants you go to. Its strong, super flavorful, and theres no margarita mix required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Watermelon Margaritas:
Do you need simple syrup to make a margarita?
No. Simple syrup is not necessary and not traditionally used in making margaritas.
What ingredients do you need to make a margarita?
The base ingredients for a margarita are Tequila, Cointreau , and fresh lime juice. The ratio for these is 2:1:1, 2 parts tequila, 1 part Cointreau, and 1 part lime juice.
How many calories does a watermelon margarita have?
This watermelon margarita has 290 calories and 0 grams of added sugar.Restaurant margaritas are typically are very calorie and sugar heavy. For example, the Texas Roadhouse Raspberry Margarita has a whopping 470 calories and 76 grams of sugar. That is the equivalent of 19 teaspoons of sugar!
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What Kind Of Tequila Is Best For Margaritas
Now this is a loaded question. Many purists will say the only type of tequila to make margaritas with is Tequila Blanco or Silver Tequila. This tequila is the purest form as it is generally bottled right after it is distilled, without aging.
However, I prefer to use Tequila Reposado. This tequila is aged for 2-12 months in oak barrels. Since it is aged, is has a more mellow and smooth flavor I think it helps create the perfect balance of flavors in this recipe. In my opinion, is the perfect tequila for mixed drinks especially fruity cocktails because the alcohol does not punch you in the face.
As far as brands go, a lot of people love Patron. However, the last time I was in Mexico, I really fell in love with Don Julio. It is so smooth I can even drink it straight which I cannot do with all tequila brands. Not to mention, it also has a lower price point than Patron.
However, if you are a Patron fan and that is whats in your pantry, you can definitely make this delicious margarita recipe with Patron as well.
Homemade Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Alcohol Drink
Mix up the BEST watermelon jalapeno margarita today. I just love combining watermelon with spicy jalapenos for the most delicious margarita. This homemade margarita will be a new favorite among your family and friends.
DIY watermelon margarita with a spicy kick of jalapenos. Blend up some watermelon for a truly fresh puree. Then grab your cocktail shaker add your ingredients and shake up a refreshing margarita.
Pour your shaken margarita over ice for a truly delicious on the rocks margarita. If you are looking for a restaurant style or bar drink this is the one for you. Best part is though you dont need a bartender make it yourself.
You are truly going to love this watermelon jalapeno margarita. Serve for parties, sipping by the pool, girls weekends, cocktail / happy hour or just a drink before dinner.
Get ready to make the BEST watermelon jalapeno margarita.
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How To Make Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita
In a blender, puree watermelon chunks until you have acquired 8oz of juice.
Add in ¼ jalapeno and pulse until liquefied . In a shallow dish, mix coarse salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to desired heat. Rub rim with lime wedge and dip in salt mixture.
Add 4-5 ice cubes to glass.
In a cocktail shaker
add all ingredients and shake vigorously.
Strain cocktail mixture over the ice in glass
Top off with a bit more cucumber mix
and top with sliced jalapenos.
and watermelon wedge
How To Make An On
*Note: to make this recipe on the rocks you’ll need to prepare each drink by the glass. All measurements by the glass are listed in the instructions below*
Make Watermelon Juice: put all of your cubed fresh watermelon into a blender and blend until it has turned into a smooth juice. Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove extra pulp or leave as-is, depending on your preference for pulp. You will have extra fresh watermelon juice.
Shake and Serve: Fill a cocktail shaker with 2 ounces watermelon juice, 1/8 cup tequila, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/8 cup triple sec, and ice. Close tightly and shake like hell until the outside becomes frosty. Strain into an iced rimmed glass and garnish with mint and lime wedges.
Cheers!
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How Do I Make A Watermelon Margarita
For a frozen watermelon margarita: add ice, fresh watermelon, tequila, Cointreau and lime juice to a blender. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until ice is completely pureed. Pour into prepared/salted margarita glasses and enjoy right away while cold.
For watermelon margarita on the rocks: add ice to prepared/salted margarita glasses, and set aside. To a blender, add fresh watermelon, tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Blend for 15-30 seconds or until watermelon is completely pureed. Pour over ice in prepared margarita glasses. Enjoy right away while cold.
Difference Between Silver And Gold Tequila
I know it would seem that tequila would be tequila no matter what color it is, but there are a few differences. Here are the basic characteristics of each, so you can see how they differ:
- Silver Tequila Silver tequila is clear and has no color to it whatsoever. After the distilling process of silver tequila, it is placed in a bottle right away. It isnt aged at all, and its not really intended to be a drink that you take shots of. If you drink it straight, the flavor is a little stronger than gold.
TIP: I prefer silver tequila in my fresh watermelon margarita because there are no additives to it.
- Gold Tequila You will notice that gold tequila is just like the name says, a golden or caramel color. The coloring comes from additives , or due to the aging process in barrels. Its aged and that gives it a sweeter taste. Typically, gold tequila is better for drinking straight because it has a smoother flavor.
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See This Recipe Come To Life
INGREDIENTS
- – 4 oz Master of Mixes Watermelon Daiquiri/Margarita Mixer
- – 2 oz tequila
Directions
- – In an ice-filled shaker, add 2 oz tequila and 4 oz Master of Mixes Watermelon Daiquiri/Margarita Mix.
- – Shake hard and strain into an ice-filled glass.
- – Garnish with fresh watermelon and serve.
Suggested Glass:Rocks Glass
How To Serve Watermelon Margaritas
If you’ve got a set of margarita or daiquiri glasses, you are all set. Small goblets, champagne coupes, martini glasses, and stemless wineglasses can stand-in with gorgeous results.
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Your margaritas are fabulous right out of the shaker, but it can be fun to add a special touch. For extra pizzazz, rub a lime around the rim of the glass, and if desired, dip in coarse salt or sugar. Garnish with a juicy slice of melon for extra sparkle.
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About This Easy Watermelon Margarita Recipe
Who doesn’t love easy, delicious drinks? That’s why we’re going to make a watermelon margarita that is both easy and delicious. And the best part about this recipe is that it only requires 5 ingredients: Tequila, triple sec, sugar, lime juice, and of course the watermelon!
It doesn’t matter if you are hosting a party or just want to enjoy one on your own, this easy but DAMN GOOD watermelon margarita is the perfect refreshing drink for any occasion.
Cant get enough margarita recipes? Be sure to try my Spicy Jalapeño Margarita, Blueberry Basil Margarita, and 21+ Cocktails to Make with Tequila too!
Watermelon Margaritas For A Crowd
Keep it simple on the day of your party by making the syrup up to four days in advance, and make the juice up to eight hours before serving.
- Step 1
FOR SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine the watermelon and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a potato masher or another utensil to mash the watermelon and sugar together, pushing out the liquid and dissolving the sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl or jar, pressing the watermelon to extract all the liquid. Set aside to cool completely. Makes just over 1 cup of simple syrup.
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- Step 2
FOR WATERMELON JUICE: Combine the watermelon and water in a blender. Blend until smooth, pour through a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl or jar.
- Step 3
Combine the tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds, and pour into glasses rimmed with lime juice and coarse salt. Garnish with lime wedges and serve imediately.
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Turn Them Into Pitcher Margaritas
You can combine the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a pitcher ahead of time just shake the individual portions with ice right before serving.
Here is a quick recipe to serve 6!
- 6 cups fresh watermelon cubes
- 12 oz. high quality tequila
- 6 oz. fresh lime juice
- 6. oz. triple sec
Fill a pitcher halfway full of ice and then add all of the ingredients to the pitcher and stir with a spoon. Add ice to separate glasses and pour pitcher watermelon margaritas in the glasses. Serve with a lime wedge.
Can I Make These Frozen And Not On The Rocks
Absolutely! Want an even cooler marg? Make it frozen! Place your watermelon cubes in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Then follow the instructions below place the lime, honey and tequila in the blender first. Blend to combine. Place the frozen watermelon in the blender and blend for 90 seconds. Do no strain. Pour into your salt rim glasses and enjoy.
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Tequila For A Classic Watermelon Margarita
You’ll use silver tequila, also called blanco or white tequila, for a mild flavor. It’s colorless because it hasn’t been aged, unlike reposado tequilas, which are more golden in color. The pale spirit will keep your watermelon margarita an appealing shade of pink and bursting with watermelon flavor.
Easy Watermelon Margarita Recipe
So many sweet, delicious summertime fruits, so little time! Dont let summer slip away without making yourself a cold, refreshing Watermelon Margarita!
Our family enjoys watermelon so much that, as soon as the melons are plentiful each summer, I try to keep one on hand every single week. I slice or cube most of it up, for a simple side or sweet end-of-meal treat. And I like to use some for mojito fruit salad , watermelon salsa, and drinks.
If youve been looking for the ultimate summer margarita recipe, this is truly a top contender. Made with fresh watermelon juice, and served icy-cold, its the perfect summertime sipper!
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Ingredient Substitutions And Recommendations:
- Limes: if fresh limes are unavailable, you can substitute bottled lime juice. This can be found in either the juice aisle of the grocery store, or near the cocktail mixes.
- Tequila: now, more than ever, there is a huge selection of tequila on the store shelves today. Purchase the best quality tequila for your budget. We like Herradura Reposado and Cazadores Reposado.
- Cointreau: if Cointreau is unavailable, Triple Sec is a good substitute.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!
Why Herradura Is A Great Choice For Margaritas
As a former bartender and cocktail aficionado, I’ve always been a fan of Tequila Herradura. So, it’s easy for me to confidently say that Tequila Herradura tequilas are a great choice when making margaritas.
Why?
Quite simply, Tequila Herradura is tequila
Since 1870, Tequila Herradura is one of Mexico’s oldest and most respected tequila producers. They create the finest 100% blue agave tequilas using artisanal techniques such as cooking in clay ovens and fermenting with wild yeast. The result is a complex yet smooth line-up of premium tasting tequilas that are always easy to sip on or mix into drinks!
Click here for additional information about Tequila Herradura and more drink recipes.
Quite simply, Tequila Herradura is tequila
*Drink responsibly*
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What Is Better In A Margarita Cointreau Or Triple Sec
I prefer Cointreau in a margarita. Cointreau is a orange citrus liqueur, made with sweet and bitter orange citrus rinds. It adds some great richness and mild citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the lime juice in a margarita.
Triple Sec is also appropriate for a margarita. It is not as strong Cointreau is approximately 40% stronger than Triple Sec.
How Do I Pick A Good Watermelon
Let’s be real: it’s difficult to choose the most delicious watermelon among a bunch.
So how exactly do you find the sweetest melon in the bunch?
Well, have no fear because I’ve got a few secrets that will have you picking the perfect watermelon every time. So get ready to change your name to “the watermelon whisperer” because you are about to never pick a bad watermelon again.
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How To Add A Salted Rim
I vividly remember eating watermelon with my dad, when I was a kid. Hed come in from working in the fields on a hot summer day and sometimes all hed want for supper was a big plate of cold watermelon. Sliced into giant wheels with the rind still on, he oftentimes sprinkled the watermelon with salt. Have you ever eaten watermelon that way? Its no wonder I like my watermelon margaritas with a salt-rimmed glass!
To add a salted rim to your margarita: Dip the glass rim into a shallow bowl of water or run the cut edge of a lime wedge around the rim. Then immediately dip the wet rim into a shallow bowl of coarse salt. Thats it! So easy!
Why We Love This Fresh Watermelon Margarita Recipe
- Quick and easy to make at home.
- Only uses 6 simple ingredients.
- Refreshing, cool, sweet and tart boozy beverage.
- Watermelon is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants and its high water content is especially hydrating on warm weather days.
- Pretty pink drink with a bright red rim.
- Delicious cocktail recipe that you can double or triple to make for a crowd.
- Perfect summer drink for pool parties, backyard barbecues, or Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
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Buy When They’re In Season
This one might be the most important tip of all. The best time to buy watermelons is during the summer months from May until late August or early September, when it’s in peak season.
Pro-Tip: If you are like me and crave watermelon all year round, buy several sweet watermelons during peak season. Then cut them up and freeze the chunks for a healthy and refreshing Fall or Winter treat.
Now that you’ve found the perfect watermelon, let’s cut it open and make some margaritas!
But first…
The type of tequila you choose will determine how much flavor your margarita has so dont skimp!
Look For A Uniform Shape
Some watermelons are circular in shape and some are oval. And to be honest, both shapes are fine. But if there are irregular bumps or lumps, it means your potential melon has gotten inconsistent amounts of sun, water, and pollination. And that means it’s not going to taste as sweet. Also, don’t pick a watermelon with dimples, cavities, cuts, or bruises. Those imperfections could indicate that the watermelon has been sitting on the ground too long, which means it’s had plenty of time to begin fermenting #yuck #nothanks
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