Watermelon Margarita Recipe (Single Serving or Big Batch!)

Watermelon Margarita (Single Serving or Big Batch!)

A spicy watermelon margarita with lime slices and jalapeño in a glass rimmed with chili powder, next to a halved lime.

Sweet, juicy, tart, and salty, this Watermelon Margarita recipe is a summertime classic. I share how to make a single marg just for you, or a pitcher for a crowd!

A refreshing cocktail to enjoy all summer long!

Margaritas are a year-round cocktail for sure, and you’ll definitely find me sipping on a Skinny Margarita or Grapefruit Margarita from January to December.

But I think margs really shine in the summer thanks to their light, refreshing, and bright flavor.

With watermelon season upon us, I wanted to whip up some watermelon margaritas for Ben and myself to enjoy with Shrimp Tacos and Mexican Street Corn Salad for dinner…and then I realized they were just too good not to share!

These watermelon margaritas are perfect if you don’t have a fully stocked liquor cabinet since you only need tequila—no orange liqueur!
I have instructions for making a single margarita (or double it for you and your significant other), but you can also make a pitcher that serves 6. And that can also be scaled up for a bigger party!
The flavor is nicely balanced between the sweetness of watermelon and the tart lime juice. Tajîn will add a little bit of heat to the rim or go all out and make it spicy with some jalapeño (a la my reader favorite Spicy Margarita Recipe).

Watermelon Margarita Variations

Make It Frozen. This method works for the big batch recipe. Freeze the watermelon cubes, then when you’re ready to make the margaritas, blend all the ingredients in your blender. You can either skip the ice cubes (since the frozen watermelon will do the job) or add a few ice cubes to balance the flavor and make it frostier, if needed.
Add Basil. Add a sprig of basil to the cocktail shaker to infuse your watermelon margarita with basil flavor. Garnish with a sprig of basil too!
Make It Minty. Swap the basil for fresh mint.
Add Some Smokiness. Swap the tequila for mezcal, which has a smoky flavor.

Prep Tip

Make prepping the watermelon EASY with my guide on How to Cut a Watermelon. It’s a different way to cut watermelon that’s far easier than the traditional method!

A watermelon margarita with ice, jalapeño slices, a lime wedge, and watermelon garnish in a rimmed glass.

What to Serve With Your Margs

Tacos. You can’t beat this classic pairing! These Salmon Tacos and Cauliflower Tacos are light and summery.
Other Mexican Dishes. Shrimp Fajitas are even better with a watermelon margarita for sipping.
Grilling Recipes. These Grilled Chicken Thighs have been on frequent repeat in our house lately.
Summery Apps. Like this Bruschetta Recipe or Corn Salsa.

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Watermelon Margarita

Sweet, juicy, tart and salty, this easy watermelon margarita recipe is a summertime classic made with fresh lime, watermelon, and tequila.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, Mexican

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings (or 6, for a pitcher)

Calories 180kcal

Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Ingredients

For the Watermelon:

2 ½ cups 1-inch cubed watermelon
2 tablespoons light agave nectar or simple syrup

For a Single Margarita:

¼ cup watermelon juice
2 ounces silver/blanco tequila 3 tablespoons
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 small lime) 2 tablespoons
1 thin slice jalapeno optional
Kosher or margarita salt or Tajin for the rim
To garnish: fresh lime slices, small slice of melon, jalapeno
Ice

For a Whole Pitcher (6 drinks):

1 batch watermelon juice about 1 ½ cups
12 ounces silver/blanco tequila (1 ½ cups)
6 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6 small limes) ¾ cup

Instructions

Rim the glass(es): Run a lime wedge around the edge to moisten the rim of the glass, then dip in salt or Tajin. Fill with ice.
Make the watermelon juice: Place the cut melon cubes and agave in a blender and puree until very smooth. If it's pulpy, pass it through a mesh strainer, using a big spoon to squish the liquid through. Discard the pulp. You should be left with about 1 1/2 cups juice.
For a single margarita: fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, and a jalapeno slice (if using). Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into a prepared glass. Enjoy immediately, garnished as desired.
For a pitcher: Add the lime juice and tequila to the blender with the watermelon juice and pulse to combine. Transfer to a serving pitcher if desired. Pour into prepared glasses or refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 6 hours. Immediately before serving, give the mixture a vigorous stir, then pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish as desired.