Refreshing, and delicious. The party has arrived with this Watermelon Margarita recipe! Made over ice with fresh lime, and instructions showing how to make your own syrup out of fresh watermelon. They’re perfect to impress guests or to sit back and relax in the sunshine with your lounging chair!
I know, I know. It’s not blended. Well, that’s not the kind of margarita I like to sip on! I’m all about a refreshing margarita on the rocks. Especially using a ridiculously easy homemade syrup such as today’s watermelon flavor. You can, of course, use a pre-made syrup and whip this cocktail up in 5 minutes or less.
That really is how easy it is to make a flavored margarita. A classic margarita recipe calls for an ounce of simple syrup, so you can simply replace this ingredient with any flavor you’re craving. It’s been my favorite thing to make as of lately!
Watermelon margarita ingredients
- Margarita rim – It’s typical to use kosher salt to rim a margarita. If you don’t like salt you can mix in some sugar, or just use sugar. I made my own margarita rim from 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp lime zest.
- Tequila – Any type you like best! Even a smoky mezcal would work with the watermelon. I used a regular silver tequila for a mild flavor.
- Orange liqueur – Cointreau, triple sec, or Grand Marnier will work.
- Lime – I like to use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice will work instead!
- Watermelon syrup – Store-bought or homemade. Check below for instructions on how to make your own!
How to make a watermelon margarita
- Rim: Fill the bottom of a shallow plate with water. Sprinkle the margarita rim into a separate shallow plate and disperse it evenly. Dip the edge of your glass into the water, let the excess drip for a few seconds, then dip the glass into the margarita rim to coat completely.
- Marg: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and watermelon syrup to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake for 10-15 seconds. Place a few ice cubes into your prepared glass, and strain the margarita into the glass.
how to make fresh watermelon syrup
- Blend 4-5 cups of ripe watermelon into a puree.
- Pour the mixture through a mesh sieve into a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer and whisk in 3/4 cup brown sugar.
- Let the mixture reduce by about half, stirring occasionally. Allow the syrup to cool in the pot until it’s safe to handle, then transfer to a heat-safe container. Let it cool completely in the refrigerator before using it.
FAQ
It completely depends on your tequila preference. If you’re like me and you don’t want the flavor of the tequila to stand out a ton, try a silver (blanco) tequila. Tequila añejo will have a stronger flavor, and will taste great if you want the tequila to stand out more. Finally, give Mezcal a try for a smoky flavor.
I will always go for a margarita on the rocks. It’s my favorite! If you want to try this recipe blended, you have a couple options. Add the ingredients to a blender with 1-2 cups of ice or even frozen cubed watermelon! Blend until completely smooth and pour into your rimmed glass. You’ll need a much larger glass than the classic rocks glass I’ve used in this recipe.
Hey, I’m not a salty marg gal either! I mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp lime zest for my rim. You can use JUST sugar as well if that’s what you prefer!
If you make my version of margarita rim, you’ll have to really work the lime zest through with your fingers. It will be good to use right away. If you want to save it, let it dry completely on the plate. Work through to re-powderize it and store in an airtight container.
I would make, essentially, a margarita mix! Multiply the recipe by as many margaritas as you’d like to serve. Mix everything in a large pitcher, and pour over rimmed glasses filled with ice as your guests enjoy their margaritas.
Looking for more schnazzy cocktails? Try these:
[ss_social_follow]
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients
- margarita rim* optional
- 2 oz tequila silver or gold
- 1 oz Cointreau triple sec or Grand Marnier can be substituted
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz watermelon syrup**
Instructions
- Fill the bottom of a shallow plate with water. Sprinkle the margarita rim into a separate shallow plate and disperse it evenly. Dip the edge of your glass into the water, let the excess drip for a few seconds, then dip the glass into the margarita rim to coat completely.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and watermelon syrup to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake for 10-15 seconds. Place a few ice cubes into your prepared glass, and strain the margarita into the glass.
Notes
- Blend 4-5 cups of ripe watermelon into a puree.
- Pour the mixture through a mesh sieve into a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer and whisk in 3/4 cup brown sugar.
- Let the mixture reduce by about half, stirring occasionally. Let the syrup cool in the pot until it’s safe to handle, then transfer to a heat-safe container. Let it cool completely in the refrigerator before using it.
Leave a Reply