Fresh, juicy watermelon at it’s best makes for an amazing summer libation in this Watermelon Margarita Cocktail.
I published this post several years ago and like many recently it was time for a redo. I hope the day will come when I will look at photos that are 4-5 years old and not feel like they need to be replaced but the one for this Watermelon Margarita Cocktail wasn’t there. I originally made it for a 4th of July barbecue and included some blueberries in the photo…which I came to regret.
This is a SUMMER cocktail, not a one holiday cocktail!
Even without the blue touch, it remains pretty perfect for July 4th AND all summer long. Watermelon season is upon us and I can’t look at a seasonal fruit and not think about whether it would make a good margarita. Watermelon? Why yes, yes it is! This one was great with Dobel Tequila; a favorite of mine.
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My only caveat? Try to find a really good one; I got mine at Whole Foods and was happy with it but I’m betting I would have been even happier with one from a farm stand. A Watermelon Margarita Cocktail demands a really good watermelon!
Even though I’m republishing today and the 4th of July was two weeks ago, I wanted to keep this photo. Sometimes we get so swept up in today’s politics it can be easy to forget, this country was forged by people yearning to be free from a king and I think we need to occasionally be reminded of how far we’ve come. We are so very lucky to live in these United States of America!
The Declaration of Independence, proclaiming America’s independence from England, was formally adopted by the Continental Congress on the 4th of July and the rest is history. I personally love seeing the homes with flags affixed to the front proudly celebrating this holiday. It is a symbol of a lot of things but mostly I think of it as the freedom we fought long and hard for; freedom we too often take for granted. Let’s not forget.
I recently saw some negative comments about Americans proclivity to fly a flag on our homes; during holidays or even all year round. Some might think it’s overdone but I for one love the patriotism; as long as it’s not overt nationalism; I love our country but we’re not alone in this world either!
Far too often we are categorized by small parts of the population that the world thinks represents all of us; for the most part politicians and celebrities represent none of us.
It is a time to celebrate and we do it up big time with barbecues, picnics, lots of food and of course beer, sangria and light, fruit forward cocktails; actually that’s pretty true for events all summer long isn’t it?
I first made this drink trying to mimic one at a local Chili’s. I met a friend there for lunch and we were excited to see Watermelon Margaritas on the menu. Sadly, they were more than a bit lacking; watermelon is so much water that the flavor did not have quite the punch I wanted.
After some thought and consideration and wanting to avoid the lackluster flavor in the Chili’s marg, I decided to add some strawberries. They were the right color and would be a bit less sweet. Perfect. They somehow magically added a lift to the watermelon without taking over the flavor.
The rest is pretty typical margarita fare but again, wanting to boost the fruit component, I used part orange liqueur and part orange simple syrup; I wanted that citrus note without all of it being accompanied by more alcohol.
The requisite lime juice and it was done. AND it was sooooo good. Chilis? Call me…you need THIS recipe!
I have a whole pitcher of these made now. My neighbors don’t even know it yet…should I share that they need to come over? Stat?
By the way, another fun ‘cocktail’ for today and all summer long? Margarita Watermelon. Slices of watermelon are drenched in a mixture of tequila, simple syrup and lime. So amazing. And yes, we slurped from those plates! And talk about a redo…this one is next on my calendar! Enjoy..
PIN IT! ‘Watermelon Margarita Cocktail’
Watermelon Margarita
The best of summer is this margarita made with ripe watermelon, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Finish with a sugar/salt mixture for the rim and a lime wedge garnish.
For Garnish
Salt and sugar for rimming I mix equal parts togetherLime slices watermelon cubes and blueberries for garnish (skip the blueberries if you want for non Independence Day cocktails!)
Bring water, sugar and orange zest to a boil in a small saucepan, boiling just long enough for the sugar to dissolve, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; strain out the zest and cool completely.
Combine watermelon and strawberries in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour over a strainer into a large bowl to remove solids.
Return fruit juice to blender and add tequila, orange simple syrup, orange liqueur and lime juice and blend thoroughly.
Put pitcher into refrigerator for at least 2 hours allowing flavors to meld and mixture to get cold.
Put salt and sugar mixture on a plate. Rub the rim of glasses with a quarter lime slice and dip them into the salt/sugar.
Fill glasses with ice and add the watermelon margarita mixture; top with garnish of watermelon cubes, berries or lime slices.
I used a small seedless watermelon and it was the perfect amount for the mixture and some cubes for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Watermelon Margarita
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
