Fresh watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and ice, shaken and strained into a salt-rimmed glass. That is the whole recipe. The watermelon replaces the simple syrup you would normally use in a margarita, so the drink is sweet without added sugar. A lime wedge on the rim for garnish.
Use cold watermelon juice for the best results. Blend watermelon chunks and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp. You can store the juice in the fridge for two days, so make it ahead for a party. These go fast, trust me.
Tips for Watermelon Margaritas
Strain the watermelon juice
Blend the watermelon and pour it through a fine mesh sieve. Press the pulp with a spoon to get all the liquid out. Unstrained juice makes the margarita gritty. 
You want clear, smooth juice. One medium watermelon yields about a liter (4 cups) of juice, enough for six to eight margaritas.
Shake hard with plenty of ice
Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Add the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Hard shaking chills the drink fast and dilutes it slightly, which rounds out the tequila. A weak shake gives you a warm, boozy drink that is harder to enjoy.
Watermelon Margaritas
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
These refreshing watermelon margaritas are the perfect drink for summer, offering a delightful balance of fresh watermelon juice and tequila for a less boozy, mellow cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Ice cubes
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in salt.
- In a shaker, combine watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
- Add ice cubes and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a pitcher?
Yes. Multiply the recipe and mix everything except the ice in a pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate. Pour over ice in individual glasses when serving. Do not add ice to the pitcher or it will dilute as it melts.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Skip the tequila and triple sec. Add an extra tablespoon of lime juice and some sparkling water. The watermelon and lime are strong enough to stand on their own.
What kind of tequila should I use?
Blanco tequila is clean and lets the watermelon flavor come through. Reposado adds a slight oak note that works well too. Avoid aged tequila since the barrel flavor competes with the fruit.
