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Summer just got a lot sweeter with this Fresh Watermelon Margarita Recipe! Made of fresh watermelon juice and a citrus kick of lemon, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy on those hot summer days. And the kids aren’t left out – they get a non-alcoholic version of Watermelon Lemonade!
Fresh Watermelon Margaritas
Some days you need water to cool you down. On other days… you need a margarita to chill out. And Summer’s made to relax- this watermelon margarita recipe will help you do just that.
Like any classic margarita recipe, we’ll use tequila, triple sec, and lemonade. And with fresh watermelon juice, this drink just got even more special.
I made watermelon margaritas last night for some friends, and they all loved how this summer cocktail was full of fresh and ripe watermelon. The watermelon makes this margarita recipe juicier and refreshing.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Great way to use leftover watermelons from the summer
- Fresh fruit drink that is so easy to make
- We have a mocktail version that’s great for kids
Ingredients Needed
- Tequila: you can’t have a watermelon margarita without this
- Triple sec: every classic margarita recipe has triple sec
- Midori: this changes everything. It’s seriously delicious
- Watermelon juice: I recommend getting a seedless watermelon if you’re going to blend it. If not, feel free to use a simple syrup that’s watermelon flavor instead.
- Lemonade: Store-bought or freshly squeezed at home, either one works. You can also save some lemon sliced or lime wedges to garnish
Expert Tips
- Want a frozen watermelon margarita? After step 1, pour the watermelon juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Make a cocktail with ingredients listed for one drink, but use 2/3 cup frozen watermelon cubes instead of the juice.
- Don’t like tequila? Use vodka instead – I’m a lover of making Tito’s ‘Ritas!
FAQs
In a blender, blend until the watermelon is to a juice-like consistency. Then strain your blended watermelon with a metal strainer into a large pitcher or a bowl. You may have to strain twice.
You can for the mocktail version but I would not recommend to do if using alcohol. Using triple sec in this margarita recipe gives it an incredible fruity flavor that’s essential.
Watermelon Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- 1 ounce tequila
- ½ ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce midori
- 2 ounces watermelon juice from half a medium watermelon, see instructions
- 4 ounces prepared lemonade
For a pitcher:
- 1 cup tequila
- ½ cup triple sec
- ½ cup midori
- 2 cups watermelon juice
- 4 cups prepared lemonade
For a non-alcoholic version:
- 2 cups watermelon juice
- 4 cups prepared lemonade
Instructions
- Start with a half a medium-large seedless watermelon. Slice it, remove the rind. Puree the watermelon in a blender then strain it through a mesh strainer. (I strained it twice.) You’ll be left with about 4 cups of watermelon juice, depending on the size of your melon.
- To make one serving: add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour over ice in glass. Garnish with watermelon and/or lemon slices.
- To make a pitcher: chill all ingredients. Stir all ingredients in a pitcher, garnish with watermelon and lemon slices.
- To make non-alcoholic: Stir cold watermelon juice with cold lemonade in a pitcher. Great for kids and adults!
I’m asking this out of genuine curiousity, so please help me out. If you’re going to cut the watermelon into cubes, blend them, then freeze them back into cubes, can you just freeze the initial watermelon pieces instead? They’re pretty much water anyway, right? Anyway, I’m going to try to make this for Cinco de Mayo if I can find a seedless watermelon in South Korea! Gotta love those Americans celebrating Mexican holidays in Korea!
You totally could Virginia, if you don’t mind the pulp. The blending then re-freezing was so I could strain out all the pulpy bits. It also depends on your blender. Back when I made this I had a blender that didn’t work very well, so I was never guaranteed that all the lumps would be out and white seeds would be dissolved (hence the straining, etc). Now I use a blendtec and it pretty much pulverizes everything, so straining wouldn’t be needed. ๐
Thanks for the reply! I didn’t see a step about straining in your directions, so I didn’t realize that’s what you were doing. We have a Vitamix, so we just froze the watermelon cubes. Unfortunately, they stuck together, so it took a bit of patience to get them far enough down that the blender could do its magic. Anyway, our proportions of lemonade to watermelon were slightly off, but it was still fun and delicious for all of us non-drinkers! Thanks!
Wow, that day does indeed require a margarita!!! At least you weren’t late huh? I love the watermelon flavor! And thank goodness it’s Friday cuz these will be part of my happy hour!
Seriously yummy, I love a good lemonade. I’m addicted to the crystal light single packets right now. Always drinking the pom or pink one with my water.
These are so cute! Watermelon just doesn’t get the attention it deserves. And in a margarita? Yes please.
You have my favorite drink ingredient in this beauty – Midori! Can’t wait to try this out…makes me want to run to the store for a watermelon right this second!
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