Fresh Watermelon Margarita

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A refreshing Watermelon Margarita blends tequila with fresh watermelon, lime juice, and agave nectar. You definitely want this cocktail in your life before summer is over.

Overhead view of a watermelon margarita with a salted rim and lime wheel garnish.

This 1800 Watermelon Margarita can be served frozen or on the rocks depending on your preference. I usually prefer my margaritas on the rocks, as blending them tends to water them down. With that said, if you’d like a lower ABV cocktail, go ahead and blend away.

Summer just begs for refreshing cocktails, and this margarita definitely fulfills that need. Watermelon is a natural thirst quencher and adds the perfect amount of light sweetness to this margarita. I add a bit of agave nectar, but that is optional depending on your tastes.

You’ll want to check out these other great margarita flavors for your summertime happy hours: Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, Skinny Blood Orange Margarita, and Melon Margarita.

Two Watermelon Margaritas garnished with a salt rim and lime wheel.

FAQs:

What’s the best tequila for making margaritas?

You want to look for 100% blue agave tequila for the cleanest taste. Personally, I prefer a silver tequila, but you can also use reposado if you prefer it.

What’s the difference between silver (blanco) and gold (reposado) tequilas?

Blanco tequilas are bottled immediately after they are distilled, while reposados are aged for 2-12 months in oak barrels giving them their distinct color. Silver tequila also has a stronger taste which is perfect for blending with flavors in a margarita.

Ingredients for an 1800 Watermelon Margarita:

Ingredients for Watemelon Margarita on a wood cutting board.

Tequila: I used Cuervo 1800 Tequila Blanco.
Watermelon: Use fresh watermelon for the best taste.
Agave nectar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
Lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice balances the margarita.

Make it a Mocktail:

To make this a virgin watermelon margarita, omit the tequila, and add a splash of club soda.

How to Prepare a Watermelon Margarita:

You'll need 2-3 cubes of watermelon, about two tablespoons. If you're using frozen, allow it to thaw for about fifteen minutes. Place the watermelon, 3 tablespoons of water, and ½ teaspoon agave nectar into a mini food processor, such as a Magic Bullet. Process until smooth. Strain if you’d like, but not absolutely necessary.
Add the watermelon puree and tequila to a cocktail shaker with ice. Squeeze in some lime juice, and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a margarita glass, and garnish with a lime wheel and watermelon slice, if desired.

Hand running a lime around glass rim to prepare to dip in salt. — Prep glass for salt.

Hand dipping margarita glass into salt. — Prep glass for salt.

Recipe Tip:

Make a blended margarita if you prefer.

Simply add the watermelon, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar to a high speed blender with an equal amount of ice. Blend until the margarita is smooth. Pour the blended margarita into a salt rimmed glass.

Serving Suggestions:

Add a salt rim, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Try mixing chili powder with the salt for an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh herbs are a great addition to cocktail. Try garnishing your watermelon margarita with a sprig of fresh basil or mint.
Kick up the heat a bit and make a spicy watermelon margarita. Simply muddle a few slices of pickled jalapeño in the cocktail shaker before adding the remaining ingredients to shake and strain.

Appetizers to Serve with a Margarita Happy Hour:

If you're hosting a fiesta themed dinner party you need to check out this Cinco de Mayo article for more recipe ideas.

More Summer Cocktails to Mix Up:

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Ingredient Substitutions:

Tequila blanco: Reposado has a stronger flavor, but it can also be used.
Agave nectar: Honey or simple syrup work well.
Fresh watermelon: You can often find watermelon juice in the refrigerated produce section at the market.

Recipe Notes:

You should be able to find margarita salt in the bar mixer section of your local grocery or liquor store.
A measured shot glass allows you to get the perfect proportions in your cocktails.
Need to up your home bartending game? This cocktail shaker set will have you mixing up cocktails and looking like a pro.
I love my Magic Bullet for small blending jobs.

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More Margaritas to Love:

Close up of Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita in a salt rimmed glass garnished with a lime wedge and jalapeno slice.

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Skinny Blood Orange Margarita

Bright green margarita garnished with lemon balls and a lime wedge.

Melon Margarita

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