Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails

Watermelon Margarita

By
Matt Armato
Matt Armato
Matt Armato is a blogger, recipe developer and co-founder of the LGBTQ home-and-lifestyle blog Probably This. He covers food, drinks, travel and design.
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Updated 08/5/23
Red-pink watermelon Margarita in a rocks glass with watermelon wedge and mint spring garnish on top

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Watermelon and mint always work well together. This simple riff on the classic Margarita from bartender Gabe Sanchez of Midnight Rambler in Dallas, combines these two ingredients to create a grassy, citrusy punch that helps give a new twist to an old classic. “[It] feels like sitting on the beach under the bright sun with a cool breeze,” says Sanchez.

Fresh watermelon juice is key to creating the ideal Watermelon Margarita, but if you don't have a juicer on hand, store-bought options can work as well. Just look for 100% watermelon juice without added sugar, water, or artificial flavorings.

Sanchez offers a few wise words for best results when muddling mint leaves. “Take your time and press the muddler down gently while slowly spinning the mixing tin with your other hand," he says. "You aren’t using a hammer, so just take your time. The muddler will do the work for you."

Ingredients

  • 4 mint leaves

  • 1/2 ounce light agave nectar

  • 1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila

  • 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

  • 1/2 ounce watermelon juice

  • Garnish: mint sprig

  • Garnish: watermelon slice

Steps

  1. Add the mint leaves and agave into a shaker and gently muddle.

  2. Add the tequila, lime juice and watermelon juice to the muddled mint leaves, then add ice and shake until well-chilled.

  3. Double-strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

  4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a watermelon slice.

Do I Need Watermelon Juice?

While this recipe calls for watermelon juice, you can also create it using fresh watermelon if you have some on hand. Simply muddle 2 to 3 watermelon cubes (aim for cubes around 1 1/2 inches in size) before adding the mint to the shaker tin. Double straining will keep any pulp from getting in your drink, and you'll still get all the flavor.