These watermelon-flavored margaritas are the ultimate summer cocktail—Blanco tequila, fresh lime, and pure watermelon juice combine for a bright, refreshing 1800 margarita that’s easy to make and naturally sweet.
What Makes This Recipe Great
This watermelon margarita is a simple, clean summer cocktail that highlights fresh ingredients. Instead of relying on sweetened mixes or syrups, the natural sugars and bright flavor of fresh watermelon juice provide sweetness and body, while freshly squeezed lime adds the perfect tart balance. Using a quality Blanco tequila—ideally 100% agave—keeps the flavor light and lets the fruit shine. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes of prep, you can serve two perfectly balanced margaritas.
Watermelon Margarita Ingredient Notes
Tequila: Choose a Blanco tequila labeled “100% agave” for the cleanest taste. Blanco tequilas are unaged, with a brighter, fresher profile that pairs beautifully with fruit-forward cocktails. The recipe author prefers 1800 Blanco, but any 100% agave Blanco will work.
Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential. It provides acidity that balances the sweetness of the watermelon and rounds out the cocktail.
Watermelon: Use fresh watermelon for the best flavor. If you blend 1 cup of cubed watermelon, you should get about 3/4 cup of juice—the amount called for here. A high-speed blender or food processor yields a very smooth juice.
Rim: A coarse sea salt rim is classic for margaritas, but a sugar rim also works well for a sweeter presentation. Use whichever suits your taste.
Recipe Step by Step
- Blend watermelon cubes in a high-speed blender for about 30 seconds. One cup of cubes should yield roughly 3/4 cup of juice; strain if you prefer a very smooth texture.
- Add tequila, fresh lime juice, and the watermelon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well to chill and combine.
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses, then dip the rims in coarse salt or sugar. Fill the glasses with ice.
- Strain or pour the shaken margarita mix into the prepared glasses. Top with a splash of lime sparkling water if you want to lengthen the drink. Stir gently, garnish with a lime wedge or a small slice of watermelon, and serve immediately.
Mary’s Tips & Tricks
Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a small amount of agave, maple syrup, or a honey syrup (one part honey to one part warm water) to taste. Often the watermelon provides enough sweetness on its own.
Juicing: A blender works well for making watermelon juice—just blend and strain if needed. A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth helps remove any pulp for a silky finish.
Serve With: These margaritas pair nicely with tacos, slow-cooked pork carnitas, stuffed peppers, or sheet-pan fajitas—any bright, savory summer fare.
FAQs
Yes. Any good-quality Blanco tequila labeled 100% agave will work. Choose your favorite for the best flavor.
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients to suit the number of servings you need, blend the watermelon in a larger batch, and mix in a pitcher. Keep chilled and add ice only when serving.
Other Healthy Summer Cocktails To Enjoy
Blackberry Mojito
Skinny Spicy Margarita
Passionfruit Margarita
Homemade Piña Colada
1800 Watermelon Margarita
By: Mary Smith
Prep: 5 mins | Total: 5 mins | Yield: 2 margaritas
Ingredients
- 4 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 cup watermelon juice (about 1 cup cubed watermelon blended)
- Lime sparkling water, optional to top
- Coarse sea salt or sugar for rimming, optional
- Agave syrup, optional to sweeten
Instructions
- Blend watermelon cubes for about 30 seconds; strain if desired. One cup of cubes yields roughly 3/4 cup juice.
- Combine tequila, lime juice, and watermelon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Wet the rims of two glasses with lime and dip in coarse salt or sugar. Fill glasses with ice.
- Pour the shaken mix into the glasses, top with a splash of lime sparkling water if desired, garnish, and serve.
Notes
Tequila swap: Any blanco tequila works well. Storage: Fresh watermelon juice keeps in the refrigerator for a few days, but it’s best used quickly for peak flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1 margarita | Calories: 156 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Sugar: 4 g | Potassium: 100 mg | Vitamin C: 14 mg
All nutrition facts are estimates. Values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and measurements used.
This recipe was originally published on April 30, 2020 and updated with new photos and rewritten copy on May 16, 2022.