Roll into summer the right way with our simply delicious Watermelon Tequila Cocktail. All you need is juice from a ripe watermelon, a fantastic tequila, a little simple syrup, and a good squeeze of lime juice for a sublimely refreshing drink to enjoy with friends at your next cookout. It’s so easy that cutting the melon is about as close as you’ll get to breaking into a sweat – and it’s perfect to make into a pitcher or punch for easy serving.
Watermelon Tequila Cocktail
PREP TIME 15 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Add the watermelon to the blender and blitz until just smooth
02
Strain the watermelon through a sieve and pour into a shaker or mason jar
03
Add a handful of ice, along with the tequila, lime, syrup and salt
04
Shake briefly until chilled and strain into a cocktail or coupé glass
05
Skewer 3 melon balls onto a toothpick to garnish, if you like, and enjoy
How to make a Watermelon Tequila Cocktail
Our Watermelon Tequila Recipe needs a blanco or silver tequila for its clean, zesty flavour. Choose a top-shelf one like Espolon Blanco or a Cabo Wabo, as both complement a juicy watermelon perfectly. Add a splash of zesty fresh lime and simple syrup to pull the whole show together, and you’ve got one of the best Tequila Summer Cocktails on your hands.
The best way to make watermelon juice quickly is to blitz fresh watermelon chunks in a blender and strain them through a sieve. Keep what you need and pour the rest into ice cube trays and freeze for another time. Pop the cubes out into a Ziploc bag once solid to use whenever the urge for another Watermelon Cocktail arises.
A simple way to make a homemade simple syrup
It’s zero effort to make a simple sugar syrup at home. Add equal quantities of water and sugar (half a cup of each) to a pan to gently heat. It takes about 2-3 minutes to dissolve the sugar and then it’s done! Remember to cool completely before using. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month for all your cocktail needs.
Notes and tips for the perfect Watermelon Tequila Cocktail
Want to look like a pro the next time you’re at the store picking out a watermelon? Here are our top tips on how to choose the best watermelon:
- The best way to cut up a watermelon and avoid making a mess with all the sticky juice is to cut your melon in half, then into wedges, with the skin on. Skin side on the board, cut the melon lengthways down into the flesh, stopping at the white rind, then turn and cut horizontally in the same way. Carefully cut under the cubes to release them and compost the rind. Remove any seeds and your watermelon is ready to blend.
- Watermelons grow on the vine in the field so look out for a yellow spot where they rest on the ground. If it’s creamy yellow, then the melon is ripe and ready. If it’s white, it needs more ripening
- Avoid shiny watermelons as they’re under-ripe. Instead, select dark and dull ones
- Big webbing marks on the skin are a good sign of a ripe melon
For the perfect serve, try a fun garnish. Retro garnishes are so on trend right now and who doesn’t like a melon ball? Skewer a few onto a toothpick, with some mint leaves in between, and pop them into your drinks. For an extra minty twist, muddle your melon with a few springs of mint.
If you’re left with extra watermelon, make a delicious watermelon and feta salad with some arugula. Watermelon pairs really well with cheese so serve your cocktails with a tasty cheeseboard or any nibbles with a spicy kick!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Look out for our article on the best watermelon cocktails for more delicious watermelon cocktail ideas.
If you’ve splashed out on a good tequila, then treat yourself and sip it slowly or enjoy it in this tasty Watermelon Tequila recipe or search our other delicious cocktail recipes on the Mixer that use tequila for some fiesta fun!
The watermelon and tequila is a magical combination, definitely, one to try. The sweetness of the melon compliments the zesty tequila perfectly!
