Watermelon Margarita Recipe (3 Ingredients)

Watermelon is the ultimate summer flavor, so let's make the ultimate summer Margarita with my easy watermelon syrup!

You can make Watermelon Margaritas a few different ways, but this is by far my favorite method. But if you want to make a frozen or blended Watermelon Marg or just make a quick watermelon syrup in minutes instead of hours, I'll include those recipes, too.

This recipe can be served up, on the rocks, or frozen, and with or without salt. It's just three ingredients and although the syrup process takes a little bit of time, it takes very little effort. If planning ahead, start your syrup one day before you plan to make the margaritas.

Watermelon Margarita ingredients

This recipe uses just tequila, fresh lime juice, and a simple, homemade watermelon syrup (the syrup consists of just fresh melon and sugar). You can use any expression of tequila that you like, but I'm partial to a crisp blanco for fruity margaritas like this. Mezcal, like Del Maguey, is another excellent choice.

How to make the syrup

To make the syrup, combine equal parts ripe, chopped watermelon with granulated sugar. Gently stir the mixture together, then cover and let it sit on the counter for at least one hour. For best results, let it sit for at least three hours or up to overnight. If leaving it overnight, you can place it in the fridge before bed.

You'll know the syrup is ready once all of the sugar has dissolved and the melon chunks are floating in a pool of pinkish-reddish liquid. Remove the solids, then strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer. Store the watermelon syrup in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for two to four weeks. Get detailed recipe instructions in my Watermelon Syrup Recipe.

How to make the Margaritas

Once your syrup is done, simply add ¾ ounce of it to a cocktail shaker with 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt (optional, but recommended). Fill the shaker three quarters with ice and shake until chilled, then strain into a chilled margarita glass or a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with watermelon or a lime wheel. Fresh basil also makes an excellent aromatic garnish.

Salt or no salt

I think most every margarita is improved with the addition of a pinch of salt or a salted rim. Salt enhances both sweet and salty flavors, making the cocktail taste even better. Want to learn more about how to salt the rim of a margarita? Check out my How to Garnish a Margarita.

How to make a pitcher of Watermelon Margaritas

Batch this recipe easily by adding 2 cups of tequila, 1 cup fresh lime juice, and ¾ - 1 cup watermelon syrup to a large pitcher. Fill the pitcher with ice and stir to combine. Serve in rocks glasses filled with ice and garnish with watermelon.

How to make an instant watermelon syrup

If you don't have the time to wait for the syrup, you can make a quick watermelon syrup by combining equal parts watermelon and sugar in a blender and then straining the mixture. I don't prefer this method, generally speaking, because it makes for a cloudy, more watery syrup.

But it works well in a pinch and you'll still have fresh watermelon flavor. Another way to make an instant watermelon syrup is to combine equal parts watermelon juice with sugar.

How to make blended Watermelon Margaritas

If you want whole, fresh melon in your margarita, you can make a Classic Margarita or Tommy's Margarita and throw the ingredients in a blender with a half cup of watermelon chunks and about three quarters of a cup of crushed ice. Just keep in mind that watermelon is a very watery fruit, so this type of watermelon margarita will taste a little more watered down than one made with a watermelon syrup.

How to use fresh watermelon juice in a margarita

Make a standard margarita, like a classic with triple sec, or Tommy's with agave syrup, and then add a splash (2 ounces) of watermelon juice to the cocktail shaker. Another fun way to incorporate watermelon juice is to freeze it in an ice cube tray and serve your classic marg over the watermelon ice.

Make it a Spicy Watermelon Margarita

You can make this cocktail spicy by incorporating jalapeños, habaneros, or other hot peppers into your watermelon syrup. You could also muddle a few slices in your cocktail shaker when preparing the drink.

How to make Frozen Watermelon Margaritas

My favorite way to make a Frozen Watermelon Margarita is to use frozen chunks of watermelon. Combine 2 ounces of tequila with 1 ounce of lime juice, ¾-1 ounce watermelon syrup, a pinch of salt, and some frozen watermelon. Blend on high with ¾ cup of crushed ice and then pour into a chilled glass and garnish with watermelon.

You may also enjoy these other cocktails:

• Fresh Strawberry Margarita
• Strawberry Watermelon Gin Cooler
• Hot Pink Malibu Coconut Margarita
• Spicy Hot Honey Blackberry Margarita