Tequila and Watermelon: Summer’s Greatest Mash-up

When it’s hot as balls out, and you’ve got your feet dipped in the kiddie pool trying to stay cool in your suburban backyard, there’s only one hope to save your ~~sanity~~ afternoon: the Watermelon Margarita. This bad-ass, melon twist on the classic Margarita is not only delicious but a glorious bath of refreshment, bringing whimsy and joy to your parched taste buds. So relax, pour yourself an oversized glass, and let the kids run wild as we dive into the history, recipe, and highly suspect origins of this summer favorite, the Watermelon Margarita.

The Party Pitcher Recipe

Watermelon Margarita Party Pitcher

We’re gonna be real here and not even offer the single serving recipe. This recipe is for a pitcher of Watermelon Margarita rocket fuel. It’s our go-to-cocktail when we want to skip everyone’s chatter about their favorite new Pilates instructor or umpteenth Netflix show and get right to the party rock anthem. If this sounds like what you need for your backyard BBQ, then read on:

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10

Make-ahead 2

Course Drinks

Keyword BBQ, Margarita, Summer, Tequila, Watermelon Margarita

Equipment

Fine mesh strainer or use a cheesecloth
Pitcher
Citrus Squeezer
Measuring Cup

Ingredients

1/4 of a whole Watermelon
2 cups of your favorite blanco tequila
1/2 cup Cointreau
1/2 cup Freshly squeezed lime juice (around 6 or 8 limes)
1/2 cup Simple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Ice
Salt and/or chili powder for rimming (optional – although everyone loves a good rimming)
Watermelon and lime wedges for garnish
Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Soak the Watermelon: Cube the watermelon and place it in a large pitcher. Pour in the tequila and allow it to soak overnight or (at the very least) a couple of hours.
Strain the Juice: Using a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain the liquid into a mixing bowl, or some other container, and then mash the cubes of watermelon, getting as much of the juice as you can.
Return to the Pitcher: Return the strained liquid to your original pitcher and add the Cointreau, lime juice, and ice. If you like it sweet, add the simple syrup and adjust it to your taste.
Prepare the Glass: If you’re feeling fancy, rim your glasses with salt and/or chili powder. To do this, run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass, then dip it into the salt and/or chili powder.
Pour the Drink: Pour that delicious cocktail into your favorite drinking glass. We love mason jars, but you do you.
Garnish: Garnish with watermelon and lime wedges, and a sprig of mint if you have it. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Note: If you want to have an iced watermelon margarita, there’s no need to mash the cubed watermelon, just throw it in your blender with the liquid and some ice. Blender go Brrrrr!

Nutrition

Serving: 8ozCalories: 200kcal

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Variations

The Watermelon Margarita can be customized with additional fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even cucumbers to add unique twists. We’ll pass, thanks. BUT, the Spicy Version piques our interest. Add some jalapeño slices or jalapeño-infused tequila to certainly spice up your party. Life lesson: No touching tender parts after slicing jalapeños.

The Origins: A Modern Classic

The classic Margarita is believed to have originated in Mexico in the 1930s or 1940s, with good ole Carlos “Danny” Herrera – who had 10 wives! No wonder he drank Margaritas. The Watermelon Margarita is a more recent innovation without any true origin tale. One popular story claims that the Watermelon Margarita was created by accident at a family BBQ in the 1980s. Legend has it that a tipsy uncle, tired of the usual beers and sodas, decided to experiment. He combined the only available ingredients—tequila, lime, and fresh watermelon slices—into a blender, creating a masterpiece that would live on in wonder and legend. If only we knew this wonderful uncle’s beautiful name so that he could bask immortal in his well-deserved glory.

A Coachella Favorite

There’s also a legend that ties the Watermelon Margarita to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. It’s said that the cocktail was first introduced at one of the festival’s VIP lounges in the early 2000s. Obviously, the drink was an instant success, and festival-goers raved about how wonderful it was as they swayed to Lisa Loeb. After that, the festival’s organizers made it a permanent fixture at every event. While this is sweet, we prefer the heroic, drunk uncle story over the Gwyneth Paltrow vibe.

Remedy your Summer

The Watermelon Margarita is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of summer, a call to connect with backyard, lazy-day, kiddie pool nature. It’s a fruity, tequila inspired quencher of thirst and extinguisher of boredom. It’s what you need to get through those lazy summer days. And who knows, maybe with luck and perseverance, you can become that drunk uncle who creates the next legendary cocktail. But for now, kick back, raise a glass of Watermelon Margarita, and relax.