Frozen Watermelon Margarita Recipe
This Frozen Watermelon Margarita is a simple summer cocktail made with frozen watermelon, tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice. It’s refreshing and loaded with naturally-sweetened watermelon flavor.
Greeting from Salt Lake City! Plating Pixels is now officially based out of Utah and this beautiful mountain state. I’m finally getting settled in and unpacked, and excited to share more recipes, such as this Frozen Watermelon Margarita.
It’s perfect for warmer summer weather and afternoons by the pool, which I’m about to go to after writing this.
Don’t have a pool? That’s fine, this watermelon margarita is refreshing and a wonderful addition to your Barbecue Chicken Kebabs, picnic or summer gathering.
It’s super easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. What’s even better is that it’s naturally sweetened with watermelon, so no sugars or artificial mixers needed. Let’s get started with what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Watermelon Margaritas
- Watermelon: The main base and flavor for this margarita. Pro Tip: Freeze ahead of time and skip the ice to prevent watered-down margaritas.
- Tequila: Any brand will do, but a higher quality one will have better flavor.
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur.
- Limes: Freshly squeezed for a burst of flavor.
- Kosher salt: Used to rim the glasses before serving.
How to Make a Frozen Watermelon Margarita
- Cut watermelon into large cubes (discarding rind) and freeze 6 hours or overnight.
- Place watermelon chunks in a high-speed blender. Top with the desired amount of tequila and Triple Sec. I find that 1.5 ounces of each per drink work best.
- Squeeze in an entire lime and blend until thick and smooth.
- Pour into salt-rimmed glasses and serve immediately.
Answers to common questions
Should I freeze the watermelon first?
I recommended this to create the ideal thickness and flavor of your slushie cocktail. If you blend in ice it will be watered down and most likely be full of little ice bits.
In a pinch, you can just add ice, but try to plan ahead for the best frozen watermelon margaritas.
What type of tequila should I use?
You can use a Blanco or Anejo tequila. Any brand will do, but a higher quality one will have better flavor, even when blended into a cocktail.
I recommend a mid-level brand. Save the best quality tequilas for shots or sipping.
How much alcohol to use in a margarita?
1.5 ounces of tequila and 1.5 ounces of Triple Sec per margarita is a good starting point. Use more or less to reach the desired strength.
Do I have to use Triple Sec?
If you don’t have any on hand you could omit. It does add a distinct flavor to margaritas. Instead, you could add in a bit of fresh orange juice and use a little extra tequila.
How to Get the Right Consistency
2 cups of frozen watermelon blended with 3-ounces of liquid should create the ideal consistency. Use a high-speed blender such as a Ninja or Bullet to make blending easier.
If too thick: Add a bit more alcohol or water to dilute.
If too thin: Blend in a bit more of the watermelon pieces.
How to Serve this Frozen Watermelon Margarita
If making a larger batch, serve in a pitcher and let guests pour their own. Or you can serve in a cocktail or margarita glass and don’t forget to prepare cheese platter with thoughtful pairings! Check this cheese plating and pairings as a guide and choose what’s best for this margarita!
Note: It will separate a bit while it sits. Simply stir again before serving.
How to Garnish
I like to serve in salt-rimmed glasses. There’s a trick to getting the salt to stick…
Line the rim of the glass with a lime wedge instead of water. Water will be too runny and the salt won’t properly stickk. Then place glass upside down over a small plate of salt.
Pro tip: Use kosher salt. Table salt is too fine and sea salt crystals are too large to stick.
Additional Garnishes
Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and a small watermelon triangle.
More Summer Cocktails You’ll Like
- Cucumber Melon Cocktail Slushie
- Passion Fruit Sangria
- Lavender Lemon Sparkler Cocktail
- Clamato Michelada
- Caribbean Mule
- Watermelon Mint Martini
- Coconut and Caramel Banana Daiquiri
- Strawberry Lime Bellini
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Sparkling Ginger Pear Mocktail
- Ginger Pear Vodka Martini
- Grapefruit Martini
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Equipment
- 2 Margarita Glasses
Ingredients
- ½ medium watermelon
- 3 ounces tequila
- 3 ounces triple sec
- 2 medium limes
- Kosher salt for garnish
Instructions
- Cut watermelon into large cubes (discarding rind) and freeze 6 hours or overnight.
- Place watermelon chunks in a high-speed blender. Top with tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice.
- Blend until thick and smooth. Pour into two margarita glasses and serve immediately.
- Optional: Line the glass rims with salt and garnish with lime and watermelon wedges.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a large batch for parties.
- You can use a Blanco or Anejo tequila. Any brand will do, but a higher quality one will have better flavor.
- In a pinch, you can just add ice to the fresh watermelon. But try to plan ahead for the best consistency and flavor. Otherwise, it will have a watered-down flavor.
- If too thick: Add a bit more alcohol or water to dilute.
- If too thin: Blend in a bit more of the watermelon pieces.
- The margarita will separate a bit while it sits. Simply stir again before serving.
