Watermelon Margaritas

Say hello to your new favorite summer cocktail: this refreshing, salted and spiced watermelon margarita. This clever recipe combines everything magical about margaritas (tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and a salt rim), with a kick of heat from the fresh jalapeños and refreshing sweetness from the watermelon juice. Salt accentuates watermelon's sweet taste and accentuates the tangy margarita base. The lime zest rim is part sugar and part salt for a balanced twist on the original. Read on for more tips on how to make them.

How To Make Watermelon Margaritas

INGREDIENTS

• Granulated Sugar: It isn't a margarita if the glass doesn't have a fun rim, right? Taking it up to the next level, this margarita doesn't just feature a salted rim, but a hint of sugar balances it out and provides a touch of sweetness.
• Lime Zest: Not only is there sugar included in the salted rim, but lime zest as well for extra fun and color. You can then cut the zested lime into wedges to rub the rims of the glass. Keep in mind you'll also use lime juice, so this is a really great way to use up those limes in the refrigerator.
• Kosher Salt: I like using Diamond Crystal kosher salt for its thicker grains, but if you have only Morton or table salt on hand, you may need to use a little less salt.
• Watermelon Juice: This is easy enough to do at home if you have to use up some watermelon. Cut the flesh into chunks, then blitz in a blender until smooth. You can then press it down in a strainer or sieve or gather it up in some cheesecloth to squeeze out that fresh juice. Or just keep it simple and buy some from the store—either works for this cocktail.
• Tequila: There's enough going on in this drink that you don't need to seek out a special kind of tequila. Use whatever you have on hand!
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime brings out some much needed acidity to balance out the sweetness of the watermelon.
• Triple Sec: Perfect for this cocktail, as it has both tangy and sugary notes, and the orange flavor nicely complements the lime juice and watermelon juice.
• Jalapeños: These provide the kick for this cocktail. Leave the seeds and ribs in for a spicier sip.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Like most cocktails, this is a pretty low-lift recipe that's fun to make. First thing, prepare the glasses. This recipe makes 2 servings, but you can easily scale up. On a plate, mix the granulated sugar, lime zest, and salt. Rub the rims of 2 glasses with a lime wedge, then dip the rims into the sugar mixture. Gently press with your fingers to adhere.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Fill up the shaker with ice, then add the jalapeños and a pinch of salt.

Cover up the shaker and then vigorously shake until you feel your arms start to burn and the outside of the shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds (you should shake longer than you might think).

Strain the margaritas into the newly rimmed glasses. Garnish with some watermelon wedges, lime rounds, and jalapeño rounds. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Ideas

These margaritas pair well with whatever you may be serving for dinner. Try them with chicken tacos and guacamole for a laid-back Mexican-inspired meal, or pour them out poolside while a rack of ribs gets ultra-tender on the grill.

More Watermelon Ideas

Looking for more ways to make the most of peak-summer watermelon? Chop it up into a refreshing, savory salad, whiz it into a tangy batch of gazpacho, or layer it with mozzarella in our watermelon Caprese salad.