These frozen watermelon margaritas are the quintessential summer cocktail: light, bright, and perfectly balanced between sweet watermelon and a hint of salt. Easy to make and delightfully refreshing, they’re ideal for warm afternoons, Taco Tuesday, or any casual gathering.
It started on a hot summer day—Taco Tuesday, to be exact—when a ripe, inexpensive watermelon inspired a grown-up twist on a seasonal favorite. The kids gobble watermelon quickly, but some days you need something with a little extra kick. Freezing chunks of watermelon and blending them with tequila and lime transforms the fruit into a cool, slushy margarita that’s simple, delicious, and just what summer calls for.
Ingredients for Frozen Watermelon Margaritas:
- 3 cups frozen watermelon chunks (freeze for 3–4 hours; cut and freeze early afternoon and they’ll be almost solid by dinner)
- 3 ounces tequila (silver tequila like Patrón works well)
- Juice from 1 large lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup ice
- Salt for rimming the glasses
How to make them:
- Prep your margarita glasses: pour a little lime juice onto a plate and spread salt on another. Wet the rim of each glass with lime juice and roll it through the salt to coat the rim.
- Place the frozen watermelon, tequila, lime juice, honey, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared glasses, taking care not to disturb the salted rim.
This recipe makes two generous servings, and it scales up easily for a pitcher if you’re hosting. Double or triple the ingredients depending on the size of your crowd. These margaritas are best served immediately while they’re still frosty.
If you prefer drinks on the rocks, you can substitute chilled watermelon and less ice, but the frozen version yields the smooth, slushy texture that defines this cocktail. Let me know which you prefer!
Frozen Watermelon Margaritas
5 from 1 review
- Author: Tara Smithson
- Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings
Description
Light, refreshing, and ideal for summer, these blended watermelon margaritas highlight ripe watermelon with lime and a touch of honey for balance. Serve with a salted rim for an extra flavor contrast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen watermelon chunks
- 3 oz tequila (silver)
- Juice of 1 large lime
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cup ice
- Salt for rimming glasses
Instructions
- Rim the glasses: pour lime juice on a plate, salt on another, then roll the glass rims through the lime and salt.
- Blend the frozen watermelon, tequila, lime juice, honey, and ice until smooth and slushy. Pour into the prepared glasses and serve immediately.
Equipment
Blender, margarita or cocktail glasses.
Notes
Make sure the watermelon is thoroughly frozen for the best texture. Adjust the amount of honey to taste depending on how ripe and sweet your watermelon is.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezer Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mexican
Love making cocktails? Try these:
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Summer Sangria Recipe -
Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
