There’s just something about the sweet flesh of ripe watermelon that makes a smashing addition to all your favorite adult beverages. From margaritas or daiquiris, you’ll want to lap up these fruity watermelon cocktails all summer long. Whether your poolside or beachside, here are 17 juicy ways to celebrate watermelon season.
1. Watermelon Mint Mojitos
Freshen up your mojito with a splash of watermelon juice. The muddling of mint and watermelon is a surefire way to cool down on a sweltering hot day. When pouring these mojitos, dump all the contents of the shaker rather than straining. You’ll want this mojito to be as iced cold as it can get. Also, you can adjust the sweetness with more or less simple sugar. This will depend on how ripe your watermelon is. For some added hydration, garnish each cocktail with a watermelon ball and sprig of mint.
2. Vodka Watermelon Cocktails
This light sipper is a no-fuss recipe. You can easily make this at home with watermelon juice, lime, agave nectar, and vodka. If you don’t have agave, you can use simple syrup or honey instead. It’s also a good idea to chill your watermelon juice before mixing. That way, you won’t have to water down the perfect ratios with too much ice.
3. Watermelon Limeade Cocktails
Limeade has all the right ingredients to complement the sweetness of the watermelon. It combines white rum, lime juice, and a dash of sugar with frozen watermelon cubes. All that gets muddled and topped off with club soda. The result is a delightfully fizzy cocktail that’s perfect for the summertime.
4. Watermelon Martini
Add some class to your next backyard party with these fruity martinis. They’re crammed with fresh seedless watermelon and citrusy limoncello. If you can’t find limoncello, any other orange liqueur will do. Be sure to strain your watermelon to remove the pulp. Also, rimming the glasses in sugar and salt is optional, but an impressive touch. While this isn’t a martini in the traditional sense, I don’t think your guests will mind one bit.
5. Watermelon Palomas
Palomas are one of my favorite cocktails to bust out on a warm day. They consist of tequila, lime, and grapefruit. Add in watermelon and you’ve got a refreshing summertime drink! These cheery pink cocktails are citrusy, fruity, tart, and perfectly sweet. Call your friends because you’ll want to share this festive drink.
6. Watermelon Margaritas
You know it’s summer when watermelon margaritas hit the table. Watermelon is full of vitamins, electrolytes, and natural sweetness that’s amazing in margaritas. It’s so sweet, you won’t need simple syrup for this one. I think this would also make a killer mocktail for anyone looking to make theirs a virgin.
7. Watermelon Whiskey Cocktail
This cocktail is similar to a whiskey sour minus the egg. It takes quality bourbon and mixes it up with citrus, peach bitters, and watermelon syrup. The essence of the watermelon syrup is key. While other cocktails use watermelon juice, the stiffness of the bourbon will mask the flavor of this drink. Use watermelon syrup instead and you’ve got a sophisticated fruity beverage to enjoy a starry summer sky.
8. Low-Carb Watermelon Cocktail
Looking to imbibe while trying to stay fit? This skinny cocktail is your answer. This sugar-free, low-carb concoction is lightly sweetened with stevia. The flavor is enhanced even further with a burst of fruity watermelon and a dash of lime juice. I recommend using white rum for this one. The soft, sweet base pairs best with the ingredients. While this cocktail may skip the sugar, it certainly doesn’t skimp on taste.
9. Watermelon Sangria
Sangria is a festive drink I love serving year-round. But when the heat strikes, there’s only one sangria I make and that’s watermelon. This Spanish drink is incredibly simple to make and is overflowing with juicy fruit. In a large pitcher, pour in white wine, triple sec, and vodka. And don’t forget the fresh fruit! This recipe uses watermelon and oranges, but you can add whatever you like. This crowd-pleasing libation serves a group of ten. So if you’re expecting more company, I’d make a double batch.
10. Frozen Watermelon Jalapeno Bellini
Aside from mimosas, my other brunch cocktail of choice is these frozen bellinis. The difference between a mimosa and a bellini is that bellinis use peach puree instead of orange juice. This drink ups the ante with a spectacular fruity, spicy twist. It blends fresh jalapenos, frozen watermelon, and a dash of coconut sugar into a slurp-worthy drink. Careful not to slurp too fast, or you’ll get a massive brain freeze.
11. Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri
No matter where I am, daiquiris always make me feel like I’m on vacation. So I say bring the poolside bar to your home with these boozy treats. You’ll want to freeze the watermelon before blending to achieve the ideal slushy consistency. When properly stored, the watermelon will last in the freezer for about six months. I like to freeze a big batch to keep some on hand. This recipe is so good you wouldn’t even mind ditching the rum. That way, you can enjoy a virgin daiquiri all summer long. But I don’t blame you if you don’t. Daiquiris and rum were made for each other.
12. Watermelon Rum Punch
Why is all the rum gone? Oh yeah, because it was just too good in this punch. Spike this punch with white rum and add in orange juice, lime, and homemade watermelon juice. Fizzy ginger beer adds an extra special twist. I recommend adding the ginger beer just before serving so it doesn’t go flat after sitting too long. Shindigs or lazy afternoons, there’s always an excuse to make rum punch.
13. Watermelon Vodka Slush
No glass, no problem! This watermelon vodka slush can be enjoyed anywhere alcohol is permitted because it comes in a bag. Say what you want, but the flavor is first-class. To infuse the watermelon, toss it in a blender with vodka, lime, and simple syrup. Then freeze everything in a bag until it reaches Otter Pop consistency. Pack it on ice and take some with you for beach days, poolside lounging, and more.
14. Spicy Watermelon Mezcal Cocktail
The spicy kick from the margarita mix and sweetness of the watermelon makes this the ultimate Mexican cocktail. As for the spirits, this cocktail uses both tequila and mezcal. Like tequila, mezcal is made from agave plants except it has a smoky flavor. This adds a rich complexity that makes this cocktail a true summer gem.
15. Watermelon Mimosas
How fabulous will a bright glass of these mimosas be at your next brunch! Blend sugar baby watermelons then strain. Add it to a glass with some champagne and it’s mimosa time. The reason you want sugar baby watermelons is that they’re jam-packed with sweet juice. If you use another variety make sure it’s ripe for the picking. Also, this recipe recommends brut champagne. If you use doux, the mimosa will turn out super sweet, so dry is best.
16. Spiked Watermelon Lemonade
You don’t have to be a mixologist to spike this lemonade. Simply blend watermelon with frozen lemonade, add some vodka, and enjoy. If you’re not big on vodka, you could also use another clear spirit like white rum, gin, or white tequila. I think some whiskey would even be great in this drink. Whichever liquor you choose, this is an excellent way to beat the heat.
17. Watermelon Pina Colada
This is hands down one of the best frozen cocktails I’ve ever had. No joke! The cream of coconut adds a tropical flair that accentuates the fruitiness of the watermelon in the most delightful way. This recipe is a cinch to make but does require some time to freeze. I know it’s hard to wait, but you’ll be glad you did. Click on a star to rate it!
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