Sip on this Grilled Watermelon Margarita with Smoked Serrano Infused Tequila, a sweet smokey cocktail balancing adult flavors perfect for summer nights.
Say hello to the Watermelon Margarita – a fun twist in the classic margarita perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Margaritas just hit different in the summer, especially when they’re made with fresh fruit like this Strawberry Margarita and Pineapple Margarita. These fresh watermelon margaritas are no different. So if you want to elevate your cocktail recipes and make a perfect summer drink, this spicy Watermelon Margarita recipe is for you!
What Is a Watermelon Margarita?
A Watermelon Margarita is similar to a classic margarita recipe as it uses tequila. However, this recipe takes a turn for the better, in our humble opinion. Instead of combining tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, this recipe grills fresh slices of watermelon for a nice smokey flavor. Then, we took Serrano peppers and infused them into our tequila for a slight kick for a more grown-up feel.
What You Need to Make a Watermelon Margarita
Serrano Infused Tequila
- Serrano Peppers
- Peppercorns (Pink and Black)
- Coarse Sea Salt
- Blanco Tequila – You can also use reposado tequila or any other good tequila you like!
Grilled Watermelon Margaritas
- Small Seedless Watermelon
- Coarse Ground Sea Salt (plus salt for rimming margarita glasses if desired)
- Ice
- Serrano Infused Blanco Tequila
- Anejo Tequila
- Watermelon Lemonade – You can find this at most grocery stores!
- Basil Leaves (for garnish)
How to Make a Watermelon Margarita
For the Serrano Infused Tequila
- Char the serrano peppers over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Slice the serrano peppers into long thin strips.
- Place in an airtight resealable container and add the peppercorns and salt. Cover with tequila and allow to sit overnight.
- Strain the infused tequila with a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar to store.
For the Grilled Watermelon Margaritas
- Sprinkle the salt over the watermelon on both sides and grill over medium-high heat, 3 to 5 minutes per side, until smokey char marks form.
- Remove from heat and arrange onto a platter. Season with additional salt if desired.
- When cooled a bit, cube up several slices of the watermelon.
- Salt the rim of your cocktail glasses. Add ice and several grilled watermelon cubes.
- Pour in 3 oz Serrano-infused tequila, 1 oz Anejo tequila, and top off with the watermelon lemonade.
- Garnish with a piece of cubed watermelon wrapped in a basil leaf, securing with a pick. Serve.
What to Serve With a Watermelon Margarita
Hosting a dinner party? Start with happy hour and an Elderflower Gimlet then move onto to the main course! Serve your Watermelon Margaritas with some easy dinner recipes like this Enchilada Pasta Skillet and Grilled Tequila Shrimp Salad. Or, if you’re sitting poolside and need something to snack on, these Grilled Chicken Kabobs and this Watermelon and Avocado Salad pair perfectly with these Watermelon Margaritas!
Leftovers
- Store any leftover margaritas in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a pitcher or airtight container! Although, we recommend serving the next day for the best results!
Expert Tips
- Add a splash of watermelon juice for even more watermelon flavor!
- Squeeze a little fresh lime juice or garnish with a lime wedge for a tangy twist.
- If you’re not into spicy cocktails, leave out the Serrano-infused tequila and use regular tequila instead!
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a touch of agave syrup or simple syrup to the mixture. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Instead of a salted rim, use a sugar rim for extra sweetness to balance the spiciness of the peppers.
Recipe FAQs
Of course! This recipe can easily be scaled up to make a big batch of Watermelon Margaritas. Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you need, mix everything together in a large pitcher, and serve over ice.
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and triple sec. Instead, increase the amount of fresh watermelon juice and add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor and sweetness!
While it’s best to enjoy the Watermelon Margaritas fresh, you can prepare the watermelon juice and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a day in advance. Then, when ready to serve, simply mix the ingredients together in a shaker or pitcher, pour over ice, and garnish with lime wedges and salted rims.
You can use a mason jar with a lid instead!
This Watermelon Margarita recipe is the perfect summer cocktail for beating the heat. Whether lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard get-together, this fun cocktail will impress even the pickiest of palates.
With its vibrant color, the sweetness of the watermelon, and a hint of tanginess, this easy watermelon margarita recipe will transport you to a tropical paradise (even if it’s just in your backyard).
Grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s make some easy Watermelon Margaritas! Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!
Grilled Watermelon Margarita
AmericanIngredients
Serrano Infused Tequila
- 2 serrano peppers - cleaned, stemmed and seeded
- 1/8 cup peppercorns - pink and black
- 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
- 16 oz blanco tequila
Grilled Watermelon Margaritas
- 1/2 small seedless watermelon - sliced into wedges
- 1 tsp coarse ground sea salt - plus salt for rimming glasses if desired
- Ice
- Serrano Infused Blanco Tequila
- Anejo Tequila
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
For the Serrano Infused Tequila
- Char the serrano peppers over medium high heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Slice the serrano peppers into long thin strips.
- Place in an airtight resealable container and add the peppercorns and salt. Cover with tequila and allow to sit over night.
- Strain the infused tequila with a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar to store.
For the Grilled Watermelon Margaritas
- Sprinkle the salt over the watermelon on both sides and grill over medium high heat 3 to 5 minutes per side, until smokey char marks form.
- Remove from heat and arrange onto a platter. Season with additional salt if desired.
- When cooled a bit, cube up several slices of the watermelon.
- If salting the rim of your glasses, do so now. Add ice and several grilled watermelon cubes.
- Pour in 3 oz Serrano infused tequila, 1 oz Anejo tequila and top off with the watermelon lemonade.
- Garish with a piece of cubed watermelon wrapped in a basil leaf, securing with a pick. Serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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Christina says
Dang, just dang. I’ve never thought of grilling watermelon before. Or combining it with smoked serrano infused tequila. I better make this recipe before summer is over! Great photography too!