Summer just got a whole lot sweeter with these refreshing watermelon cocktail recipes! As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cool and refreshing drink to beat the heat. And what better way to do that than with a fruity twist? Watermelon is the perfect ingredient to add some excitement to your summer soirees, and we’ve got 20 mouthwatering recipes to prove it!
From classic mojitos to spicy margaritas, our list of watermelon cocktails has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a light and bubbly drink or a bold and boozy cocktail, we’ve got you covered. So grab your blender, your favorite spirits, and let’s get this summer started with these 20 refreshing watermelon cocktail recipes!
Watermelon Mojito
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic mojito. The sweetness of watermelon pairs perfectly with the tanginess of lime and mint, making for a unique and delicious summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup white rum
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
– 1/4 cup club soda
– Handful of ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the diced watermelon against the sides to release its juices.
2. Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and handful of ice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist that combines the sweetness of watermelon with a spicy kick. This Spicy Watermelon Margarita is perfect for hot summer days and will surely become a favorite among friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon chunks, tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Fill the prepared glass with ice. Pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in 5 minutes or less.
Watermelon Basil Smash
Refresh your summer with this refreshing twist on the classic smash cocktail. Watermelon and basil come together to create a sweet, savory, and utterly delightful drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 oz simple syrup
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice
– Lime wheel and basil leaf for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon chunks and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher or jug. Discard solids.
3. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the pitcher. Stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Watermelon Basil Smash.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh basil.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Basil Smash!
Watermelon Gin Fizz
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy Watermelon Gin Fizz, perfect for sipping by the pool or at your next backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 cup watermelon puree (see note)
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add gin, watermelon puree, simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain mixture into prepared glass filled with ice.
6. Top with lemon-lime soda.
7. Garnish with a slice of watermelon or a sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Mint Julep
Beat the heat with this unique fusion of sweet watermelon and refreshing mint, infused into a julep-style cocktail. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a delightful pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– Crushed ice
– Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon and mint until smooth.
2. Fill a julep cup or highball glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour in the bourbon whiskey and simple syrup.
4. Add the watermelon-mint mixture to the glass.
5. Stir gently to combine and chill.
6. Garnish with additional sprigs of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Watermelon Sangria
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy sangria recipe that combines the flavors of watermelon, white wine, and citrus. Perfect for a summer evening or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1 cup white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc work well)
– 1/4 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Sliced lime, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cubed watermelon and white wine.
2. Add triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in any settled solids from the watermelon.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This sangria is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator.
Watermelon Vodka Lemonade
Refreshing Watermelon Vodka Lemonade Recipe
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy twist on classic lemonade, infused with the refreshing flavors of watermelon and vodka.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup vodka (your preferred brand)
– 4 cups lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Strain the pureed watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug to remove any pulp.
3. Add the lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, stir in the lemon-lime soda. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Watermelon Vodka Lemonade over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Watermelon Tequila Sunrise
Revive your summer with this refreshing twist on the classic tequila sunrise cocktail, featuring sweet watermelon puree and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– 4 ounces orange juice
– 1 ounce lime juice
– Splash of grenadine syrup
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the tequila, orange juice, and lime juice.
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the watermelon puree to the mixture, depending on your desired level of sweetness.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Add a splash of grenadine syrup for a subtle flavor boost.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Watermelon Rum Punch
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. This sweet and tangy punch is perfect for summer gatherings or backyard barbecues.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Splash of triple sec or orange liqueur (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the rum, lemon-lime soda, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
3. Add the watermelon puree and stir until well combined.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time) + chilling time
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler Recipe
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink! This Watermelon Cucumber Cooler is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, made with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon and cucumber until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any pulp or fibers.
3. Add the lime juice and stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water and add ice cubes as needed.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Cooler!
Watermelon Coconut Daiquiri
Beat the heat with this unique and refreshing twist on a classic daiquiri, featuring sweet watermelon and creamy coconut.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 ounces white rum
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon, heavy cream, shredded coconut, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. Add white rum and lime juice. Blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor as needed.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (blending time)
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Coconut Daiquiri!
Watermelon Elderflower Spritz
Beat the heat with this revitalizing twist on the classic spritz! This refreshing drink combines sweet watermelon puree, floral elderflower liqueur, and bubbly Prosecco for a perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. Strain the puree into a large pitcher to remove any excess pulp.
3. Add the elderflower liqueur and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add the Prosecco and honey (if using). Stir gently to combine.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Watermelon Elderflower Spritz over the ice.
7. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Watermelon Paloma
This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of watermelon, tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer for a perfect summer refresher.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– 4 ounces ginger beer
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon cubes until smooth.
3. Add tequila and lime juice to the blender; blend until well combined.
4. Fill the prepared glass with ice.
5. Pour the watermelon-tequila mixture over the ice.
6. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a slice of watermelon, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Watermelon Pineapple Rum Cocktail
Revive your summer vibes with this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. Sweet watermelon and pineapple juices mingle with the warmth of rum, creating a perfect blend for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup light rum
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess pulp and seeds.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the pineapple juice, rum, and watermelon puree. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the cocktail over ice in glasses. Squeeze a lime wedge over each glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend, strain, and chill.
Watermelon Ginger Beer Cocktail
Beat the heat with this revitalizing cocktail that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the spiciness of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (about 1 small melon)
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup vodka or gin (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove excess pulp.
3. Add ginger beer, vodka or gin (if using), and lime juice to the watermelon puree. Stir well.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the cocktail mixture over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Watermelon Champagne Punch
Beat the heat with this refreshing and fruity punch perfect for outdoor gatherings or backyard BBQs! This sweet and bubbly drink combines the flavors of watermelon, champagne, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup champagne
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
– Slices of watermelon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cubed watermelon and simple syrup. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Add lemon-lime soda and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Just before serving, add champagne to the pitcher and stir again.
4. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with watermelon slices.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
Watermelon Pimm’s Cup
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup. This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of watermelon with the traditional flavors of Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, lemonade, and garnishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur
– 1 cup lemonade
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, lemonade, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
3. Add the watermelon puree to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Watermelon Pimm’s Cup over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita
This refreshing twist on the classic margarita combines the sweetness of watermelon with a spicy kick from jalapeño peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup tequila
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– Salt for rimming glass
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a blender or food processor, puree watermelon chunks until smooth.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the blender. Blend until well combined.
4. Add chopped jalapeño pepper to the blender and blend until well incorporated.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (since it’s a cocktail!)
Watermelon Bourbon Smash
This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of watermelon, bourbon, mint, and lime for a perfect summer sipper. With its refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, you’ll be sipping all day long!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon cubes until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon whiskey, watermelon puree, mint leaves, and lime juice.
3. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.
4. Add ice to the pitcher and stir well.
5. Serve immediately and garnish with additional mint leaves and lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just blend and serve!)
Watermelon Rosemary Collins
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, featuring sweet watermelon and herbaceous rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Club soda
– Ice
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. Mix the watermelon juice with simple syrup and gin in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
4. Add lime juice and rosemary-infused simple syrup. Shake until chilled.
5. Strain into Collins glasses filled with ice. Top each glass off with club soda.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing watermelon cocktail recipes! From classic mojitos to fruity sangrias, we’ve got 20 delicious drinks that are sure to quench your thirst. Try a Watermelon Mojito for a twist on the classic Cuban cocktail, or go spicy with a Spicy Watermelon Margarita. For a sweet treat, mix up a Watermelon Basil Smash or indulge in a refreshing Watermelon Gin Fizz. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a cool drink to enjoy by yourself, these watermelon cocktails are sure to hit the spot.
