Inside: Quench your thirst with 5 hand-crafted watermelon drinks with alcohol. Perfect cocktail recipes for summer sipping with friends.
W atermelon is delicious, right? So you’d think watermelon drinks with alcohol would be an automatic slam dunk too, huh? Well, not exactly!
Honestly, watermelon juice on its own can be a bit…meh. Kinda bland and, well, watery.
I’ve made so many watermelon drinks that just fell flat.
But here’s the scoop: we can jazz it up with a splash of zingy acids like lemon and lime.
I’ve done the tough job of taste-testing and tweaking a gazillion watermelon cocktails (you’re welcome), and here are my top 5 that are my go-tos for a perfect refreshing summer cocktail . 🍉🍹
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Table of Contents
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you love something as much as I do. But I only recommend what I actually like myself.
1 | Fresh Watermelon Margarita
First up, a thirst-quenching watermelon cocktail. This margarita variation is packed with lots of watermelon juice (a hefty 3oz) and goes easy on the tequila, making it the perfect sip-all-day or party drink. Trust me, this one will be your go-to summer drink with friends.
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Here’s the secret sauce: make sure you’re using fresh watermelon juice and freshly squeezed lime juice. None of that pre-packaged stuff! Freshness is key to nailing that vibrant, refreshing flavor.
Personally, I’m obsessed with mixing this with Clement Creole Shrubb. But hey, if you don’t have that on hand, no worries! You can totally substitute it with a premium triple sec like Cointreau. Both will give you that delightful citrusy kick.
WATERMELON MARGARITA RECIPE2 | Watermelon Sour Cocktail
Next up, let’s talk about the Watermelon Gin Sour. 🍉🍸
This cocktail is all about that frothy foam and creamy texture, thanks to the addition of an egg white. If the idea of using egg white makes you squirm or you’re looking for a vegan option, no worries! Just swap it out for 1oz of aquafaba (yep, that’s the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
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Now, here’s the trick to getting that perfect froth: you’ll want to dry shake the ingredients first.
That means shaking everything up without ice. Then, add your ice and give it another good shake.
This double shake method is key to achieving that silky smooth texture.
Watermelon Sour Recipe
You can substitute the egg white with 1 oz of aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid). Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Then add ice and shake again for 30-45 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass.
3 | Aperol Tequila Watermelon Drink
This drink is a flavor fiesta with juicy watermelon, zesty ginger, and the bittersweet goodness of Aperol. It’s like summer in a glass!
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Whether you’re throwing a summer party or just looking for a refreshing aperitif before dinner, this cocktail has got you covered. It’s the perfect balance of fruity, tangy, and slightly bitter for those sunny days.
Ready for the secret to that zesty ginger syrup? It’s super simple! 🌟
Here’s what you do: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Toss in some chopped ginger, bring it all to a boil, then let it simmer for about 45 minutes. After that, just strain out the ginger pieces, and voilà! You’ve got yourself some homemade ginger syrup ready to rock your cocktails. 🍹✨
Aperol Tequila Watermelon Cocktail Recipe
A zesty bittersweet summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz tequila reposado
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/4 oz ginger syrup
- Optional: mint sprig garnish
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice. Shake for 30-45 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
4 | Spicy Watermelon Whiskey Cocktail
Alright, let’s dive into this spicy watermelon whiskey cocktail! 🌶️🍉🥃
Get ready for a kick with this one! We’re using a big ol’ serving of watermelon juice to keep it refreshing, but we’re turning up the heat with some homemade candied jalapeños. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking, so whether you like it mild or fiery, you’re in control!
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This cocktail is a fantastic way to turn whiskey into a summer drink. It’s got the cool, refreshing vibe of watermelon with a spicy twist that’s perfect for those hot days.
Skip over to the spicy watermelon whiskey cocktail recipe.
5 | Vodka Watermelon Martini
Okay, let’s get real for a sec.
It’s no secret that vodka and I don’t exactly get along (I’ve got a bottle on my shelf that’s older than my son, and trust me, that’s saying something!). 🍸😅
BUT I know a lot of you are big vodka watermelon fans, so this one’s for you!
Introducing the Watermelon Martini! 🍉🍸
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This cocktail is all about balance. It features the wonderful St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which adds a touch of floral elegance and a burst of dynamic flavor to your classic martini. It’s like a party in your glass, with a hint of sophistication!
So if you’re a vodka lover looking for a fresh twist, give this Watermelon Martini a go. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or impressing your friends at your next get-together.
Over to You
So there you have it, my fabulous friends! 🍉🍹 These watermelon cocktails are bursting with flavor, refreshing vibes, and a whole lot of fun.
Whether you’re into tequila, gin, whiskey or even vodka (I forgive you), there’s something here for everyone.
Don’t just take my word for it—grab your shaker, mix up one of these delightful drinks, and experience the magic for yourself. Cheers to a summer full of delicious sips and fun with friends.
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Stefanie, I’m really intrigued by the Fresh Watermelon Margarita! Do you have any suggestions for making it with a sugar substitute? Trying to keep it keto-friendly over here!
hey tara, i’ve used stevia in mine before and it turned out pretty good
Actually, using erythritol might be a better option since it doesn’t have the bitter aftertaste stevia sometimes does. Plus, it measures cup-for-cup like sugar!
Well, if these cocktails are as refreshing as they sound, I might just have to share a sip with my cat! Just kidding, more for me! Any chance these drinks come with tuna flavors?
Tried your Aperol Tequila Watermelon Drink recipe last night, and it was a blast! Easy to make and super tasty. My friends loved it. Keep those recipes coming!
Regarding the Spicy Watermelon Whiskey Cocktail, while the recipe seems innovative, I’m curious about the choice of whiskey. Would you recommend a specific type, considering the diverse flavor profiles of whiskey that might either complement or overpower the delicate taste of watermelon? A rye whiskey, for instance, could add a nice spice element but might be too aggressive. Your thoughts, Stefanie?
I’m usually more of a gin person, but the Vodka Watermelon Martini caught my eye. Tempted to give it a try this weekend. Any particular vodka brands you’d recommend that might enhance the watermelon flavor without being too overpowering?