Popular Watermelon Cocktail Recipes

Watermelon brings a burst of juiciness and summer energy to cocktails. Its natural sweetness and vivid color pair effortlessly with everything from rum to tequila, making it ideal for bright, crowd-pleasing drinks. Here’s how to harness watermelon’s best qualities in classic and inventive cocktails.

Watermelon Mojito

Bringing together fresh mint and tangy lime, the watermelon mojito lifts the iconic rum highball with a juicy twist. Use ripe watermelon for maximum flavor.

60 ml white rum
60 ml fresh watermelon juice or blended watermelon
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml simple syrup
8–10 fresh mint leaves
Soda water, to top

Lightly muddle mint leaves in a shaker with simple syrup and lime juice.
Add watermelon juice and rum, then fill shaker with ice.
Shake briskly for 8–10 seconds.
Pour into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with soda water and gently stir.

Watermelon Margarita

Sweet, tart, and bold—this margarita variation mixes tequila’s peppery bite with fresh watermelon’s mellow fruit. A pinch of salt on the rim enhances every flavor note.

60 ml blanco tequila
60 ml watermelon juice or blended fresh watermelon
22.5 ml triple sec or orange liqueur
22.5 ml fresh lime juice
10 ml agave syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)

If desired, salt the rim of a rocks glass.
Add all ingredients to a shaker with plenty of ice.
Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.
Strain into the glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a small watermelon wedge or a lime wheel.

watermelon margarita in rocks glass with salted rim and wedge garnish

Watermelon Sangria

Sangria naturally welcomes fruit infusions, and watermelon makes a vibrant, cooling addition. This version harmonizes dry wine, citrus, and a touch of sweetness—perfect for sharing at a summer gathering.

375 ml dry white wine
180 ml watermelon juice or blended watermelon
60 ml orange liqueur
60 ml fresh lime juice
30 ml simple syrup (or adjust to taste)
Watermelon chunks, fresh lime slices for garnish

Combine wine, watermelon juice, orange liqueur, lime juice, and syrup in a large pitcher.
Stir well, then add watermelon chunks and lime slices.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving over ice.

watermelon sangria in stemless wine glass with watermelon and citrus garnish

Tips for Making Great Watermelon Cocktails

Use fresh, seedless watermelon for the juiciest, brightest flavor.
Blending and straining the watermelon eliminates pulp for a smooth finish.
Add a squeeze of lime or pinch of salt to highlight watermelon’s crispness.
Pair watermelon with spirits that have clean or citrusy notes—rum, tequila, vodka, or even gin.
Garnish thoughtfully: a fresh herb sprig, slice of lime, or watermelon wedge adds aroma and color.