A change up from the classic cocktail this Amped up Watermelon Margarita is bursting with the fruit flavor muddled with lots of lime juice but the first taste you get is the chili lime salt which gives the drink a nice kick! (non-alcoholic option too!)
This Amped up Watermelon Margarita completely surprised me. Im normally a purist and want the traditional margarita; on the rocks with regular salt. But sometimes inspiration comes from different places in your life.
I have a busy Instagram account and when I made the Purple Tears Cocktail one of the comments on the IG photo was that they loved the Tajin’s Chili Limon Salt rim, but they suggested I try it on a watermelon Margarita. Since I love love love salt on my watermelon (Ive been told it’s a midwest thing) I thought well why not give it a whirl! Wow, its a nice zesty burst that pairs perfectly with the sweet, fruity watermelon!
SOME HISTORY ABOUT MARGARITA’S:
The classic Margarita has several people who claim to have created the recipe. When looking up over 20 sources the consensus is that it came from one of two people.
A bartender in Tijuana claims he made it for an actress, Marjorie King, who was allergic to all hard alcohol but Tequilla. He added the lime and salt to make it more refreshing.
The second most claimed inventor was a Dallas Socialite (coincidentally named Margarita Sames) who says she made it for a pool party where Tommy Hilton of that Hilton Hotel chain had it and then he liked it so much he added it to the hotel bar menu.
The frozen margarita machine was invented in 2005 in Texas which allows for ease of serving them at bars everywhere.
The muddled watermelon works well in this drink. I was concerned that the drink would be really “pulpy” and have to strain it, but because watermelon has so much water in it, it wasn’t bothersome at all. I used a wooden muddler on my first testing, but using a quick whirl in a blender also worked to break down the watermelon.
BREAKDOWN OF AN AMPED UP WATERMELON MARGARITA:
Easy: A muddler is a little consuming(but not a deal breaker), but since a blender can mix it just as easy its a breeze.
PREP for a Party: You can pre-make an entire pitcher of these (recipe in notes section), just don’t pour over ice until you are ready to serve.
NON-Alcoholic Version: Instead of the tequila add the same amount of sparkling water.
Serving Suggestions: If you are serving this on a hot day, make the non-alcoholic version and freeze them into ice cubes. They will keep your cocktail cold while not watering down the drink.
Cheers!
- 1.5 ounces Tequila (I used Sauza Gold) (see notes for Non alcoholic version)
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1/2 ounce simple sugar syrup
- Juice of an entire lime
- 4-6 cubes watermelon (2X2X2)
- Lime for garnish and using for rim
- Chili Lime Salt (Tajin's)
- Muddle watermelon with lime juice, triple sec and simple sugar syrup. Then add tequila and mix.
- Stir with ice to chill. (see blog post for ice cube suggestion)
- Prepare glasses with seasoned rim: Place 2 tbs (approx) on a plate. Then take lime wedge and rub edge of glass. Immediately dip lime coated edge into season salt.
- Pour over additional ice in glasses and serve with a lime wedge.
Non alcoholic version: Replace same measurement of tequila with sparkling water instead!
!pitcher: Serves 8
12 ounces tequila
4 ounces triple sec
3 ounces simple syrup
juice of 7 limes
24 -30 cubes of watermelon
Follow recipe instructions for single one!
Jeff says
A nice spin on a classic!
Michele says
Its so refreshing! Glad you like it!
Kylee Cooks says
This looks amazing! I want one. Right NOW.
Michele says
They are perfect for summer! Cheers!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
What a beautiful drink, and I bet the savory rim really punches it up a bit. The photos are gorgeous!
Mrs. AOK says
Oh my this looks tasty! Pinning this for sure, thanks for sharing!
XOXO
Deanne says
Love the ice cube trick and also that you included a n/a version! I’m from Illinois and salt is a must on my watermelon – I thought everyone did it 🙂
Michele says
Exactly! I thought everyone did the salt trick too…..THEY SHOULD!! Its the best way! ~m
Rachel Langer says
I live just north of the WI/IL border. I used to work in IL and they all salted their watermelon! I thought that was the craziest thing. Are you from Illinois? Maybe it is an Illinois thing?
Michele says
Rachel~ Im originally from Nebraska… but my husband is from MN and they do it there too! I know its odd…but I can’t eat watermelon without it!!
Tracy | Baking Mischief says
These sound great! It’s just starting to really warm up here in SoCal, so I’m so ready for refreshing summer drinks. I’ve never used watermelon in mixed drinks before, but I can’t wait to try it!
Michele says
I didnt want to veer away from the traditional Margarita, but Im so glad I did! (Im in cali too…. it was so hot the day I made these and they really hit the spot! 🙂 ~m
Beth @ Binky's Culinary Carnival says
Love your idea about making the ice cubes for the margarita! Especially when it’s hot, in less than 5 minutes your drink is all watered down! I’ll have to try that one! Thanks!
Michele says
Can you tell thats a pet peeve of mine…. watered down drinks! Thanks for stopping by Beth!
Peter Block says
My wife makes the margaritas in our house. I will definitely show her this recipe. Run citrus spin (is watermelon citrus?).
Michele says
It qualifies in my book as Citrus Peter! Cheers!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
I use tajin all the time to rim my drinks! That chili-lime blend is just perfect for margaritas, mojitos and anything with a sweet/sour component! I’ve never tried watermelon like this (though I adore a watermelon agua fresca) so this will definitely be one of our summer sippers this year!
Michele says
I think Im the only one in America who hadn’t been using tajin? So glad I found it… Im still imagining all the fun it can add to many other drinks! 🙂 ~m