Our Most Refreshing Watermelon Cocktail Recipes
Sip on the sweet fruit with these super-summery slushies, coolers, and cocktails.
Whether you're enjoying a picnic in the park or sitting poolside, there's no denying that biting into a thick wedge of juicy watermelon is one of summer's simplest pleasures. It's sweet, refreshing, and instantly cools you off. And while the the pink fruit is delicious on its own, it also makes for a delicious base for fabulous cocktails and mocktails. Watermelon margaritas are a well-known option, but that just scratches the surface of the many drink recipes that you can make with summer's best watermelon.
All of these recipes start with puréed watermelon, which you can whip up in a blender. Before adding it to liquor, lemonade, or other mixers, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp and ensure that the juice is as smooth and homogenous as it can be.
From here, play around with different watermelon drink recipes. It's a genius pairing with a playful liquor such as tequila or rum that's guaranteed to please during the summer months. Or try our fun twist on a classic cosmopolitan, which departs from the 90s staple with the inclusion of pop rocks, the vibrant, crackling crystals that instantly take this drink to a whole new level.
We also have plenty of family-friendly watermelon drink recipes—or mocktails—sans alcohol, such as a watermelon-inspired Arnold Palmer and a bright pink cooler made with fresh lime juice and sugar. Kids can enjoy all that watermelon has to offer, too.
From margaritas and mojitos to big-batch beverages that you can leave in the fridge and pour whenever you're craving something sweet, get in the spirit of summer with these watermelon drink recipes.
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Yellow Watermelon Margaritas
Yellow watermelon may be harder to find in your grocery store than the usual pink-red variety, but it's well worth the effort for this eye-catching cocktail. One ounce of elderflower liqueur brings a sweet, slightly floral flavor to each glass.
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Iced Watermelon-Lemon Tea
Quench your thirst with this family-friendly watermelon drink recipe that calls for just two ingredients—puréed fresh watermelon juice and store-bought half-and-half lemonade-with-tea.
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Boozy Melon
On a hot summer day, celebrate the season with our tequila-soaked watermelon, a boozy treat that can be made up to one day in advance. Serve with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice for a bite that will remind you of your favorite margarita.
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Pop Rocks Cosmopolitan
Raid the candy cabinet for watermelon-flavored Pop Rocks for this fun and fizzy cocktail that's also made with vodka, fresh lime juice, unsweetened pomegranate juice, and Cointreau.
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Watermelon Margaritas
Make this fruity variation on a classic margarita using two cups of watermelon cubes and an orange-infused simple syrup. It serves four tequila lovers who crave a refreshing drink.
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Watermelon Limeade
This watermelon drink recipe is just as delicious booze-free as it is with a little bit of vodka for adults. You can make it in advance by chilling a mixture of puréed watermelon, fresh lime juice, and sugar in the refrigerator until it's time to serve.
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Watermelon Lemonade
Start by making your own lemonade for this watermelon drink recipe. Simply mash two quartered lemons with fresh mint leaves and light brown sugar, then top with puréed watermelon.
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Watermelon-Basil Margaritas
Elevate the usual watermelon margarita with 24 basil leaves, which adds a fresh, aromatic quality to this classic celebratory drink.
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Watermelon Mojitos
Everyone's favorite punchy rum beverage gets a blast of sweetness from half of a small, seedless watermelon, which contributes a bright pink color and juicy flavor.
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Watermelon-Tequila Refreshers
Cool off with this icy blended beverage made from sugar, watermelon, tequila, and fresh lime juice.
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Watermelon Slushies
Frozen watermelon makes the perfect slushie. Dice it, freeze, and then take it into a grown-up direction by blending with vodka and Prosecco for a hot-weather refresher.
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Basil Gimlet Fizz
It's the most quenching combination of all—watermelon, basil, lime juice, and seltzer (plus a little vodka). Use small cubes of watermelon and basil leaves for garnish.
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Watermelon Bloody Marys
Not just for brunch, the classic Bloody Mary shows its sweeter side with the addition of puréed watermelon.
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Frozen Melon-Margarita Pops
Soak pieces of melon in a tequila-Grand Marnier-lime-juice mix and freeze for an easy adult watermelon drink recipe that's just right for a staycation.
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Melon-Mint Sangria
Watermelon combines with cantaloupe and honeydew to make this sangria a cool, crisp, and fruity escape from the summer heat.
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Pink Margarita Slushes
Get out your blender: Combine watermelon, lime juice, tequila, and sugar with ice for a fruity, pale-pink take on the classic margarita.
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Watermelon Cooler
Watermelon is the main ingredient in this pretty-in-pink-tinted cooler. Ginger ale, mint, and lemon juice balance out the sweet flavor.