Description
A refreshing, frozen summer cocktail made with fresh watermelon, tequila, lime, and mint. This crowd-pleasing drink is naturally gluten-free, visually stunning, and perfect for hot weather parties.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed (about 600g)
- 1.5 cups (360ml) 100% agave blanco tequila
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed (about 30g)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lime juice (from 4–5 limes)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) simple syrup (optional, depending on watermelon sweetness)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Kosher salt or sea salt (for rimming glasses)
- Optional garnish: small watermelon wedges and mint sprigs
Instructions
- Wash the watermelon, cut off the top and bottom, slice off the rind, and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes to yield about 4 cups.
- Spread the watermelon cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- While the watermelon freezes, pick mint leaves off stems, wash and dry them, and juice the limes, straining to remove seeds.
- Remove frozen watermelon from the freezer and let sit for 5 minutes to help the blender grip.
- Add frozen watermelon, tequila, lime juice, mint leaves, and simple syrup (if using) to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on low to break up ice, then increase to high and blend for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup or tartness with more lime juice as needed.
- Rim margarita or hurricane glasses with lime juice and dip into salt.
- Pour the frozen mixture into prepared glasses immediately.
- Garnish with a watermelon wedge and mint sprig and serve right away.
Notes
[‘Freezing the tequila beforehand helps keep the drink cold and viscous without diluting it.’, ‘Do not skip the mint; it adds herbal brightness that balances the sugar.’, ‘If using a standard blender, you may need to strain the drink to remove pulp for a smoother texture.’, ‘Make components ahead: freeze watermelon cubes and juice limes the night before, but blend right before serving.’, ‘If the drink is too watery, ensure watermelon was frozen solid and do not add extra ice during blending.’, ‘If the drink is too thick, add a splash of water or lime juice.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: frozen watermelon mint margarita, summer cocktail, party drink, gluten-free cocktail, tequila recipe, frozen drinks, watermelon recipe