If there's one drink that screams summer in the South, it's a frozen strawberry watermelon margarita. Sweet watermelon, juicy strawberries, a splash of lime, and a little tequila come together for a frosty sip that will cool you off faster than a dip in the pool. It's the kind of drink you want in your hand while sitting on the porch, catching up with friends, or waiting on the grill to finish.
I especially love making this when watermelon and strawberries are at their peak because they are sweet, juicy, and easy on the wallet. As a dietitian, I appreciate that this recipe uses real fruit instead of sugar-loaded drink mixes. It's proof you can enjoy a fun, flavorful cocktail while still keeping things balanced. Plus, if you have kids or guests who don't drink, it's easy to blend up a no-alcohol version that tastes just as good.
If fruity cocktails are your thing, you have to try my sangria slushie or pineapple ranch water next. It is another porch-perfect drink.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like summer in a glass: Sweet strawberries, juicy watermelon, and fresh lime blend into a drink that is refreshing without being overly sweet.
- Quick and effortless: You can whip this up in less than 5 minutes, which means more time sipping and less time in the kitchen.
- Customizable for everyone: You can easily make it a mocktail, add spice for a kick, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Perfect for gatherings: This is a make-and-pour kind of cocktail, which means less time mixing drinks and more time enjoying them.
Strawberry Watermelon Margarita Ingredients
These fresh, simple ingredients are what make this fruity margarita so light and flavorful.
- Frozen strawberries: Go for unsweetened frozen berries so you control the sweetness. Using frozen strawberries replace ice cubes, keeping the drink slushy without watering it down.
- Fresh watermelon: The sweeter and riper, the better. Look for a melon with a deep, uniform color and a hollow sound when tapped.
- Fresh lime juice: Skip the bottled stuff for the best flavor. Roll the limes on the counter before cutting to release more juice.
- Agave syrup or honey: Adds a smooth sweetness that blends easily. Start small and add more after tasting since you can always add, but you cannot take away.
- Tequila: I prefer using silver (blanco) tequila for its clean, crisp flavor that lets the fruit shine.
- Triple sec: This orange liqueur helps round out the margarita flavor. Cointreau works here too if you want a slightly smoother taste.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
There are so many ways to make this drink your own, whether you want to switch up the flavor, make it alcohol-free, or give it a Southern twist!
- You can easily make this a mocktail by swapping tequila and triple sec with coconut water and orange juice for a hydrating, tropical vibe.
- Using a different sweetener like maple syrup, simple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener syrup works well if you want to adjust the flavor or reduce sugar.
- For a fun twist, you can add some heat by blending in a thin slice of jalapeño or rimming your glass with chili-lime salt.
- Frozen pineapple or mango makes a delicious base if you want to make it tropical and add even more fruity flavor.
- To give it a Southern spin, muddle fresh basil or mint from the garden before blending for a refreshing herbal note.
- You can add extra tang by replacing some of the watermelon with fresh grapefruit for a slightly tart, citrusy variation.
For a kid-approved frozen drink, your kids will love my summertime watermelon lime slushie!
How to Make Frozen Watermelon Margaritas
Follow these simple steps to blend up a watermelon strawberry margarita that's full of fresh flavor!
Step 1: Add frozen strawberries, watermelon, lime juice, agave or honey, tequila, and triple sec to a blender.
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if you like.
Step 3: If desired, salt the rim of each glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into coarse salt.
Step 4: Pour into glasses, garnish with a lime slice, and enjoy right away.
Tips for the Perfect Margarita
Here are a few easy tips to help your strawberry watermelon margaritas turn out extra tasty and refreshing every time.
- Since fruit sweetness can vary, taste the margarita before pouring and adjust the sweetener or lime juice to match your preference.
- Chilling your glasses in the freezer for about ten minutes gives the margaritas an extra frosty touch and keeps them colder longer.
- You can prep ahead for parties by cubing the watermelon and juicing the limes earlier in the day so you only need to blend and pour when guests arrive.
- For a fun presentation, dress up the rim with a mix of coarse salt and sugar, and add chili powder if you want a sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Using cold, fresh fruit, especially chilled watermelon, will help the drink blend thicker and maintain that slushy texture.
Storage
This margarita really shines when served right after blending, but you can prepare parts of it ahead to save time:
- If you want to prep ahead, chill your watermelon chunks and juice your limes up to one day in advance, keeping them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
- Blended margaritas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the texture will soften. For the best results, re-blend with a handful of frozen strawberries before serving.
- You can freeze the finished margarita, but as it thaws the alcohol and fruit may separate, so make sure to give it a good stir!
- For large gatherings, blend in batches and keep the extra in a covered pitcher in the fridge, stirring before refilling glasses.
Ready to give your ice cream float a peachy, probiotic twist?
Scroll down to the recipe card to make this quick and easy treat. If you try it, I'd love to see- tag me @healthdownsouth with your favorite float combos!
FAQ
Yes, but you'll want to add a handful of ice to help thicken the margarita and keep it cold.
Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into coarse salt, sugar, or a mix of both for a sweet-salty touch.
Yes, you can swap tequila for rum, vodka, or even gin for a different flavor profile that still pairs well with the fruit.
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Thank you!
Jessie
Strawberry Watermelon Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 3 cups watermelon cubed
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
- 1 cup silver tequila
- ½ cup triple sec
- Salt or course sugar for the rim
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Add frozen strawberries, watermelon, lime juice, agave or honey, tequila, and triple sec to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if you like.
- If desired, salt the rim of each glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into coarse salt.
- Pour into glasses, garnish with a lime slice, and enjoy right away.
Notes
- If you prefer a no-alcohol version, replace the tequila and triple sec with coconut water and orange juice.
- Taste before serving and adjust the sweetness or lime juice to your liking since fruit flavor can vary.
- Store any blended leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then re-blend with a few frozen strawberries before serving for the best texture.
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