We got our first watermelon of the season at Costco recently and it was gone before the end of the day. Um! Next time I will be snagging a portion prior to serving my children their beloved watermelon sticks to blend up and make a batch of spicy-sweet, super refreshing Watermelon Jalepeño Margaritas. Trust me when I tell you this easy cocktail recipe — which tastes like a spicy watermelon jolly rancher!! — is perfect for hot summer nights (or days — hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!)
Homemade Margarita with Everyday Ingredients
I love that Watermelon Jalapeño Margaritas are made with simple, everyday ingredients — no liquors required — plus they’re undeniably gorgeous. All you need is fresh watermelon, lime, tequila, and jalapeño-infused simple syrup, which is just sugar, water, and a jalapeño simmered together for 2 minutes. In the summertime we almost always have all these ingredients in the house, and so these drinks come together quickly.
I am NOT a fan of sweet margaritas, so I developed this recipe to be the perfect balance of sweet and tart, plus the spice level can be easily adjusted to fit your preferences. Grab a deck chair and let’s do this!
How to Make Watermelon Jalapeño Margaritas
Start by making the Jalapeño Simple Syrup which adds buildable warmth to each sip. The margarita recipe I’m sharing is for 1 drink, but the syrup will make enough for approximately 8 drinks, and the simple syrup will keep well in the refrigerator for a couple weeks. Add 1/2 cup each water and sugar to a small saucepan then, if you want the margaritas on the less spicy side, remove the ribs and seeds from 1 jalapeño and add to the pan. If you want the margaritas really spicy, slice the jalapeño then add, seeds and all, into the pan. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved then let the syrup cool off the heat. Strain the jalapeño simple syrup into a mason jar or container then refrigerate.
Next, blend or use a juicer to make fresh watermelon juice. You’ll need 2oz (1/4 cup) watermelon juice per margarita. Strain the watermelon juice into a container through a fine mesh sieve then refrigerate. Technically watermelon juice can stay fresh up to 5 days in the fridge, though I like to blend/strain/use it fresh.
Cocktail time! To make 1 margarita, add 2oz each watermelon juice and silver tequila, and 1oz each fresh lime juice and Jalapeño Simple Syrup into a rocks or cocktail glass then stir to combine and add ice. Alternatively you could add the ingredients into a shaker, fill with ice, and shake to chill. Stuff a fresh jalapeño slice or 17 inside then you’re off to the races. I hope you LOVE this easy, spicy, sweet margarita recipe – cheers!
More Recipes Using Watermelon
How to Cut Watermelon into Sticks Mojito Fruit Salad Watermelon Feta Salad
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