Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Recipe: Spicy Cocktail!
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Say hello to our Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Recipe, a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and refreshing.
This spicy cocktail dances on the palate with fresh watermelon’s coolness and jalapeno’s kick.
Whether you’re hosting a sun-soaked barbecue or simply unwinding after a long day, this drink promises a burst of summer in every sip!
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While you may prefer to skip to the recipe card, we suggest reading the entire blog post to avoid missing valuable tips and substitution suggestions and to ensure you have the necessary ingredients, equipment, and understanding of the steps and timings.
Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
Enjoy a spicy summer with our Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita recipe!
These margaritas are made with simple ingredients that pack a punch.
Fresh seedless watermelon is blended with jalapeño tequila with a touch of triple sec for that classic margarita essence.
Adding fresh lime juice keeps things tangy, while a dash of honey sweetens the deal.
For that extra kick, Tajin seasoning lines the rim of your glass, providing a spicy-salty accompaniment to this delicious cocktail.
The blend of sweet and spicy makes this watermelon jalapeno margarita recipe a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, pool parties, summer dinner parties, or even just an afternoon on the patio.
And it is the perfect drink to enjoy with Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes like Tex-Mex Loaded Black Bean Dip with tortilla chips, Watermelon & Cantaloupe Melon Pico de Gallo for more melony goodness, Steak Street Tacos, and Mexican Sweet Corn Cake with Cinnamon Churro Icing.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas
- It’s a fun cocktail and a unique twist on a classic margarita.
- The sweet and spicy balance is refreshing and exciting.
- It’s an easy cocktail recipe that comes together quickly.
Ingredients & Equipment For Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
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Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas Ingredient
- Fresh Watermelon Juice – We used fresh watermelon cubes, but store-bought watermelon juice can be substituted if you can’t obtain a watermelon.
- Fresh Lime – You will need fresh lime juice to add to the jalapeño watermelon margaritas mix and a wedge of lime to rub around the glass rims for the Tajin.
- Jalapeño Tequila – If you cannot source this spicy tequila, you can use Gold or Blanco/Silver Tequila in this cocktail instead.
- Or you can make your own jalapeno-infused tequila.
- Alternatively, add a few slices of jalapeño pepper to the blender when making your own watermelon juice.
- Another alternative is to make some jalapeño simple syrup:
- Place 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water into a small saucepan on medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, then add ⅓ cup of sliced jalapeños (seeds and all).
- Lower to a simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the syrup, then pour into a sterilized, large mason jar. If you want less heat, strain the chili peppers out.
- Store the spicy simple syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month for your spicy drinks.
- Triple Sec – An orange liqueur.
- Margarita Mix – You could use Jalapeño Margarita Mix for a stronger spicy kick.
- Honey – You could use agave nectar as a substitute if you prefer.
- Tajin Seasoning – a spicy, salty lime seasoning for glass rims.
- If you cannot find Tajin, you could substitute it with a mixture of chili powder, salt, and sumac.
- Or try this homemade Tajin seasoning recipe.
Cocktail Equipment
- This cocktail is made in a blender rather than a cocktail shaker. We love our Ninja Blender for making cocktails.
- Fine Mesh Strainer (also known as a fine mesh sieve) will help remove any bits when pouring the cocktail mix from the blender into the cocktail glass.
- Margarita Glasses – or any kind of cocktail glasses you have.
- Rimming Dish – or saucers for rimming the glasses with Tajin.
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What Can I Serve With Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas?
- Sheet Pan Nachos: The spice from the margarita pairs well with the nachos.
- Guacamole and Chips: A classic accompaniment to any margarita.
- Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup: The cool, mild soup balances the margarita’s heat.
More Margaritas Cocktails To Make
If margaritas are your favorite cocktails, you’re going to love our Unique Margarita Cocktail Recipes:
Recipe Tips
- When pouring the cocktail into glasses, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any erroneous seeds or fruit membranes.
- Adjust the amount of honey for a sweeter or less sweet cocktail.
- Substitute agave syrup for honey if preferred.
- If you don’t have fresh watermelon to make juice, use 8oz in this spicy watermelon margarita recipe.
- For reference: 2 cups of watermelon weigh about 300g/10½oz. When blended it makes about 1 cup of juice which is 8oz.
Spicy Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Variations
Here are some variations of the original cocktail recipe you might like to try.
Virgin Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
So that non-drinkers can enjoy a watermelon cocktail, we simply remove the alcohol and replace it!
Follow the recipe card using the non-alcoholic alternatives listed below instead of the alcoholic ones.
- Replace the tequila and triple sec with orange juice
- Depending on who you are serving the mocktail to, you can adjust the spice level using Jalapeño Margarita Mix or Jalapeño Syrup.
- You could add a chili salt rim if you only want a little kick of heat in your mocktail.
- Alternatively, add a sea salt rim to balance the sweet flavors of the drink.
- Garnish with a watermelon slice.
I recommend adding the syrups to your taste as they may add the sweetness you may not necessarily get from alcoholic liqueurs.
Spicy Watermelon Mockarita with Non-Alcoholic Spirits
For adults who would still like to enjoy the taste of alcohol in their mocktail, you could try non-alcoholic alternatives.
In the UK, try Lyre’s, which is also available on Amazon in the UK and Amazon.com.
Other brands include Strykk (UK) and Ritual (US & Canada). Non-alcoholic spirits are a growing trend, so be on the lookout in your local stores and online.
- Instead of Tequila, use Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit.
- Instead of Triple Sec, use Lyre’s Orange Sec.
- Use Jalapeño Margarita Mix or Jalapeño Syrup to taste.
Follow the recipe card using the non-alcoholic alternatives listed above instead of the alcoholic ones.
Frozen Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita
Want to turn this spicy margarita into a frozen slushie? Here’s how!
Use frozen watermelon cubes instead of fresh, and place them into a blender with the remaining ingredients and a handful of ice. Blend to desired consistency.
Serve with a straw, and watch out for brain freeze!
You can do the same with the mocktail version too.
Big Batch Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas
Want to make a big batch of spicy margs for a party or gathering? No problem!
You can make this perfect summer cocktail using store-bought watermelon juice or blend the fresh fruit in your blender first.
1 cup of fresh watermelon makes about ½ cup of juice which is 4oz.
If you use the same measuring container (glass, cup, jug, etc.) for the “1 part”, the ratios will be correct, and you can make as much as you need to.
To make this margarita cocktail for a crowd, mix together:
- 4 parts Watermelon Juice
- 2 parts Jalapeño Tequila
- 1 part Triple Sec
- ½ part Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 parts Margarita Mix
- Honey to taste
Serve the large batch cocktail in a drinks dispenser or large pitcher, or go retro and serve from a punch bowl!
Add plenty of ice to your serving container to keep the cocktail chilled. You could also add some cubes of watermelon for extra fruity goodness!
Saving Leftovers
While it’s best to enjoy the cocktail fresh to savor its flavors, you may have some left at the end of your party—don’t let it go to waste!
- Transfer it to an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Or, to make it last longer, turn it into a Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Granita!
- Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily.
- Transfer the cocktail to a shallow freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer for 6 hours (or overnight). You can add some simple syrup or another sweetener if desired.
- Use a fork to break the frozen cocktail into small pieces. Serve and enjoy!
- Or pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
- Use the cocktail cubes to chill and flavor future cocktails without diluting the drink.
Setting Up Your Cocktail Bar
When setting up your cocktail bar or serving area, you could include the following:
- Ice Bucket – Filled with ice (of course!). Don’t forget a scoop or tongs.
- Cocktail Glasses
- Cocktail Napkins
- Cocktail Stirrers/Swizzle Sticks
- Cocktail Sticks/Picks – Skewer fruit onto cocktail picks for guests to garnish their drinks.
- Cocktail Decorations – Such as umbrellas, straws, etc.
This cocktail recipe is intended for adults of the legal drinking age in your country of residence.
Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.
Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Recipe Card
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Watermelon Margarita
Take your home bar to the next level with this Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita. Its balanced blend of fresh, sweet, and spicy notes is irresistible.
Ingredients
For Glass Rim
- Lime Wedge
- Tajin Seasoning
For the Margaritas
- 2 cups fresh seedless watermelon, skin removed*
- 4 oz Jalapeño Tequila
- 2 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz Margarita Mix
- 2 tsp honey
- Ice cubes
For Garnish
- Watermelon wedges
- Lime slices
- Fresh jalapeño slices
Instructions
- To add Tajin to the rim of the glass, pour some of the seasoning onto a small plate. Then, rub the lime wedge around the rim of two margarita glasses. Dip the glass rim into the Tajin and twist. Fill glasses with ice and set them aside.
- Place watermelon, Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, margarita mix, and honey into a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses and serve with a wedge of watermelon, lime, and/or sliced jalapeños. Enjoy!
Notes
*2 cups of watermelon is about 300g/10½oz. When blended it makes about 1 cup of juice which is 8oz.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 533Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 391mgCarbohydrates: 116gFiber: 6gSugar: 101gProtein: 4g
This site uses Nutritionix to provide estimated nutrition. Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
Dinner Party Menu Suggestions!
The beverage is covered, but what about the rest of the courses?
Here are additional recipes to create a menu for a dinner party or special meal:
- Appetizer: Spicy Salsa and Chips
- Soup: Chilled Creamy Yellow Tomato and Pepper Soup
- Salad: Mexican Chopped Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
- Main Dish: Blackened Fish Tacos
- Side Dish: Authentic Mexican Rice
- Dessert: Mexican Buñuelos
FAQ About Watermelon Margaritas
Here are some questions people often ask about making watermelon margaritas.
Click the question to read the answer. If you have one of your own, please comment on this post!
Triple sec is used in margaritas to add a sweet, citrusy flavor that balances out the lime juice’s tartness and the tequila’s strength. It’s a key component in creating the characteristic taste of a margarita.
If you don’t have a triple sec, you can use other orange liqueurs like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or orange Curacao. For a non-alcoholic substitute, orange juice or orange extract can work, though they won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
Cointreau and triple sec are both types of orange liqueurs, but they’re not the same. Cointreau is a brand of triple sec known for its higher quality and refined flavor. The term “triple sec” is used more broadly to refer to any dry orange liqueur.
Orange Curacao and Triple Sec are both orange-flavored liqueurs, but they’re not identical. Curacao tends to have a stronger, often more bitter orange flavor, while triple sec is typically lighter and sweeter.
Cointreau is a premium brand of triple sec, renowned for its quality, complex flavor, and the selection of oranges used in its production. Generic triple sec is often mass-produced using cheaper ingredients and less refined production methods, which allows it to be sold at a lower price.
Whether a margarita is “better” with Cointreau or triple sec can depend on personal taste preferences. Cointreau is generally considered to be a higher-quality, more refined orange liqueur, offering a balanced, smooth, and complex flavor. Triple sec is a generic style of orange liqueur, which may vary in quality and flavor. If you prefer a more sophisticated, nuanced margarita, Cointreau is typically the choice. If you’re looking for a straightforward, less expensive option, triple sec can work just fine.
A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Look for a uniform shape and a creamy yellow spot where the melon rested on the ground, known as the field spot. This indicates that it was left to ripen on the vine. Also, give it a tap: a ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound.
A ripe watermelon’s skin should be a dark, uniform green color with a dull appearance. The field spot (where the melon rested on the ground) should be a creamy yellow. The melon may not be ripe if it’s white or green.
Determining the sweetness of a watermelon can be tricky, but there are a few indicators. A ripe, sweet watermelon should feel heavy for its size, indicating a high water content. It should have a uniform shape and a creamy yellow field spot. A hollow sound, when tapped, can also indicate ripeness.
If your watermelon is already ripe when you buy it, you should ideally cut it within a few days.
Cut watermelon should be stored in the refrigerator. Keeping it in an airtight container is best to prevent it from absorbing other flavors. Consume cut watermelon within 3-5 days for the best taste.
A gritty texture in watermelon usually indicates that it was overripe when cut. The gritty texture is from the hardening and enlargement of the watermelon’s cell walls as it begins to degrade.
Leftover watermelon juice can be used in a variety of ways: as a base for smoothies or cocktails, frozen into popsicles, mixed into salad dressings, or simply enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink.
If your watermelon margarita is foamy, it might be due to how the watermelon was blended or shaken in the cocktail. The blending process can introduce air into the mix, creating a foamy texture. This isn’t bad, and some people enjoy the frothy texture it adds to the drink.
There are many variations on the watermelon margarita. We have some combinations to try below.
Watermelon Margarita Combinations
Watermelon Mint Margarita: Add a handful of fresh mint to the blending process for a refreshing twist.
Watermelon Basil Margarita: Use fresh basil for a herbaceous, aromatic flavor.
Watermelon Hibiscus Margarita: Mix Hibiscus Syrup into your margarita for a floral twist.
Smoky Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita: Add a splash of mezcal to your margarita. The smoky flavor of mezcal adds a unique depth.
Watermelon Coconut Margarita: Use coconut water instead of regular water and a splash of coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
Watermelon Cucumber Margarita: Add cucumber to your watermelon margarita. The cucumber adds a cool, refreshing taste that pairs well with watermelon.
Watermelon Jalapeno and Mango Margarita: Add in fresh mango or mango juice. The rich, tropical sweetness of mango complements the spicy jalapeno and sweet watermelon.
Watermelon Ginger Margarita: Add fresh ginger or a splash of ginger beer to the mix for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweet watermelon.
Watermelon Thyme Margarita: Muddle fresh thyme with your lime juice before blending for a herbaceous and slightly savory twist.
Watermelon Jalapeno and Cilantro Margarita: Add fresh cilantro for a more savory margarita. The herbaceous flavor of cilantro adds a nice balance to the spicy and sweet flavors.
Watermelon Lavender Margarita: Add Lavender Syrup to create a subtly floral and sophisticated margarita variant.
Watermelon Jalapeno and Pineapple Margarita: Blend in fresh pineapple for a tropical twist.