Salted and Spiced Watermelon Margaritas
Say hello to your new favorite summer cocktail: this refreshing, salted and spiced watermelon margarita. This clever recipe combines everything magical about margaritas (tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and a salt rim), with a kick of heat from the fresh jalapeños and refreshing sweetness from the watermelon juice. Salt accentuates watermelon's sweet taste and accentuates the tangy margarita base. The lime zest rim is part sugar and part salt for a balanced twist on the original.
These margaritas pair well with whatever you may be serving for dinner. Try them with chicken tacos and guacamole for a laid-back Mexican-inspired meal, or pour them out poolside while a rack of ribs gets ultra tender on the grill.
Looking for more ways to make the most of peak-summer watermelon? Chop it up into a refreshing, savory salad, whiz it into a tangy batch of gazpacho, or layer it with mozzarella in our watermelon Caprese salad.
granulated sugar
finely grated lime zest
plus 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
lime wedge
store-bought or homemade watermelon juice
tequila
fresh lime juice
triple sec
Ice
thinly sliced jalapeño rounds, divided
Watermelon wedges and lime rounds, for serving
- On a shallow plate, combine granulated sugar, lime zest, and 1 tablespoon salt. Rub rims of 2 glasses with lime wedge, then dip rims into sugar mixture to coat, pressing with your fingers to adhere.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Fill shaker with ice, then add 4 jalapeño rounds and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Vigorously shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into prepared glasses. Garnish with watermelon wedges, lime rounds, and remaining jalapeño rounds.
