Sunday fun-day requires fun and delicious cocktails! I’ve had this watermelon in the fridge for what seems like forever, and I’m finally getting around to cutting it. You’d think I would cut it sooner with the amount of times my kids ask me for watermelon every day in the summer. Is it just me, or do you think cutting watermelon is just a lot of work? Haha!

So here I am, saving a few cubes for a new cocktail and some sweet slices for garnish. I’ve made a few watermelon cocktails and drinks before, but I had never thought to slice the watermelon super thin and slide it down the side of the glass. I really love the way it looks and will probably always garnish them like this now!

Today I’m bringing you a salted watermelon margarita that is sweet, salty, slightly smoky, and perfectly refreshing for hot summer days. I used some of that salted watermelon syrup I made a while back—and also used in a martini—and balanced it with mezcal and tequila. Delish!

What is Salted Watermelon Margarita?

The Salted Watermelon Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic margarita, combining the sweet, juicy flavor of watermelon with the smoky undertones of mezcal and the tangy zest of lime juice. It is perfect for summer gatherings, bringing together the kind of bright, chilled flavors that call to mind beach vacations and sunny afternoons.

The salted watermelon syrup gives the drink a sweet-and-salty contrast that makes the watermelon flavor stand out. Alongside the orange liqueur, tequila, mezcal, and lime, it creates a margarita that feels familiar but still has something new going on. It is the kind of creative variation that makes it fun to revisit a classic cocktail.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Sweet, salty, and smoky: Watermelon syrup brings sweetness, the salted rim and syrup add savory contrast, and mezcal contributes a gentle smoky note.
• Bright and refreshing: Lime juice balances the sweetness and keeps the drink tasting fresh on a hot day.
• Easy to prepare: Everything goes into a cocktail shaker, so the drink comes together with very little fuss.
• Beautiful in the glass: A thin watermelon slice slid down the side of the glass makes a simple garnish feel special.
• Great for summer gatherings: Serve it at a barbecue, by the pool, or whenever you want a cocktail that feels sunny and celebratory.
• Easy to adjust: Add a little agave syrup for more sweetness, or change the mezcal-to-tequila balance if you prefer less smoke.

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz orange liqueur: Adds citrusy sweetness that complements the watermelon, lime, tequila, and mezcal.
• 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila: Provides the smooth, clean base for the margarita.
• 1/2 oz mezcal: Brings smoky undertones, adding depth and complexity to the drink.
• 1/2 oz salted watermelon syrup: Creates the signature sweet-and-salty watermelon flavor.
• 1 oz lime juice: Adds tangy brightness, balances the sweetness, and ties the other flavors together.
• Fresh ice: Use it to fill the shaker halfway and to fill the serving glass.
• Fresh watermelon slice: Use a sweet slice as the garnish.

Get ingredients with

Substitutions & Additions

• Orange liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be used instead.
• Blanco tequila: Any high-quality blanco tequila will work well in this recipe.
• Mezcal: If you prefer a less smoky flavor, omit the mezcal or replace it with more tequila.
• Salted watermelon syrup: If you need to make your own, blend watermelon with a pinch of salt and strain the juice.
• Agave syrup: If you like a sweeter margarita, add 1/2 to 1 ounce of agave syrup.
• Salted rim: Rim the glass with salt before pouring in the cocktail for another layer of flavor.

These options let you keep the main idea of the drink while adjusting it to your pantry and your preferred level of sweetness or smokiness.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by adding the orange liqueur, blanco tequila, mezcal, salted watermelon syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with fresh ice, cover it, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Giving the drink a thorough shake makes sure everything is well mixed and chilled.

Strain the margarita into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish it with a slice of fresh watermelon and serve immediately. For the prettiest presentation, slice the watermelon very thin and slide it down the side of the glass before or after pouring.

If you would like to add a little more sweetness, add 1/2 to 1 ounce of agave syrup. Start with the smaller amount, especially if your watermelon syrup is already sweet, and adjust from there.

And yes, I drank all of these margaritas here. The day I shot these, it was close to 100°F, and there is nothing better than fresh watermelon on a hot day.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Shake thoroughly: Shake vigorously for the full 30 seconds so the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is chilled.
• Use fresh ice: Fill the shaker halfway with fresh ice, then strain the drink over fresh ice in the serving glass.
• Make the garnish count: A fresh watermelon slice adds color, reinforces the drink’s main flavor, and looks especially pretty when it is sliced thin and placed along the side of the glass.
• Try a salted rim: A salted rim adds an extra savory note and makes the sweet watermelon flavor pop.
• Balance the smoke: Mezcal adds depth, but it can be omitted or replaced with more tequila if you prefer a cleaner, less smoky margarita.
• Adjust sweetness carefully: Agave syrup is optional, so add 1/2 to 1 ounce only if you want the drink to be sweeter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this margarita in a chilled glass to help it stay cold longer. The written method uses a highball glass filled with fresh ice, but a rocks glass or margarita glass also works well for this cocktail.

Garnish with a fresh watermelon slice, either resting on the rim or slid down the inside of the glass for that thin, pretty presentation. A salted rim is another easy finishing touch. For a light pairing, serve the margarita with shrimp cocktail or fresh fruit skewers.

Storage Suggestions

The finished cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you want to prepare it ahead, mix the ingredients without ice and store the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours; add ice when you are ready to shake and serve.

If you have leftover salted watermelon syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this cocktail in advance? It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the ingredients without ice and store the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours. Add the ice when you are ready to shake and serve.

What type of glass should I use? The recipe method calls for a highball glass filled with fresh ice. A rocks glass or margarita glass also works well.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version? Yes. Substitute the tequila and mezcal with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit.

Can I make the margarita less smoky? Yes. Omit the mezcal or replace it with more tequila for a less smoky flavor.

How can I make it sweeter? Add 1/2 to 1 ounce of agave syrup, depending on how sweet you want the drink.

This Salted Watermelon Margarita is a must-try if you are looking to elevate your cocktail game. With its sweet watermelon syrup, salty contrast, smoky mezcal, bright lime, and easy preparation, it is sure to become a favorite. Make one for a summer gathering, mix one for a hot afternoon, and enjoy. Cheers to delicious drinks and unforgettable moments!