Margarita-Infused Watermelon + How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon

Juicy chunks of watermelon infused with margarita cocktail ingredients make for a refreshing, tequila-spiked summertime treat!

I will go ahead and say that I was not always that into watermelon. I mean, it's better than cantaloupe for sure but I didn't typically keep it in my fridge unless I'm entertaining. The first time I made this recipe, I needed a contribution for a pool party and got creative in the kitchen. The result was a juicy, boozy batch of margarita-infused watermelon. This is something you will absolutely want to make as soon as summer hits. It's quite amazing.

If you like watermelon, you'll love my Frozen Watermelon Mint Lemonade and Watermelon Rosé Snow Cones too!

What is Margarita-Infused Watermelon?

Margarita-infused watermelon is basically pieces of watermelon soaked in a mixture of tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a little sugar. To make it, you simply pour the mixture over the watermelon and let it chill in the fridge for a while. The result is an almost effortless spiked fruit snack that you'll definitely want to try for your next cookout, pool party, picnic or whatever.

Ice cold watermelon is the ultimate summertime treat and adding this easy twist will make it even more popular at a gathering. I've served it several times over the years and it's a consistent hit.

Even my non-watermelon-eating self enjoys margarita-infused watermelon. Must be the booze. Speaking of, my whiskey watermelon smash and fresh watermelon martini, should be next on your menu!

What You'll Need for this Recipe

Fresh Watermelon is the star of this show. Frozen watermelon won't work. Be sure to grab the ripest, sweetest juiciest watermelon you can find. Check out my tips for making sure you get the best of the best down below.

Tequila quality is important here so don't skimp. Go for one you would enjoy drinking because the flavor will come through. That's one of my top tips for infusing fruit with liquor.

Orange Liqueur adds to the watermelon flavored margarita vibe. Triple Sec and Cointreau are common options or you could get fancy with Grand Marnier.

Lime Juice rounds out the cocktail flavor profile as with a liquid marg. Juice from fresh limes is best but you can substitute with concentrated or frozen lime juice, if needed.

Sugar is optional but can help balance this recipe if it gets too boozy, especially if your watermelon is not perfectly ripe and naturally sweet.

Fresh Mint is optional but adds a refreshing twist that I recommend you try at least once! It might even combat tequila breath? I can't make any promises.

How to Make Tequila-Infused Watermelon

1. Step 1: Cut off the watermelon rind then cut the fruit into chunks.

2. Step 2: Whisk together the other ingredients.

Juneteenth Cookout Collaboration

Join me in celebrating Juneteenth with more than 30 other Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks our country's second independence day, signifying the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US announced in 1865.

This year, we are celebrating "Freedom Day" by offering a delightful selection of mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing drinks that are perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings with friends and family.

Join us in honoring the legacy of progress and freedom by cooking and sharing these recipes. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2023 on Instagram.

Build Your "Bad & Boujee" Southern Decadence Juneteenth Menu

These dishes offer a luxurious twist on traditional cookout recipes. Gourmet options, including Beef Ribs with Blackberry Whiskey BBQ Sauce, my Margarita Infused Watermelon, and Blood Orange, Beetroot, Walnut, Feta Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, ensure a lavish and indulgent culinary experience for all who gather around your Juneteenth table. 

Dash of Jazz - Deviled Egg Dip

Sense and Edibility® - Guava BBQ Party Meatballs

Cooks with Soul - Beef Ribs with Blackberry Whiskey BBQ Sauce

Gimme From Scratch - Blood Orange, Pickled Beets & Feta Salad

Her Mise En Place - Smoked Macaroni and Cheese

Flights and Foods - Hibiscus Spritzer

Kenneth Temple - Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Butter Pecan Sauce

You can find a list of all recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Cookout on the Eat the Culture website.

How to Serve

This is a very non-fussy watermelon dish made for outdoor easy eating (as long as everyone is of legal drinking age). Serve in a bowl, on a platter, or even out of the same sheet pan used for soaking. If you want to step up the presentation, portion the melon out in cocktail glasses and serve with spoons. Bad and bougie recipe, yet beautifully simple.

More Favorite Ice-Cold Summer Treats

I hope these tips help you pick a few winners this summer. And sharing is caring so pin this boozy watermelon recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!