When the weather finally warms up, I start craving fresh drinks with a bit of a kick. Watermelon brings a natural sweetness, and jalapeno adds just enough heat to make things interesting.
Prosecco keeps everything light and bubbly. This easy recipe mixes cool watermelon, spicy jalapeno, and sparkling Prosecco for a refreshing and unique cocktail.
If you want something a little different for your next get-together, this drink’s a nice option. The flavors balance out without tipping too sweet or too spicy.
I keep the steps and ingredients simple—anyone can make it at home, honestly.
Equipment
- Sharp knife for cutting fruit and jalapeno
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cup (for watermelon juice and Prosecco)
- Fine mesh strainer (to remove pulp from watermelon juice)
- Pitcher or large mixing glass
- Muddler or sturdy spoon
- Cocktail shaker: Optional, for mixing.
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Serving glasses (I prefer stemless wine glasses)
- Small spoon for stirring
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1 small jalapeno sliced thin (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, adjust to taste
- 1 bottle 750 ml Prosecco, well chilled
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Extra watermelon wedges and jalapeno slices for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add watermelon cubes and jalapeno slices to a pitcher or mixing glass.
- Muddle them together until the watermelon is fully crushed and releases juice.
- Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer into another pitcher to remove pulp and jalapeno pieces.
- Add lime juice and sugar to the strained juice and stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Fill glasses halfway with ice.
- Pour the watermelon-jalapeno juice over the ice, filling each glass about one-third full.
- Top off each glass with chilled Prosecco.
- Gently stir to mix.
- Garnish with fresh watermelon wedges and extra jalapeno slices if desired.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The first sip, I get hit with the freshness of the watermelon. It’s crisp and juicy right away, and not too sweet, which I love.
The Prosecco brings in a touch of bubbles and a little floral note. The fizz makes the whole thing feel extra refreshing and honestly, just fun.
The jalapeno shows up with a mild heat. There’s a gentle spice at the end, but it doesn’t overpower the fruit or wine at all.
Key flavors I experience:
- Watermelon: juicy, lightly sweet
- Prosecco: crisp, bubbly, floral
- Jalapeño: mild heat, fresh pepper
The way the flavors balance each other is honestly my favorite part. This drink is best when served icy cold. There’s a clean finish with just a little peppery tingle at the end—kind of addictive, if you ask me.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have all the main ingredients for this cocktail. Here are a few swaps I’ve tried that actually work pretty well.
Equipment:
- Regular blender if I don’t have an immersion blender.
- Mesh strainer can be replaced with a fine sieve.
Ingredients:
- If I’m out of Prosecco, I use Cava or Champagne for a similar fizz.
- Instead of fresh watermelon, I mix in store-bought watermelon juice.
- For less heat, I swap jalapeno with a few slices of cucumber.
- Lemon juice can replace lime juice if needed.
- If I want it sweeter, I use simple syrup in place of honey.
Instructions:
- Pour the alternative sparkling wine over ice, just like Prosecco.
- Use the substitute juice or fruit in the same amount.
- Muddle the jalapeno or cucumber slices directly in the glass.
- Add the citrus juice, syrup, and then top with sparkling wine.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.