I’ve always been a fan of drinks that are both easy and refreshing—especially as soon as summer hits. If you feel the same, you might just fall for my Wicked Watermelon Cocktail.
This recipe only needs three simple ingredients, so anyone can make it at home.
The sweet taste of fresh watermelon mixes perfectly with a little kick. It takes almost no time to put together, honestly.
With such a quick and easy cocktail, there’s really no reason not to try it at your next get-together—or just for a simple night in.
Wicked Watermelon Cocktail Recipe (3-Ingredient Only)
I love making this drink for hot days when I have fresh or frozen watermelon on hand.
With just a few items, I can mix a cocktail that tastes cool, sweet, and just a little bit tangy.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor – To purée fresh watermelon or break up frozen watermelon cubes.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional) – Strains out pulp for a smoother drink.
- Cocktail shaker – Mixes and chills the ingredients.
- Measuring cup or jigger – For precise amounts of tequila and lime juice.
- Knife and cutting board – For cutting watermelon and lime.
- Tall glass or cocktail glass – For serving the finished drink.
- Spoon or muddler (optional) – To help mash if you don’t use a blender.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cubed fresh watermelon (or use 1 heaping cup of frozen watermelon cubes)
- 2 ounces tequila (your favorite, silver or blanco tequila works best)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes (if not using frozen watermelon)
- Optional: small cubes of fresh watermelon for garnish
- Optional: extra lime wedge for garnish
- Optional: pinch of salt or sugar for glass rim
All these ingredients should be ripe and fresh for the brightest flavor.
Frozen watermelon helps keep the drink cold without watering it down.
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into small chunks and remove all seeds.
- If I use fresh watermelon, I blend it until smooth to make fresh watermelon juice.
- For a colder drink, I use frozen watermelon cubes in the blender.
- Strain the juice if I want a smoother cocktail.
- Pour 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, and about 4 ounces of watermelon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 15–20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice (or use the frozen watermelon cubes instead of ice).
- Garnish with a wedge of watermelon or lime, if desired.
Notes
If I don’t have a blender, I just use a spoon or muddler to mash the watermelon before mixing. Ripe watermelon gives the drink the best flavor and color.
Using frozen watermelon cubes makes the cocktail thicker and colder, almost like a slushy. When I want it sweeter, I’ll sometimes add a little sugar or agave.
For a party, I double or triple the recipe and blend everything in one big batch.
If I use fresh watermelon juice, I mix it just before serving so it tastes extra fresh.
Equipment
- Blender or muddler
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Knife & cutting board
- Tall glass or cocktail glass
- (Optional) Fine mesh straine
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh watermelon cubed (or 1 cup frozen watermelon cubes)
- 2 oz tequila silver or blanco
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes if not using frozen watermelon
- Optional garnish: Watermelon wedge or lime slice
- Optional rim: Salt or sugar
Instructions
- Blend watermelon until smooth (strain if you prefer a smoother texture).
- In a shaker, add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and 4 oz watermelon juice.
- Add ice and shake well for 15–20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a glass over ice or frozen watermelon cubes.
- Garnish with watermelon or lime wedge, and enjoy immediately.
Tasting Notes
When I sip the Wicked Watermelon Cocktail, the fresh watermelon flavor hits me first. It tastes juicy, light, and cool—such a good combo for a hot day.
The drink isn’t heavy or overly sweet because there’s no added sugar.
I notice a gentle tartness from the lime juice. This wakes up my taste buds and keeps things from getting too mellow.
The lime balances out the natural sweetness from the watermelon.
The spirit (like vodka or rum) adds just enough kick without overpowering the fruit. It blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Together, the three ingredients create a refreshing cocktail that’s crisp and not sticky.
Sometimes, I like to garnish with a wedge of watermelon or a slice of lime for extra flavor and a pretty touch.
Taking a cold sip makes me feel relaxed—and honestly, a little refreshed.
I love how simple this drink is.
The flavors are clear and not fussy, and I can enjoy it without feeling weighed down by sugar or syrup.
Must Have Ingredients
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Substitute
Sometimes I run out of an ingredient, or honestly, just feel like mixing things up. Here are a few easy swaps I’ve tried for the Wicked Watermelon Cocktail.
Vodka Substitutes:
If vodka’s missing from my shelf, I’ll reach for rum or gin instead. Not in the mood for alcohol? Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda actually works surprisingly well.
Watermelon Substitutes:
No fresh watermelon on hand? I’ll grab watermelon juice from the store, or sometimes just use another fruit juice—strawberry or a berry mix works if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sweetener Swaps:
If I’m out of simple syrup, honey or agave usually does the trick. Even a splash of lemon-lime soda adds a bit of sweetness and fizz.
Different Garnish Ideas:
I rarely have fresh mint lying around. Lemon slices, a cherry, or a little wedge of watermelon perched on the glass all look pretty great.
- Fresh mint
- Lemon wheel
- Cherry
- Watermelon wedge
