Summertime is finally here and that means fruity, refreshing cocktails for happy hour. My go-to is a frozen BBC and a Shirley Temple drink for the kiddos, but I think I found my new drink for a hot summer day… the vodka watermelon cocktail.
Ingredients
Once you make this refreshing cocktail, you’ll be keeping these ingredients around to make it on the regular!
- Watermelon Juice– This is by far the most complicated part of this drink because it is rare to find good watermelon juice. You’ll likely have to make it which is very easy if you are also making a watermelon keg. See below.
- Lime Juice- I highly suggest using fresh lime juice. Citrus juices start to lose potency the moment they are juiced so bottled juices are often muted. But… if you are making huge batches, then go ahead and get the bottle to save time. Lemon juice can also be used.
- Agave Nectar– This sweetener is in place of simple syrup, if you prefer the syrup, be my guest! You can also use honey or omit this altogether. I like my drinks with a hint of sweetness to complement the tart.
- Water– Use plain old water, sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, or club soda here. Some people enjoy bubbles, others don’t.
- Vodka– Vodka is always my alcohol of choice and it happens to pair well with fruity bases. Use a plain vodka or flavored, there is actually a lime and watermelon-infused vodka if you want to amp up those flavors even more.
- Triple Sec- This is a dry, sweet orange-flavored liqueur. It can also be omitted, but helps in balancing.
- Garnishes- I used a watermelon slice and a lime wedge, but a mint sprig, mint leaves, or basil are also beautiful, refreshing, and smell lovely.
Variations
You can absolutely turn this into your special cocktail with a few variations.
- Liquor – I love vodka, but if you are a tequila person, this can be switched — blanco tequila would be my preference. You can also use plain or flavored rum.
- Garnishes – Try rimming the glass with flavored sugar for some more sweetness or add jalapeno peppers for some spiciness.
- Fruit – Incorporate other fruit juices to give the cocktail complexity.
How to Make a Watermelon Cocktail
This watermelon cocktail is easy to make but if you can’t find watermelon juice, you can make your own.
Watermelon Juice:
- Add the watermelon cubes, preferably seedless or seeds removed, to a high-powered blender.
- Run it until it is frothy and looks like a frozen drink.
- Pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove solid pieces. Use the fresh watermelon juice for your cocktail. Solids can be saved and added to smoothies!
Watermelon Cocktail:
- Combine the watermelon juice with the other ingredients and stir until well combined. You can also shake it up in a mason jar and cocktail shaker as long as you haven’t included carbonation.
- Pour into glasses filled with ice and top with soda or sparkling water for a fizzy drink.
- Garnish with slices of watermelon and lime and serve.
Storage
While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for a day or two.
Make Ahead
Make the watermelon juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day. Combine it with the other ingredients when you’re ready to serve. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight pitcher or mason jar. If you pre-batch it, stir or shake well before serving.
Freezer
You can freeze the watermelon juice for up to 3 months. Then, either let it thaw or mix it with the other ingredients in a blender.
More Fun Cocktail Recipes
Looking for more ways to kick happy hour up a notch? We’ve got you covered with these cocktail recipes that elevate any party!
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 cups seedless watermelon chunks
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 tablespoon triple sec
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar , optional
- Watermelon , lime wedges or fresh mint for garnish
- Sparkling water to top , optional
Instructions
- In a blender, mix the watermelon until it is slushie. Add the flat water and blend more.
- Run the liquid through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids.
- In a pitcher, stir together the remaining watermelon liquid, lime juice, vodka, triple sec and agave nectar, if desired.
- Serve over ice and garnish with a watermelon slice, lime wedges or fresh mint. Top off with sparkling water, if desired.
- If you've tried this cocktail, come back and let us know how it was with a comment or a rating!
Nutrition
This was such a quick and refreshing drink that does not disappoint! Simple and delicious with the perfect kick!
The combination of fresh watermelon and smooth vodka is absolutely perfect. It’s refreshing, fruity, and just the right amount of boozy.
Watermelon makes the BEST cocktails, I swear. It’s already so sweet and refreshing, yum.
This is the perfect cocktail for this Summer on the Patio!
So incredibly juicy and refreshing. This is the ultimate summertime drink!
I love the lime with the watermelon! It is such a refreshing summer drink!
I am so glad I made a pitcher of this! YUM!