Watermelon season is here, and these Watermelon Elderflower Margaritas are the perfect way to stay cool all summer. Light, floral, and refreshingly bright, they’re ideal for a pitcher by the pool or a relaxed backyard gathering.
What’s in these Margs?
Frozen margaritas pair beautifully with summer fruit, and watermelon is a natural match. This recipe uses watermelon juice made from pureed watermelon to preserve that fresh, vibrant flavor and color.
If you can’t find bottled watermelon juice, simply puree fresh watermelon. For best flavor, cut and refrigerate the watermelon the day before—storing it overnight in an airtight container concentrates the sweetness and improves the drink’s taste.
The drink is rounded with elderflower liqueur for a delicate floral sweetness, plus lime juice, orange liqueur, a pinch of salt, and a touch of sugar. Blend these with ice for a smooth frozen margarita that’s both cooling and flavorful.
What Tequila Should I Use?
Tequila blanco is recommended here so the watermelon’s bright color and fresh flavor remain the star. Use a good-quality blanco tequila—no need for anything overly expensive since this cocktail highlights the fruit and elderflower rather than the tequila itself.
To Rim or Not to Rim
Rimming the glass adds an extra layer of flavor. For this margarita, a chile-salt rim gives a pleasant contrast to the sweet watermelon. We like milder chili-salt blends that lean slightly sweet, but Tajín or plain kosher salt both work well. Use lime juice to moisten the rim before dipping it in your chosen salt or spice mix.
Enjoy!
These Watermelon Elderflower Margaritas are simple to make and perfect for hot days. If you try them, we’d love to hear what you think—leave a comment or tag @cooking_with_wine on Instagram.
Here’s the recipe so you can make a pitcher for friends and family.
📖 Recipe
Watermelon Elderflower Margaritas
5 mins
5 mins
Cocktails
Mexican
4 servings
183 kcal
Ingredients
- 16 oz Watermelon puree/juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 5 oz white tequila (blanco)
- ¾ oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain recommended)
- 1 oz orange liqueur (Grand Marnier recommended)
- 4–5 cups ice
Garnish
- Juice of ½ lime for the rim, salt or chile rim, lime wheels, watermelon wedges
Instructions
- Place watermelon juice, sugar, salt, lime juice, tequila, elderflower liqueur, and orange liqueur into a blender. Add 4 cups of ice and blend until smooth and thick. Add more ice if you prefer a firmer consistency.
- Rub the rim of each glass with lime juice and dip into kosher salt, Tajín, or a chile-salt blend. Pour the margarita into the prepared glasses and garnish with lime wheels and watermelon wedges.
Nutrition
Calories: 183 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0.2 g | Sugar: 18 g | Sodium: 293 mg
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