Watermelon Tequila Lime Cooler
A vibrant summer cocktail combining fresh watermelon juice, silver tequila, and zesty lime in a perfectly balanced drink. Served over ice with a salted rim, it’s refreshingly sweet with a sophisticated kick.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh watermelon chunks seeds removed (about half a medium watermelon)
- 6 ounces silver tequila blanco
- 3 ounces fresh lime juice about 3-4 limes
- 2 ounces agave nectar or simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt for rimming glasses
- Ice cubes
- Watermelon wedges and lime wheels for garnish
- Optional: 2-3 jalapeño slices for a spicy kick
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon juice: Add the watermelon chunks to a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or bowl, pressing gently with a spoon to extract all the juice while leaving solids behind.
- Prepare the glasses: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into the coarse salt to create a salted rim. Fill glasses with ice and set aside.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker or large measuring cup, combine 2 cups of the strained watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. Stir well to ensure the sweetener dissolves completely.
- Test and adjust: Taste your mixture and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed – add more agave if too tart or more lime if too sweet.
- Add optional ingredients: If using jalapeño for a spicy version, muddle slices gently in the bottom of the cocktail shaker before adding other ingredients.
- Pour and serve: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared glasses, allowing the liquid to flow gently over the ice to maintain the salted rim.
- Garnish beautifully: Add a small watermelon wedge and lime wheel to each glass. If using mint, add a sprig or two for aromatic garnish and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a smoother-textured drink, strain the watermelon juice twice through progressively finer strainers.
- This recipe can easily be prepared as a batch cocktail – blend all ingredients except ice in a pitcher up to 4 hours before serving.
- The watermelon juice can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the tequila with white grape juice or coconut water and add a splash of club soda for effervescence.
- If your watermelon isn’t particularly sweet, you might need to increase the agave nectar slightly.
- Chilling your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving creates an extra-refreshing experience.