Looking for a summer cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing, boozy, daring, and unexpected? This Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita recipe is just what you need. Inspired by one of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo, my spicy mezcal margarita is gorgeously colored, smoky, sweet, and a little spicy. In fact, I like to call it the Frida Mezkahlo! 😍

Latina blogger holding a tajin-rimmed jalapeno watermelon margarita near a flower bush.

What is Mezcal?

🌵🍹 Mezcal is a spirited drink that hails from the beautiful land of Mexico. It’s essentially tequila’s cool cousin that has a unique twist and a flavor all its own.

Now, you might be wondering, what sets mezcal apart from tequila? Well, mi amigo, while both mezcal and tequila are made from the same plant – agave (or maguey) – they differ in a few important ways.

First off, mezcal can be made from a variety of agave plants, giving it a broader range of flavors. Tequila, on the other hand, is specifically made from the blue agave plant. 

Another thing that makes mezcal stand out is the way it’s produced. Traditional mezcal is often made using traditional methods, like roasting the agave hearts in underground pits lined with volcanic rocks. This gives mezcal a smoky and earthy character that sets it apart from the smoother, milder taste of tequila.

But here’s the best part, mezcal isn’t just a drink, it’s a whole experience! People often say that drinking mezcal is like sipping on the essence of Mexico itself. It carries a rich cultural heritage, and its production is deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.

So, if you’re a fan of tequila and you’re up for trying something with a bit more complexity and depth, mezcal is definitely worth a taste. Plus, there are tons of mezcal drinks to choose from! 

Whether you enjoy it neat, in a cocktail (like this delightful spicy watermelon margarita), or even with a slice of orange and a sprinkle of salt, this lovely libation will surely leave you with a smile and a warm feeling in your heart.

ingredients needed to make a spicy mezcal margarita with jalapeno and watermelon measured out on a hand-painted floral tray.

What Do Watermelon Mezcal Margaritas Taste Like?

Amigos, you’re in for a refreshing treat with this mezcal cocktail made with fresh watermelon, zesty lime, fiery jalapeño, and Tajin seasoning. One sip of this delightful concoction will transport you to a sunny oasis, where all your worries melt away. Margaritaville, here we come! 🍉🍹🔥

The star of the show is sweet, juicy watermelon. It lends its juicy glory to the cocktail, infusing it with a vibrantly refreshing taste that screams summertime. It’s like taking a bite out of a perfectly ripe melon – but in liquid form!

Aged mezcal adds depth and complexity that elevates this skinny watermelon margarita to flavorful new heights. It’s smooth and smoky, carrying hints of oak and caramel. As you take a sip, the mezcal dances with the watermelon, creating a beautiful balance between sweetness and the subtle, earthy notes of the spirit.

But wait, we can’t forget the zingy lime! Its citrusy tang adds a bright and refreshing kick, just like you’d expect from your favorite marg.

Now, let’s spice things up a bit with a jalapeño twist. The jalapeño slices infuse the margarita with a gentle heat that sneaks up on you. It’s not overpowering but rather adds a tantalizing kick that plays off the sweetness of the watermelon and the smokiness of the mezcal.

And to crown it all, we have a bright and boisterous Tajin rim that brings a burst of Mexican flavor with its blend of chili, lime, and salt. It adds a touch of tanginess and a hint of spiciness that complements the watermelon and mezcal beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Mezcal Margarita Recipe

Aside from being the freshest new addition to any warm weather gathering, these yummy watermelon jalapeño margaritas are also:

  • Quick & Easy – Blitz up some fresh watermelon, shake it up with mezcal and lime juice, then strain and serve your watermelon margaritas on the rocks. Your summer gathering will be brighter and boozier in mere minutes!
  • Made With Only 5 Ingredients – The best watermelon margarita recipe keeps things nice and simple.
  • A Fun Twist On Traditional Margaritas – Don’t get me wrong — I love margaritas of all stripes! Classic margaritas, frozen margaritas, heck, even Sonic-inspired cherry limeade margaritas call my name. Consider this fresh watermelon margarita recipe just another feather in your cocktail-making cap fruit on your Carmen Miranda hat.
overhead shot of watermelon cubes in a terracotta bowl with a halved lime and some watermelon wedges on the side.

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this fresh watermelon margaritas recipe. Here’s what to grab:

  • Watermelon – Making homemade watermelon juice for margaritas is as simple as blending up cubes of melon in your blender. While you’re free to strain out the solids before adding them to these mezcal mixed drinks, I never do.
  • Lime – Fresh is ALWAYS best, especially when it comes to lime juice in a margarita. To get the most juice from your fruit, give it a firm roll on the countertop for about 15 seconds before cutting it open.
  • Añejo Mezcal – I love the smoky, caramelly flavor of mezcal in these spicy watermelon margaritas, but you are 100% welcome to swap in with a Joven Mezcal or tequila of your choice!
  • Tajin – This chili lime seasoning salt is one of my favorites. It’s perfect for shaking over mango or melon fruit wedges as a simple snack, which also makes it a lovely margarita rimmer.
  • Jalapeño – Imparting just a touch of heat gives these mezcal margaritas a certain je ne sais quois that I find irresistible. Feel free to remove the seeds and white membranes for a milder flavor, or swap in spicier serranos for more fire.

How To Make Watermelon Margaritas

This watermelon juice cocktail recipe comes together in a flash. Here’s how:

Step 1: Make Watermelon Juice. Place cubed watermelon in a blender and purée until smooth. You have the option of straining out the solids, but I think it’s unnecessary.

Step 2: Rim Glass. Scatter tajin or coarse salt onto a plate. Use a lime half to wet the rim of a glass. Dip the rim of the glass into the tajin until the edge is covered. 

Step 3: Shake watermelon juice, lime juice, and mezcal vigorously in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step 4: Strain into the Tajin-rimmed glasses that have been filled with ice. Garnish with jalapeño slices. Salud!

More of a visual learner? Watch my video to get the fiesta started.

Side-on shot of 2 spicy jalapeno watermelon mezcal margaritas on a colorful striped table outside.

Optional Variations

As much as I love this recipe for watermelon margaritas just the way it is written, there is plenty of room for you to make it your own. Here are a few fun variations to consider:

  • Get Herby! Try making a watermelon basil margarita or watermelon mint margarita by adding a handful of fresh herb leaves to the blender with the watermelon.
  • Make a Different Melon Margarita. Watermelon is lovely, but cantaloupe, honeydew, and casaba melons are also super tasty. Just make sure to add some water to the blender pitcher and strain out the solids since these varieties have a much lower water content than watermelon.
  • Try a Cucumber Watermelon Margarita or a Strawberry Watermelon Margarita. Add a peeled and seeded cuke and/or handful of hulled strawberries to the blender with the melon cubes for a fresh take on this mezcal drink recipe.
  • Frozen Watermelon Margaritas – Need to cool off? Try making a frozen watermelon margarita by blending the mezcal or tequila and lime juice directly in the blender with cubes of frozen watermelon. YUM!
  • Watermelon Margarita Pitcher – Prep for a party by adding 6-8x the ingredients into a pitcher and setting up a cocktail station. Make sure to put out a cocktail shaker and bucket of ice as well as a set-up for rimming the glasses so everyone can help themselves.

Expert Tips

Here are some expert tips to help you craft a delicious watermelon margarita on the rocks like a pro:

  • Find the Perfect Watermelon. It should have a deep, hollow sound when tapped and feel heavy for its size — that means it’ll be nice and juicy. You’ll also want to look for a melon with deep green skin that’s matte — if it’s shiny, that means it was harvested too early.
  • Opt for Freshly Squeezed lime juice instead of bottled juice for the most vibrant and zesty flavor. Roll the limes on your work surface before slicing open and juicing to extract maximum juice.
  • Balance the Sweetness. Watermelons can vary in sweetness, so taste it first. If your melon is on the less sweet side, you may need to add a splash of simple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, keeping in mind that the tartness of the lime juice should still shine through.
  • Chill Your Ingredients before mixing to keep your margarita nice and refreshing.
  • Don’t Forget the Ice. When it comes to serving margaritas on the rocks, don’t be stingy with the cubes. Fill your glass with plenty of ice to keep the drink frosty and fresh. If you’re feeling fancy, consider using some of my fresh flower ice cubes for a gorgeous presentation that Frida Kahlo would definitely approve of.
  • Go For Garnishing Gold. Elevate your watermelon margarita with a fun and eye-catching garnish. Think watermelon wedges, lime wheels, jalapeño slices, or even a sprig of fresh mint. Adding visual appeal enhances the overall drinking-at-home experience by making it feel fancy.
45 degree angle shot of 2 spicy mezcal watermelon margaritas in rocks glasses lined with tajin outside under a fuchsia flower bush.

Storage Instructions

  • Fresh watermelon juice, like most fresh juices, is best enjoyed when consumed immediately after preparation. However, if stored properly, it can last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
  • If you have any leftover shaken watermelon margaritas, strain out any ice to prevent dilution and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, or in the freezer for up to a month.
overhead shot of 2 watermelon mezcal margaritas garnished with jalapeno slices on a colorful table under a flower bush.

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol goes well with watermelon?

There are lots of spirits to choose from! I personally like making these summery margs with mezcal, but watermelon and tequila is another stellar pairing to try.

Are mezcal margaritas good?

Oh, absolutely! Mezcal margaritas are absolutely fantastic and worth giving a try! 🍹🔥 Mezcal brings a whole new dimension to the classic margarita, adding its distinctive smoky and complex flavors that can truly take your margarita game to the next level.

More Delectable Watermelon Drink Recipes

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Latina blogger holding a tajin-rimmed jalapeno watermelon margarita near a flower bush.

Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita (Spicy Mezcal Margarita)

5 (2 ratings)
This Frida Mezkahlo Margarita is a little smoky and a little sweet and served in a Tajin rimmed glass, garnished with jalapeño slices to make it a little spicy just like my girl Frida.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 3 ounces mezcal, or tequila
  • Tajin, or coarse salt for rimming
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced

Instructions 

  • Place cubed watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth. Feel free to strain, but I did not.
  • Scatter tajin or coarse salt onto a plate. Use a lime half to wet the rim of a glass.
  • Dip the rim of the glass into the tajin until the edge is covered. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 3 ounces of watermelon juice, lime juice, and mezcal or tequila.
  • Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into two glasses. Garnish with jalapeño slices.

Video

Notes

Here are a few fun variations to consider:
  • Get Herby! Try making a watermelon basil margarita or watermelon mint margarita by adding a handful of fresh herb leaves to the blender with the watermelon.
  • Make a Different Melon Margarita. Watermelon is lovely, but cantaloupe, honeydew, and casaba melons are also super tasty. Just make sure to add some water to the blender pitcher and strain out the solids since these varieties have a much lower water content than watermelon.
  • Try a Cucumber Watermelon Margarita or a Strawberry Watermelon Margarita. Add a peeled and seeded cuke and/or handful of hulled strawberries to the blender with the melon cubes for a fresh take on this mezcal drink recipe.
  • Frozen Watermelon Margaritas – Need to cool off? Try making a frozen watermelon margarita by blending the mezcal or tequila and lime juice directly in the blender with cubes of frozen watermelon. YUM!
  • Watermelon Margarita Pitcher – Prep for a party by adding 6-8x the ingredients into a pitcher and setting up a cocktail station. Make sure to put out a cocktail shaker and bucket of ice as well as a set-up for rimming the glasses so everyone can help themselves.
  •  
 
Serving: 1drink, Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 204mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 940IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg

Originally published: August 2018. 
Photography: Jenna Sparks