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Watermelon Cocktail

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Cool off with a watermelon cocktail that's fresh, fruity, and fun. It’s the perfect summer drink to beat the heat fast. Mix this up in minutes using juicy watermelon and your favorite booze. Whether you're poolside or relaxing at home, this drink hits the spot every time.

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This easy watermelon juice cocktail comes together fast and tastes super fresh. You can mix it up in just five minutes. Just chill and serve.
It’s the perfect summer drink for a BBQ, pool party, or weekend hangout. Fresh watermelon and vodka make it extra fun.
Ingredients

What you'll need to make this watermelon drink recipe:
- 3 cups of watermelon juice
- 1 cup of watermelon vodka
- ¼ cup of fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup of mint simple syrup
- 2 teaspoons of grenadine syrup
- Wedges of fresh watermelon and fresh mint sprigs for garnish
For the Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 sprigs (about 15 leaves) of fresh mint
Substitutions and Additions
Vodka: We recommend you stick to the watermelon vodka if at all possible. It really adds that extra watermelon punchy flavor. But, if you really need to make a switch, use a good-quality plain vodka instead.
Watermelon Juice: If you can’t find bottled watermelon juice, blend fresh seedless watermelon cubes until smooth. For the best texture, strain the juice to remove the pulp before adding it to the cocktail.
How to Make a Watermelon Cocktail
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to make this easy watermelon alcoholic drink. We’ll show you exactly what to do from start to finish. Let’s get started and mix up something fun!
Pro Tip
This recipe makes four cocktails; if you want to make a smaller or larger batch, adjust the ingredients accordingly.
FIRST STEP: In a 2-cup microwave-safe glass measuring cup, heat the sugar and water for two minutes. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

SECOND STEP : Add the fresh mint leaves and allow the simple syrup to cool completely before using it in the recipe.
Pro Tip
You will have extra mint simple syrup leftover from this recipe. It can be stored in a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It is great to use in a number of other cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and is great to use to sweeten iced teas as well.

THIRD STEP : In a pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, watermelon vodka, fresh lime juice, mint simple syrup, and grenadine syrup.
Stir until completely incorporated. Chill for one hour before serving.
Pro Tip
This watermelon cocktail should be served chilled; therefore, it makes a great make-ahead cocktail for a party. If you do not want to wait for it to chill, you can serve it over ice.

FOURTH STEP : Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with small watermelon wedges and a sprig of mint.
How To Serve Cocktails with Watermelon
You can serve this watermelon cocktail at so many fun events during the summer. It’s made for adults, so keep it 21+.
- Serve it at summer BBQs or cookouts: This fruity vodka drink cools you off fast on hot days. It's perfect for serving with outdoor foods like burgers, fried potatoes, or bacon-wrapped little smokies.
- Mix it up for pool parties or beach days: It tastes extra refreshing when you're relaxing by the water. Serve it with shrimp tacos, fried corn on the cob, or BBQ chicken sliders.
- Use it for girls’ night or weekend brunch: This cocktail looks pretty in glasses and is always fun to sip with friends. Add mini apple cheesecakes or puff pastry appetizers for a tasty get together everyone will be talking about.

Why You'll Love This Fresh Watermelon Cocktail Recipe
Fresh watermelon cocktails are a go-to favorite, especially when the sun’s out and drinks need to stay easy. They're fruity, fast, and fun to make - just right for relaxing with friends or mixing up a batch for the weekend.
- Perfect for Summer: Hot days call for cold drinks, and this one hits just right every single time.
- Looks Fun in a Glass: The bright color makes it look just as fun as it tastes—no fancy garnish required.
- Great for Groups: You can easily double or triple it for a party or brunch without extra hassle.
Our readers keep coming back to this recipe because it’s quick, refreshing, and always a hit.

Recipe FAQ
Is it okay to add ice directly to the cocktail?
Yes, but add the ice right before serving. It keeps the drink cold and refreshing without watering it down too quickly.
Can I add bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Yes, while fresh lime juice works best because it gives the cocktail a brighter and more natural citrus flavor, bottled juice will do the trick.
What glass should I use for this watermelon cocktail?
You can use any short or tall glass. Mason jars or stemless wine glasses also make this drink feel extra fun.

Serving FAQ
Should I garnish the watermelon cocktail before serving?
Yes, add a small watermelon wedge or lime slice to each glass for a fresh and colorful finishing touch.
Can I serve this cocktail in a punch bowl for a crowd?
Yes, you can pour a big batch into a punch bowl and let guests serve themselves throughout the party.

Storage FAQ
Now that you’ve mixed up this refreshing watermelon cocktail, here’s how to keep it tasting great later.
Can I make this watermelon cocktail ahead of time?
Make this drink fresh for the best taste, but if needed, make it a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
When it’s time to serve, stir well, add garnishes, and pour.
Can I freeze this cocktail?
Skip freezing this cocktail. It tastes best when made fresh and served cold.
Drink Recipes

Watermelon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon juice (I used the all-natural Simply brand)
- 1 cup watermelon vodka (I used Smirnoff brand)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup mint simple syrup
- 2 teaspoons grenadine syrup
- Wedges of fresh watermelon and sprigs of fresh mint (for garnish)
Mint simple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 sprigs (about 15 leaves of fresh mint)
DIRECTIONS
- In a 2 cup microwave-safe glass measuring cup, heat the sugar and water for 2 minutes. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the fresh mint leaves and allow the simple syrup to cool completely before using it in the recipe.
- In a pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, watermelon vodka, fresh lime juice, mint simple syrup, and grenadine syrup. Stir until completely incorporated. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
- Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with small watermelon wedges and a sprig of mint.
Notes
- This recipe makes four cocktails; if you want to make a smaller or larger batch, adjust the ingredients accordingly.
- You will have extra mint simple syrup leftover from this recipe. It can be stored in a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It is great to use in a number of other cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and is great to use to sweeten iced teas as well.
- This watermelon cocktail should be served chilled; therefore, it makes a great make-ahead cocktail for a party. If you do not want to wait for it to chill, you can serve it over ice.








Comments
Sandi says
Very delicious. Thanks!
tammy says
Made this on a hot day and it was perfect! So light and fruity. My husband asked for seconds.