Frozen Watermelon Mezcal Margarita Recipe

This watermelon mezcal margarita is a refreshing, smoky, sweet cocktail that feels like a sophisticated adult slushie. The cocktail takes the traditional frozen margarita of dive bars and Tex-Mex restaurants and gives it a glitzy facelift. We use juicy watermelon instead of ice to provide the drink with consistency while retaining all the flavor. And in place of tequila, we turn to bold mezcal.

Mezcal has a rich history dates back to the Aztecs, who were known to drink a similar fermented beverage made from the agave plant. Over time, this beverage evolved into the modern-day tequila and mezcal that we know and love today.

Adding watermelon to this classic cocktail has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. According to Ksenia Prints of At the Immigrant's Table, the watermelon's sweetness balances out the mezcal's smokiness, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail that will impress. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a barbecue with friends, a frozen watermelon mezcal margarita is the perfect way to cool down and relax.

This refreshing cocktail requires mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup (if you like things sweet or if your watermelon isn't juicy enough). It also uses cubed watermelon that we will freeze before combining everything together.

In addition, you will need kosher salt for the traditional rim of the margarita cocktail glasses. Prints recommends using fresh mint sprigs of mint, small wedges of watermelon, and slices of lime for garnish.

To prepare the frozen watermelon for the frozen watermelon mezcal margarita, arrange cubed watermelon on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and wait until the watermelon is fully frozen, which should take about 1-2 hours.

We do this because using frozen watermelon instead of ice gives the drink that dreamy, half-frozen slushie consistency without diluting any flavor like ice would do.

Once the watermelon has been frozen, remove it from the baking sheet. Transfer the cubed frozen watermelon to a blender with a bit of water. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of water and use as much as needed. Blend for about 30 seconds until the watermelon turns into a liquid with some frozen consistency. Add the mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) to the blender, and process everything until you achieve a slushie consistency.

Taste the mixture, and add more lime juice or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste. A riper, juicier watermelon will have a sweeter flavor and require less sweetening, while a younger fruit will need a little more help in the sugar department.

To prepare the frozen watermelon mezcal margarita garnish, we need to first make the customary margarita salt rim.

Pour some kosher salt on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of two cocktail glasses, then dip it into the salt (you can also simply wet your finger and run it along the rim).

Cut small wedges of watermelon as well as lime wedges. Take a mint sprig and gently clap it between your hands to release the aroma.

To serve, pour the watermelon mezcal margarita into the glasses. For that classic aesthetic, use traditional margarita or coupe glasses for this frozen mezcal margarita.

Garnish each glass with small wedges of watermelon and lime wedges. Add the mint sprig and enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

Prints recommend serving this drink with other beach-vibe appetizers, like coconut shrimp, simple roasted sweet plantains, and some flavor-packed jerk chicken to offset the mezcal's smoky taste.