Watermelon Tequila Refresco Cocktail

Enjoy this two-ingredient watermelon and tequila refresco cocktail that celebrates the flavor of watermelon. Served over frozen watermelon cubes instead of ice, the cocktail stays chilled without getting watered down. Plus, the frozen watermelon cubes make a tasty snack treat – either right out of the cocktail or served separately on toothpicks. If you don’t have time to make frozen watermelon cubes, regular ice cubes do the job.

We also enjoy adding another flavor note with muddled basil, mint or jalapeño. Another easy modification is to add some fizz by topping off the cocktail with a splash of soda water.

This watermelon and tequila refresco cocktail is great for gatherings – complete the “work” of preparing the watermelon juice, frozen cubes, and sugar rim days ahead and make a pitcher (or two) the day of the event. Although there are several components to this watermelon and tequila cocktail, each is quick and easy.

Watermelon and Tequila Refresco Cocktail Components

Tequila:

We prefer silver (or blanco) tequila because it maintains the beautiful deep pink color and blends well with the watermelon flavor.

If you enjoy tequila, try this Three Citrus, No Added Sugar, Margarita.

Frozen Watermelon Cubes:

Cut watermelon into 1″ cubes and remove seeds. Freeze in a single layer so cubes don’t clump. Once frozen, store in a freezer safe container or bag.

Watermelon Juice:

Blenderize de-seeded and chunked watermelon using an immersion hand blender or stationary blender.

Pour juice through fine mesh strainer to remove pulp. 2c of cubed watermelon creates about 1c of juice. Prepare 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate in a closed container. When ready to use, shake watermelon juice to avoid separation.

Watermelon Sugar Rim:

Place 6 T of watermelon juice into a sauce pan. Simmer until reduced to about 1 T. When cool, stir in 6 T of granulated sugar. Return to low heat to evaporate liquid and dry the sugar. Make sure to keep heat very low so the sugar doesn’t caramelize. Once dry, store watermelon sugar in storage container or bag.

Elevate the Watermelon Tequila Base with Herbs, “Heat” or Fizz

Mint and Basil:

Muddle herbs in cocktail shaker before adding juice and tequila and/or add a sprig as garnish to completed cocktail.

Jalapeño:

Remove seeds to reduce heat but retain flavor. Cut into rings for use as a garnish. For more jalapeño flavor, muddle jalapeño in shaker before adding juice and tequila.

Club Soda:

Add fizz without changing the flavor.

To Garnish or Muddle…

We find that muddling adds more flavor to a cocktail than a garnish. A garnish is added after preparing the cocktail mostly to enhance aroma and visual interest.

For stronger elements, like jalapeño, floating rings on the top of the cocktail imparts good flavor into the drink. With muddling, the herbs are mashed, releasing flavor that blends with the liquid. So, if you are looking to add more flavor – muddle.

Watermelon Tequila Refresco Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz tequila
• 4 oz watermelon juice
• frozen watermelon cubes
• sugar for rim
• optional fizz: 1 oz club soda
• optional garnish and muddle: fresh mint, fresh basil or de-seeded jalapeño

How to Make Watermelon Tequila Refresco Cocktail

1. Prepare frozen watermelon cubes by cutting de-seeded watermelon into cubes and freezing. Cubes freeze after 3 hours.
2. Make watermelon juice: blend de-seeded watermelon and pour through fine mesh strainer.
3. Prepare watermelon sugar by simmering 6 T of watermelon juice until reduced to about 1 T. Once cool, stir in 6 T of granulated sugar then return to low heat to evaporate liquid. Place watermelon sugar on a plate. Rub a watermelon cube around glass rim. Dip glass into the watermelon sugar. Fill rimmed glass with frozen watermelon cubes.
4. Fill cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add tequila and watermelon juice. Shake vigorously.
5. Strain chilled watermelon tequila mixture into prepared glass.

Optional Muddle: Before filling shaker with ice, add jalapeño, basil or mint to the shaker. Mash the herbs or jalapeño 3-4 times with a muddler or wooden spoon. Then complete the cocktail.

Optional Fizz: After pouring watermelon tequila mixture into prepared glass, add club soda and stir.

Optional Garnish: Add jalapeño rings, basil sprig, mint sprig or watermelon wedge to the finished cocktail.

Alcohol Free Watermelon Refresco

For kiddos or anyone preferring a non-alcoholic drink, add 4 oz watermelon juice and 2 oz club soda to watermelon sugar rimmed glass filled with frozen watermelon cubes. Add garnish or muddle to add extra flavor.

Let us know what you think of this Watermelon and Tequila Refresco Cocktail. What add-in’s have you enjoyed? We’d love to try some of your creations!