Sweet, tart, and undeniably fresh — my Watermelon Sour Cocktail is everything you want in a summer drink. Made with muddled watermelon chunks, tequila, a splash of lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup, it’s a thirst-quenching cocktail that highlights the bold, juicy flavor of summer’s most popular fruit.
Think of it as a twist on a classic sour cocktail, but lighter and more playful. It’s the kind of drink you want to sip slowly on a patio, preferably with a wedge of fresh watermelon in hand.
Made in a cocktail shaker with just a few ingredients, this is an easy cocktail with major flavor — perfect for those who want something crisp, bright, and not overly sweet.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Watermelon Sour Cocktail
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make a Watermelon Sour Cocktail
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve a Watermelon Sour
- What to Serve with a Watermelon Sour Cocktail
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon Sour Cocktails
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Watermelon Sour Cocktail Recipe
Looking for more summer favorites with a watermelon twist? Try these refreshing summer cocktails: Watermelon Sangria, Watermelon Vodka Cocktail, Watermelon Punch, Watermelon Mojito, Watermelon Basil Margarita, and Watermelon Moscow Mule. We made most of these from our Fresh Watermelon Juice recipe.
Why You Will Love This Watermelon Sour Cocktail
- Light and Tart: Lime juice adds fresh citrus zing without overpowering the watermelon.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses real watermelon chunks for the freshest taste and a natural sweetener.
- Quick and Simple: Comes together in minutes with just a cocktail shaker.
- Versatile: Easily adjust the sweetness or swapped for a non-alcoholic version.
- Small Batch: Perfect for solo sipping or mixing up two at a time.
Ingredients
A short trip to the grocery store for this simple cocktail.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Seedless Watermelon Chunks: Use cold, ripe fresh watermelon for the best flavor and easiest muddling.
- Tequila: Blanco or silver tequila keeps the cocktail light and clean.
- Lime Juice: Adds just enough sour to balance the natural sweetness.
- Simple Syrup: Brings it all together by adding an extra hint of sweetness, but it option and may not be needed depending on your watermelon.
- Ice: Use a mix of shaker ice and light ice in the glass for the perfect chill.
For this easy recipe, you'll want to have on hand a muddler, cocktail shaker, shot glass/jigger and measuring spoon.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix up this cocktail a little differently next time? Here are some ideas to inspire you.
- Lemon Juice: Swap lime for lemon to make it a more traditional sour.
- Homemade Watermelon Syrup: Blend watermelon with natural sweeteners and strain for a smoother, make-ahead option.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Leave out the tequila and top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a bubbly mocktail.
- Whiskey or Gin: Sub in your favorite spirit for a different twist.
- Add Herbs: A few fresh mint or basil leaves muddled with the watermelon add complexity.
- No Simple Syrup: If you do not have time to make a simple syrup, you can muddle some sugar with the watermelon instead.
How to Make a Watermelon Sour Cocktail
Look at how simple it was to shake up this quick cocktail.
Add watermelon pieces to a cocktail shaker and muddle about 5 times to squeeze out the juices.
Fill about halfway with ice and add tequila, lime juice and simple syrup.
Shake well until chilled then strain into a glass with light ice.
Hint: Muddle gently — 5 good presses is enough to release juice without overdoing it.
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How to Serve a Watermelon Sour
This vibrant cocktail deserves a sleek presentation that highlights its color and freshness without overcomplicating things.
- Shaken: Shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker chills the ingredients quickly and blends the citrus and sweet.
- Glass: Serve in a coupe glass for a polished, elegant look that suits the sour style. No coupe glass? A rocks glass or small highball glass works well, especially if serving over light ice.
- Garnishes: Add watermelon slice, wedge or a lime wheel for a finishing touch.
What to Serve with a Watermelon Sour Cocktail
- Feta Salad
- Mini Cheese Balls
- Spicy Chicken Wings
- Crispy Fluffy Pancakes
- Guacamole and Chips
- Caprese Skewers
- Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars
- Watermelon Cocktails: Watermelon sangria, watermelon punch, watermelon mojito, watermelon vodka drink, watermelon Moscow mule, watermelon basil margarita.
- Fresh Watermelon Juice
Top Tips
Here are some helpful ways to make sure you make the best tasting watermelon sour.
- Room Temperature Watermelon: Having your watermelon at room temperature makes it easier to juice than cold fruit straight from the fridge.
- Strain Well: A fine-mesh strainer removes pulp and seeds for an extra smoother sip, if desired.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with 1 teaspoon of simple syrup, but taste and tweak depending on how ripe your watermelon is.
- Serve Immediately: For the freshest taste, shake and pour just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon Sour Cocktails
Do you have questions about making our watermelon sour?
Yes, but you may want to reduce or skip the simple syrup — packaged juice is often sweeter.
A clean silver or blanco tequila works best to let the watermelon shine.
You can multiply the ingredients and pre-muddle the watermelon chunks in a pitcher, but wait to shake or stir until serving for best flavor.
It’s ideal for chilling and mixing, but a mason jar with a tight lid can work in a pinch.
This cocktail leans more tart and citrusy than sweet — it's inspired by the classic sour cocktail formula of equal parts spirit, citrus, and sweetener.
More Recipes You Will Love
Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!
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Watermelon Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
- Shot Glass
- Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces watermelon pieces cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 ½ ounces tequila
- 1 ½ tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup as needed
Instructions
- Add watermelon pieces to a cocktail shaker and muddle about 5 times to squeeze out the juices.
- Fill about halfway with ice and add tequila, lime juice and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled then strain into a glass with light ice.
Notes
- Muddle gently — 5 good presses is enough to release juice without overdoing it.
- Having your watermelon at room temperature makes it easier to juice than cold fruit straight from the fridge.
- A fine-mesh strainer removes pulp and seeds for an extra smoother sip, if desired.
- Start with 1 teaspoon of simple syrup, but taste and tweak depending on how ripe your watermelon is.
- For the freshest taste, shake and pour just before serving.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Stephanie says
I made these for girls' night, and they were a total hit! I'll definitely be making these again.
Eva Filer says
Oh that is so fun to hear- thanks for the feedback! Enjoy it!
Eva Filer says
This cocktail is so refreshing- a perfect sour with a hint of watermelon sweetness!