Watermelon Vodka Cocktails
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing, fruity beverages, and this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail is just the thing to quench your thirst.
Imagine sipping on a delicious and refreshing drink that tastes like a big gulp of summer sunshine. Watermelon’s sweet, juicy flavor is perfectly balanced by a hint of lime and the crisp kick of vodka.
This summer cocktail is incredibly easy to make, whether mixing a single glass for yourself or preparing a whole pitcher of drinks for a gathering with friends. It’s ideal for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or a relaxing evening on the porch.
Follow the simple steps below to mix your refreshing Watermelon Vodka Cocktail by the glass or pitcher!
Table of Contents
Ingredients in this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Easily found, classically summer ingredients are used for this refreshing cocktail.
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice is super easy to make! Cut up a watermelon (seedless is easiest) and put it in your blender for thirty seconds to one minute. The resulting juice is a little pulpy; if you want it smoother, you can strain it through a fine mesh strainer. I prefer it strained for a cocktail.
One 5-pound watermelon typically yields about 4 cups of strained watermelon juice. If you have too much, you can freeze it! It freezes well for up to two months. Or, make ice cubes with the extra watermelon juice! Add them to water for a light flavor.
That said, you can often find watermelon juice at your grocery store! The Simply brand is with the refrigerated juices, but note that it is sweetened.
Limes
Count on one lime for each glass of this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail.
How to Choose the Juiciest Limes
- Choose smooth skin over bumpy skin.
- Choose light green over dark green.
- Choose a heavier lime over a lighter one of the same size.
- Choose a lime that yields a little when squeezed. An unripe, not juicy lime will be hard.
To extract even more juice from your lime, roll it on the counter under your palm before squeezing!
To Sweeten or Not Sweeten?
I prefer a not-too-sweet cocktail, so I don’t add any sweetener to this drink. That said, feel free to add some simple syrup to your taste.
Simple Syrup Recipe
Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat; boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Allow the simple syrup to cool before using or refrigerating.
You can store the simple syrup in your refrigerator for up to one month.
Vodka
You can use any high-quality vodka in this drink. I prefer a smooth, clean-tasting vodka like Absolut.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making This Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
If you prefer a sweeter drink without using simple syrup, add a splash of agave syrup, honey, or a sweet liqueur like triple sec or elderflower liqueur.
You can use sparkling water, a lemon-lime soda, or ginger ale to make a non-alcoholic version.
Separation is natural for fresh watermelon juice. Stir or shake the juice before using. Keeping it well-covered in the refrigerator can also help minimize separation.
Other great garnishes include basil leaves, cucumber slices, or a small wedge of another fruit like orange or lemon. You could also use edible flowers for a decorative touch.
Straining is optional. Strain the juice if you prefer a smoother drink. You can leave it unstrained if you don’t mind some pulp and prefer a more rustic texture.
Serve this cocktail in a highball or a large, wide-mouthed glass to accommodate ice and garnishes. A mason jar can also add a charming, rustic touch.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup watermelon juice see instructions below and Note 1
- 2 tbs freshly squeezed lime juice see Note 2
- 3-4 ounces vodka
- 1 tsp simple syrup optional, see Note 3
- 1/4 cup seltzer water optional
- lime wedges, watermelon wedges or fresh mint for garnish optional
Instructions
Watermelon Juice
- Cut the watermelon and add it to a blender.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- If you want less pulpy watermelon juice or if your watermelon had seeds, pour it through a fine mesh strainer.
- After a little time, the watermelon juice will separate. Just stir it up before serving.
- Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- For each serving, add 1 cup of watermelon juice a glass.
- Add lime juice, vodka and simple syrup and stir. If desired add a 1/4 cup or a splash of seltzer at this point.
- Add crushed ice, garnish and serve!
Notes
Note 1
A five-pound watermelon produces approximately four cups of juice. If you are making the cocktail immediately after making the watermelon juice, chill the watermelon before you blend it for a nice cold drink.Note 2
The juiciest limes will have smooth skin (versus bumpy) and be lighter than darker green. A juicy lime will yield more to a squeeze than a not-so-juicy lime. Roll your limes on the counter to help release the juice before juicing them.
An average lime will yield approximately two tablespoons of juice.
Note 3
I think this vodka watermelon cocktail is perfectly sweet enough without adding simple syrup, but if you have a sweet tooth, follow this ‘recipe’ for simple syrup.- Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat; boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool. At this point, you can store the simple syrup in your refrigerator for up to one month.
Note 4
If you would like to make a pitcher of Watermelon Vodka Cocktails, simply multiply the ingredients listed by the number of glasses you would like to make. Combine all ingredients except the ice (and seltzer, if using) in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then, pour into individual glasses, add seltzer, ice and garnish.Nutrition
Bookmark this page or pin the following image to refer back to this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail Recipe in the future.
Thanks so much for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me!
To ensure you don’t miss future content, pop your email in the pale green box on the right or click here. I usually send one email weekly, so I won’t inundate your inbox. I’m sensitive to an overflowing email inbox!
We will only use your email address to send you emails, no more than 1-2 weekly. In addition, you will have access to my growing library of knit & crochet patterns and other printables. Check back often as this library will continue to grow. You can unsubscribe anytime by emailing me or clicking on the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of all emails.
And you can access many of the products I refer to on my Nourish and Nestle Amazon Page. You can access it here.
So, if you’d like to participate in the ‘subscriber benefit’ action, simply subscribe to Nourish and Nestle here or use the form on the right sidebar. It’s slightly towards the top.
I have sent all my subscribers the link to the Subscriber Benefits Library. If you missed it or misplaced it, let me know.
Until next time…
Delicious and so easy to make.
Hi Mary,
I’m so glad you enjoyed your Watermelon Cocktail. It is tasty and refreshing, isn’t it? And reviews from readers like you help make Nourish and Nestle the perfect place for others to find their next delicious bite (or beverage), fun craft, or engaging project, so thanks again for taking the time to review and write in.
Have a wonderful day and happy Summer!
Great recipe, easy to make and just ideal for the summer.
Thanks for the review and rating, Kathy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Reviews from readers like you help make Nourish and Nestle the perfect place for others to find their next delicious bite (or beverage), fun craft, or engaging project.
Have a wonderful day and happy Summer!
Hugs, Lynn