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  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Cocktails ยป Smoky Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita recipe

    PUBLISHED: April 9, 2021 โ€ข By Toni Dash 40 Comments

    Smoky Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    watermelon jalapeno margarita title

    There is nothing like a cool, sweet and spicy Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita to take the sting out of a sweltering summer’s day. The only thing better? A smoked salt rim on the glass.

    watermelon jalapeno margarita title
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    watermelon jalapeno margarita title

    Watermelon margaritas are great, especially in the summer. We love making them with watermelon infused tequila in fact.

    This spicy watermelon margarita recipe spin takes it up a notch for those loving some spicy heat. Jalapenos make this an exciting cocktail you won’t soon forget!

    Grab some pico de gallo or some Queso Fundido and relax!

    watermelon jalapeno margarita horizontal

    Spicy Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita

    This cocktail is an exciting fresh-style margarita. ‘Fresh style’ means there are no mixes used to get the great margarita flavor.

    It doesn’t use Triple Sec which is very sweet. Or simple syrup.

    The fantastic flavor combination of fresh lime juice, pureed watermelon, and agave nectar to sweeten it all up.

    Plus a spicy kick of a fresh jalapeno chile pepper.

    The jalapeno watermelon combination is a dynamic duo!

    It’s a perfect blending of tart, sweet and spicy.

    This is a perfect summer cocktail to pair with summer grilling.

    Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita

    Smoked Salt Rim

    The icing on the cake, or the salt on the rim as it were, adds a whole next level to this watermelon jalapeno margarita.

    I am in love, utterly and completely, with smoked salt.

    The original recipe called for hickory smoked salt for rimming the glass. I’ve also used alderwood smoked salt in a finer grind.

    A family member walked into my photo room and exclaimed ‘it smells like a campfire in here’; there you have it. It has a wonderfully smoky aroma.

    It is the perfect match for this cocktail.

    NOTE: It is a strong salt. A little goes a long way so consider that when rimming the glass for how much of a rim you desire.

    Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita

    What you need to make it

    Jalapeno Pepper

    If you have not worked with chile peppers there are a few notes. Wash your hands very well after handling them.

    Also do not touch your fingers to your eyes, nose or mouth before washing them first. The oil from the pepper will sting.

    The seeds generate most of the heat. So if you want a milder cocktail, remove the seeds before muddling the pepper.

    I have a trick for doing that easily in this Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe. Check the photos for a visual tutorial.

    It involves sliding a dining spoon underneath the seed membrane to easily remove it.

    Jalapenos can vary in heat often dramatically. If you don’t enjoy spiciness use less.

    Tequila

    Use Blanco (white) or Silver tequila for this margarita recipe. Aged tequila has a more distinct flavor that can overtake the other ingredients.

    Lime Juice

    Freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference. I use a handheld juicer which really extracts lots of juice. It also traps any seeds.

    TIP: microwave the lime for 10 seconds before juicing to extract more juice.

    If juicing the lime my hand (no juicing device) before to keep any seeds from getting into the cocktail ingredients.

    Watermelon Puree

    Make your own by putting watermelon in a blender and pureeing it.

    Watermelon puree is available to purchase for use in cocktails but it is not straight watermelon. It’s more liquid in texture and usually has multiple ingredients including high fructose corn syrup so will be very sweet.

    Agave Nectar

    This is what sweetens the watermelon jalapeno margarita.

    Smoked Salt (glass rim)

    This is optional buts a great dimension to the flavor of the cocktail. Use a fine grind smoked salt.

    Regular margarita salt can also be used.

    Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita from above

    Variations

    For a spicy rim: combine some chili powder and margarita salt. OR chili powder with the smoked salt.

    How to make it

    STEP 1. Muddle

    In a quart size glass Mason jar or cocktail shaker, add the jalapeno and mudde it.

    jalapenos muddled in a jar

    What is muddling?

    Using a cocktail muddler (it looks like a long wand with a rounded end of plastic disk on the end) the chile pepper is smashed to release the liquids and flavors.

    STEP 2. Make the margarita

    Add the tequila, watermelon puree, agave syrup and lime juice and a handful of ice to the cocktail shaker or jar.

    Seal and shake vigorously.

    STEP 3. Rim the glass with salt

    You can choose to serve in a salt rimmed glass or not. Using regular margarita salt or the smoked salt.

    To rim the glass run some lime juice along the glass rim.

    Place the glass rim side down in a small plate with salt.

    Twist, lift and set on the bottom of the glass for the rim to dry.

    Alderwood Salt rimmed glass

    STEP 4. Strain and pour

    Fill an old fashioned glass with fresh ice. Strain the margarita into the glass using a fine mesh strainer or the strainer in the cocktail shaker.

    Garnish with a piece of watermelon and lime wedge (optional).

    chopped watermelon and smoky watermelon jalapeno margaritas from above

    Make a Pitcher!

    If you want to make a larger batch of watermelon jalapeno margaritas instead of individual cocktails here’s how.

    The one tricky part is needing to muddle the jalapenos (so it can’t just be made into a punch-like batch).

    Making an 8-cocktail batch will require a container 38-ounces or larger plus room for ice.

    We recommend getting a large Mason jar to muddle and mix the cocktails in. It can then be strained into a pitcher for serving.

    Make just before serving as citrus juice can dull in flavor as it sits. Also save the ice for the glasses so it doesn’t melt and dilute the drinks.

    Measurements in the recipe card below.

    FAQs

    Do I need a cocktail shaker for this recipe?

    You’ll need a cocktail shaker or use a quart size glass jar with lid. Both work great.

    Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margaritas

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    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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    Recipe

    watermelon jalapeno margarita

    Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita

    Sweet and smoky spicy Watermelon Margaritas are a perfect summer cocktail
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 216kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Muddler
    Cocktail Shaker

    Ingredients

    • 1 jalapeno chile pepper
    • 2 ounces tequila (I used a Blanco, or white, un-aged tequila for this)
    • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 1 ounce watermelon puree
    • ¾ ounce agave nectar/syrup
    • Hickory smoked salt for rimming the glass

    Instructions

    • Muddle the jalapeno in a shaker or a pint glass.
    • Add the tequila, lime juice, watermelon puree and agave nectar. 
    • Shake with ice and strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice and rimmed with hickory smoked salt. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and lime wedge.

    Notes

    Make watermelon puree by putting chunks of fresh watermelon in a blender and processing on the puree setting. 
    For an 8-cocktail large batch:
    • 6 jalapenos
    • 16 ounces silver or blanco tequila
    • 8 ounces watermelon puree
    • 8 ounces fresh lime juice
    • 6 ounces agave nectar
    • a glass container larger then 38-ounces
    In a large jar or container muddle the jalapenos. Follow the recipe as written above, sealing the container with ice and vigorously shaking it. 
    Strain into a pitcher and pour into rimmed glasses with ice for serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 27.4mg
    watermelon jalapeno margarita title
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!


    Originally published: May 20, 2012

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lindsay says

      April 09, 2021 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      Ok, I love and appreciate people who come up with cockatail recipes SO much, because I could never have thought of this combination on my own, but I made it, and it’s amazing! the combination of sweet, spicy, and warm from the tequila is just perfect. Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Ellen Fortino says

      April 09, 2021 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      We look forward to kicking off the hot weather every year with a batch of these margaritas. Delicious flavor combo.

      Reply
    3. Carrie Robinson says

      April 09, 2021 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      I am loving everything about this! What a great cocktail for summertime. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    4. Cristina says

      February 17, 2014 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      Dee-lish. Great balance and would totally make again.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        February 17, 2014 at 1:01 pm

        So glad Cristina! I love this cocktail myself.

        Reply
    5. Mary Catherine Wellons says

      July 07, 2012 at 9:33 pm

      5 stars
      Would you recommend making in bulk for a large party of, say, 20 people? If so, any tips on ingredients, anything you would change?

      Reply
      • Boulder Locavore says

        July 07, 2012 at 9:55 pm

        It is a great drink and not one you find regularly so would have a novel, yet refreshing quality for a party. I feel the recipe above is perfectly balanced so my advice would be to use the same proportions but make it in larger batches. I might consider combining the fresh lime juice, tequila, watermelon puree and agave before the party (not way before) so all you have to do in the moment is muddle the jalapendo, add the correct amount of the liquid, shake, strain and serve. You can also pre-salt the glasses before the party. If you have a large enough container to muddle a few peppers in you could make a few of the drinks at a time which would move things along. Maybe do a pre-experiment blending enough liquid for 4 drinks and try it out so you know how to judge the quantitiy of liquid to peppers before you do it for the party (I tend to get distracted when the party starts and I'm hosting!). Hope that helps!

        Reply
      • Boulder Locavore says

        July 07, 2012 at 10:05 pm

        Hi again Mary Catherine! I saw you had two similar comments/questions though they were not completely identical so I'll add on.

        I do think you could make this more 'in bulk' as I discussed above; use the same amounts x 20 and then divide the total volume of the liquid by 20 for the per serving amount. Once you've done that you can add a serving size per muddled pepper for shaking. E.g. if you have a large container and can muddle 4 peppers at once, add 4 servings of liquid, shake, strain and pour 4 cocktails at a time. Make sense?

        Also the hickory smoke really is a big part of the cocktail signature flavor. I'd recommend it and presalt the rims lightly for varied preferences. I think that touch separates this cocktail from similar ones and is the aspect that will have people leave your party talking! I've never seen hickory smoked salt used in that way. Good luck and have fun!

        Reply
    6. sweetlady says

      June 01, 2012 at 7:27 pm

      This Smoky Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita is so tempting, really tempting! ๐Ÿ˜› Have you tried making a hibiscus margarita? So refreshing! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    7. RavieNomNoms says

      May 23, 2012 at 6:45 pm

      Wow! What a creative drink! It looks so amazing!

      Reply
    8. Abby says

      May 23, 2012 at 4:11 pm

      This is definitely going on the summer drinks list, fabulous recipe! I'm totally envious you've been to Tanzania.

      Reply
    9. Baker Street says

      May 22, 2012 at 7:19 am

      Ooh. Jalapenos and watermelon are brilliantly paired here! Love the combination. That drink looks super yum!

      Reply
      • Boulder Locavore says

        May 22, 2012 at 12:05 pm

        Thank you. It's a really unique cocktail and I too loved the flavor combinations. Perfect for summer!

        Reply
    10. Kimberly.Oakes says

      May 22, 2012 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      I clicked on this recipe because all I could think was, “I WANT THIS NOW!” Only to find that you're in Boulder! I just moved here yesterday. I'm in love already!

      Reply
      • Boulder Locavore says

        May 22, 2012 at 12:02 pm

        Welcome Kimberly! I hope finding my blog and your reaction to the cocktial is just a positive omen for your time in Boulder! Hope you'll come back and read some more.

        Reply
      • Kimberly.Oakes says

        May 22, 2012 at 4:37 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you, I definitely will! I am excited to try out all the local places you have mentioned.
        I want to become quickly aquatinted with the community.

        Reply
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