Watermelon season calls for a fresh watermelon martini! All you need is a juicy watermelon, orange liqueur, vodka of choice, & fresh lime juice for this easy cocktail. This watermelon cocktail will be on repeat during the Summer months. Fruity cocktails are a huge hit for girls’ night, a pool party, or a backyard BBQ! The watermelon flavor in this vodka martini comes from fresh watermelon juice. No need for watermelon schnapps. Your gonna want a few martini glasses to serve this vodka cocktail up. A sugared rim is a great option if you like your drinks on the sweeter side!
Published: February 27, 2023
Modified: May 24, 2025
Why we love this watermelon martini recipe
Freshly made martinis taste really good because they use fresh, high-quality ingredients. When you mix these ingredients carefully, it makes the cocktail smooth and delicious. You can customize it to your liking. It looks beautiful too, with garnishes adding a special touch, like a watermelon wedge. And serve this cocktail in a chilled martini glass. When someone takes the time to make it for you, it becomes a wonderful experience you’ll enjoy and remember. All these things together make freshly made martinis really, really good!
Can I make this a spicy martini?
Absolutely! If you want to add a spicy kick to your watermelon martini, there are two delicious ways to do it. First, you can use a fresh jalapeño garnish. Simply slice a fresh jalapeño pepper and place a few slices on the rim of the martini glass or float them on top of the drink. As you take each sip, the jalapeño will infuse its spicy flavor into the cocktail, creating a zesty and invigorating twist to the sweet watermelon taste. Another way to add spiciness is by dipping the watermelon slice in Tajin seasoning before using it as a garnish. Tajin is a flavorful mix of chili, lime, and salt, which pairs wonderfully with the juicy sweetness of watermelon. The combination of the Tajin-coated watermelon and the watermelon martini creates a perfect balance of spicy and refreshing, making it a delightful and memorable cocktail experience. Cheers to enjoying the spicy side of watermelon martinis!
Can you freeze watermelon?
Can I make this a Mocktail?
Yes! If you love a good mocktail, leave out the vodka, and sub out fresh squeased orange juice instead of Cointreau. I like to serve the mocktail over ice with a bit of sparkling water over the top! So refreshing! It is a fun drink served with a straw and a wedge of watermelon! Our favorite sparkling water to use is Topo Chico.
Look for Seedless Watermelon for a Watermelon Martini
When it comes to taste and texture, seedless watermelons do not disappoint. They offer a succulent, juicy flesh with a sweetness that’s hard to resist. The absence of seeds means no interruptions to your enjoyment, allowing you to relish every bite without the need for spitting out or picking through the fruit.
Seedless watermelon varieties are a product of careful cultivation and selective breeding. Through a process called triploidization, scientists have developed seedless varieties by crossing watermelons with different ploidy levels. These varieties are generally considered to be hybrid cultivars and are favored for their convenience and consistent taste.
When it comes to taste and texture, seedless watermelons do not disappoint. They offer a succulent, juicy flesh with a sweetness that’s hard to resist. The absence of seeds means no interruptions to your enjoyment, allowing you to relish every bite without the need for spitting out or picking through the fruit.
Best time to buy seedless watermelon
While seedless watermelon are available in some regions year-round, their peak season typically aligns with the summer months, from May to September, depending on your location. During this time, you’ll find an abundance of seedless watermelon varieties in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands.
Tips to selecting & storing a flavorful watermelon:
To ensure you’re selecting the freshest and ripest seedless watermelons, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Look for watermelons that have a uniform shape and feel heavy for their size. A firm, symmetrical melon with a dull rind (rather than shiny) is a good indicator of ripeness. Additionally, tap the watermelon gently; if you hear a deep, resonating sound, it’s likely a sign that it’s full of delicious, juicy goodness.
Personal-size watermelons, often called “icebox” or “mini” watermelons, are typically sweeter than larger varieties like the Texas watermelon (also known as the “Texas Giant” or “Black Diamond”). Smaller watermelons tend to have a higher sugar concentration, resulting in a sweeter flavor.
Once you’ve brought home your seedless watermelon, it’s best to store it in a cool and dry place, such as the refrigerator. This will help preserve its crispness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply slice it up and let the taste of summer envelop your senses.
So, there you have it—seedless watermelon varieties, the perfect companions for lazy summer days. With their abundant sweetness and the absence of bothersome seeds, they offer a hassle-free way to enjoy this beloved fruit. Remember to keep an eye out for them during their peak season and treat yourself to their juicy splendor, and a crisp watermelon martini!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces fresh watermelon cubes
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 ounce small watermelon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Add the watermelon to a cocktail shaker, and muddle. Strain this out into another glass to get all the pulp out. You want to get at least 2 ounces of watermelon juice. Add the juice back into the cocktail shaker.
- Add in the lime juice, vodka, and cointreau. Add a few large cubes of ice, and shake.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a wedge of watermelon.
Nutrition
- Watermelon White Wine Ice Cubes for Summer Spritzers
- Gin Rickey with Strawberries & Grapefruit Juice
- Blackberry Martini
- Daiquiri de Fresa (Strawberry Daiquiri)
This cocktail looks SO refreshing and perfect for these hot and humid summer days!
James and Elaine,
Using watermelon juice from a fresh watermelon and double straining is the trick! We have come a long way from the first Wa-tini that I posted when we started this blog!
Have the best weekend!
Dina and Bruce
Easy refreshing summer cocktail!!
Renee,
Awe, thank you for the rating and comment, that means so much to us! Cheers to Summer!
Dina and Bruce
That’s perfect summer drink! I love it!
Albana,
Oh thank you so much! And the cocktails you are making are so gorgeous! CHEERS to Summer!
Dina and Bruce
What a refreshing cocktail! I can see why it was featured!
Michelle,
Awe, you are so sweet! Just like this cocktail! Cheers to an amazing end of Summer!
Dina and Bruce
Wow!! All I truly want on a summer night! Wonderful summer cocktail!
Alaina,
Thank you so much! This is such a fun seasonal cocktail!
Dina and Bruce
Something about a martini that just feels extra fancy. The watermelon is so refreshing in this.
Sarah,
Extra fancy is exactly how this cocktail makes us feel!!
Dina and Bruce
Watermelon flavored anything you can count me in!!!! ??? Most refreshing drink for those hot weekend nights!
Elizabeth,
Don’t you know it! Such a cool cocktail for summer!
THank you for sharing this recipe! I love watermelon, it was so refreshing at this time of year.
Jackie,
So glad you enjoyed it!
Dina and Bruce
This watermelon martini is an absolutely delicious and refreshing cocktail! Will be making a lot of these this summer..
Sounds great for my next bbq party. Love the option of a mocktail too. The kids can have some, and so can the drivers!
Gloria,
Love the way you think! Glad you like!
Dina and Bruce
OOH I’m dreaming of enjoying this next to the pool this summer! Looks delicious!
Chenee,
That sounds amazing! We have a vacation at a beach this summer, and these will be on repeat!
Dina and Bruce
I love the bright summery flavors in this. Absolutely perfect!
Casey,
Thank you! A refreshing drink!
Dina and Bruce
Turning this into a mocktail for my daughter’s summer birthday party. It’s going to be watermelon themed!
Kim,
What a fun theme!! Happy birthday to your daughter!
Dina and Bruce
Love the colour in this cocktail and it tastes so delicious. My new favourite!
This was absolutely delicious! I love how refreshing it was on this hot day!
Amy,
Thank you! A great drink for Summer!
Dina and Bruce
This martini was delicious! I love all things watermelon and this cocktail didn’t disappoint! I will be making them poolside with the girls next week.
Holly,
Yay! We are gonna be makig more this weekend! Fun!
Dina and Bruce
These watermelon martinis are incredible!! One of the best cocktails to make when watermelons are in season!
This is such a fun summer drink! Will definitely be making again!
Refreshing and delicious cocktail recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Kushi,
So glad you liked!
Dina and Bruce
I like the two options, definitely going for the mocktail! Bookmarked to give a try next week; thanks for sharing!
This watermelon martini was so fresh and delicious! It is definitely going to be a summer staple this year!
I was looking for a refreshing drink for this summer and this is it! The watermelon flavor in this martini is awesome!
The combination of fresh watermelon, vodka, and a splash of lime juice creates a perfectly balanced and summery drink. Definitely a must-try!
I couldn’t wait for local watermelon – I caved and bought one at the supermarket so that I could try this martini. It is amazing – refreshing and pleasingly boozy!
These were amazing. So refreshing and they are definitely going to see us through summer.
Perfect for hot weather! So elegant too!
This was such a refreshing and delicious drink!! Perfect for summer!
The perfect summer cocktail! We made both versions for us and our kids and they were a hit! Super refreshing as well.
The watermelon martini was a refreshing delight! The sweet and juicy watermelon flavor made it the perfect summer cocktail. It was easy to mix and had just the right amount of sweetness. Definitely a new favorite for warm evenings!
Totally fabulous summer cocktail, refreshing, bright and beautiful! A total party pleaser, thank you!
This is my new go-to summer time drink! I am obsessed with these!!!
Wa-Tini is such a fun name for this cocktail! It was super easy to make and really hit the spot–I have a feeling I’ll be enjoying these all summer!
The fresh watermelon juice combined perfectly with a hint of lime, creating a vibrant, summery flavor that’s both invigorating and sweet. It’s now my go-to drink for warm evenings and gatherings with friends!
What a perfect summery drink! I went with the mocktail version and our whole family loved it! Thank you so much for this awesomeness!
I’ve been counting the days til summer to make this drink and it didn’t disappoint. Everyone loved the flavor!
Kristina,
Thank you so much!
Dina and Bruce
Such a fun and refreshing way to take advantage of sweet summer watermelon. I’ll be making this all summer long!
This is the perfect refreshing drink for Summer. I love that you provided both versions. We made the mocktail and loved it!
This watermelon martini is refreshing and delicious. The perfect summer drink.
This watermelon mocktail was so tasty! Loved it with my kids.
A perfect one for summer!
Radha,
Thank you! Cheers!
Dina and Bruce
Oh la la! These watermelon martinis were a smashing success last night – had the neighbors over for cocktails and everyone enjoyed them. Next time I’ll also make up a mocktail for the kiddies. So refreshing.
Stephanie,
So glad that you and your neighbors enjoyed them! Happy weekend!
Dina and Bruce
This is the perfect drink for the summer! Everyone loved it at our 4th of July party! It’s going to be on repeat 🙂
Ashley,
We made a big batch and everyone enjoyed!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
This watermelon martini recipe is an absolute gem! It’s the perfect blend of refreshing watermelon and zesty lime. Cheers!
The refreshing burst of sweet watermelon paired perfectly with the crispness of the vodka, making it a perfect summer drink. Even the mocktail version, with its vibrant and fresh flavors, was a hit among my friends who preferred a non-alcoholic option.
This cocktail was so good! Definitely the cocktail of the summer!
This was such a fun way to use watermelon in the summer! This drink was light, refreshing and so tasty!
Anjali,
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed!
Dina and Bruce
Glad I found this recipe as we just picked up several watermelons and wanted to make something different with them. This drink was easy to make and so refreshing. Perfect for Summer!
Angela,
We hope you enjoy!
Dina and Bruce
Super-tasty! And hey, there’s still a lot of the season left! Love using seasonal fruits and veggies, and this is a great way to enjoy watermelon 🙂
Patricia, thank you so much!
Dina and Bruce