The Best Vodka Watermelon Cocktail for Summer!
This cocktail is a bright, summery drink made from pureed fresh watermelon, vodka, and lime juice, lightly sweetened and topped with sparkling water.
Many recipes out there use store-bought juice or watermelon infused vodka, but this version uses real, fresh watermelon for maximum flavor and color.
It’s perfect for patio hangs, weekend BBQs, or happy hour with friends. You can mix the base ahead of time and serve when you’re ready!
Here’s what makes it a go-to:
- Uses real watermelon (not juice from a carton)
- Refreshing, not too sweet
- Ready in 10 minutes with a few simple ingredients
- Customizable with simple swaps or mocktail version
More summer cocktails: blueberry mojito, cucumber margarita, or frozen watermelon margarita.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh watermelon – About 1 1/2 cups cubed, or 3/4 cups juice once it’s blended and strained
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed, for brightness
- Vodka – Plain or lime-flavored works best
- Agave or simple syrup – Adjust to taste
- Cold seltzer water – Regular or lime-flavored for extra zing
- Tajin or sea salt – Optional, for rimming the glass
- Garnish – Lime wedge, mint, or a mini watermelon stick
Have extra watermelon? Make this watermelon basil feta salad or simple watermelon fries with yogurt dip.
How to Make a Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Blend the watermelon: Cut the fresh watermelon. Add to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp.
- Mix the base: In a large pitcher, combine the strained watermelon juice with lime juice, vodka, and agave or simple syrup. Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Add bubble and taste: Right before serving, stir in 1–2 cups of cold seltzer water. Taste and adjust with more seltzer or sweetener if needed.
- Prep glass and serve: Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip in Tajin or salt. Fill the glass with crushed ice and watermelon cocktail. Garnish with lime wedge, fresh mint, or a small slice of watermelon.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
This fresh watermelon vodka cocktail is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer. Made with real watermelon, lime, vodka, and bubbles, it’s an easy make-ahead drink for parties or patio happy hours. Easily turns into a mocktail with one simple swap!
Save this Recipe!
Enter your email and we’ll send it directly to you.
Servings: 2 drinks
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cubed fresh watermelon (yields about 3/4 cup, or 6oz, juice)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice 2 Tbsp, (about 1 lime)
- 3 oz vodka 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp, I used Tito's
- 1 oz agave or simple syrup, 1 oz
- 4-8 oz cold seltzer water 1/2 -1 cup (plain or lime-flavored)
- Tajin or sea salt for serving
- Garnish: fresh lime wedge, fresh mint, or watermelon slice
Instructions
- Blend the watermelon (3 minutes): Remove the rind and cut watermelon into cubes. Add 1 1/2 cups of cubes to a blender and puree on high until smooth and frothy.1 1/2 cups cubed fresh watermelon
- Strain the juice (2 minutes): Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup to remove pulp. You should end up with about 3/4 cups of fresh juice for 2 drinks.
- Mix the cocktail base (2 minutes): In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, lime juice, vodka, and agave. Stir well. You can refrigerate this mixture for up to 24 hours before serving.1 oz fresh lime juice, 3 oz vodka, 1 oz agave
- Add bubbles and taste (1 minute): Right before serving, stir in cold seltzer water. Taste and add more seltzer or agave to adjust sweetness and strength to your liking.4-8 oz cold seltzer water
- Rim the glasses, optional (2 minutes): Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip into a shallow dish of Tajin or sea salt for a zesty, savory touch.Tajin
- Assemble and serve (1 minute): Fill glasses with crushed ice. Pour the cocktail over the ice and garnish with a lime wedge, mint sprig, or watermelon wedge.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!
Notes
Use ripe watermelon for the sweetest, most flavorful cocktail. If it’s not super sweet, you may want to add a bit more agave or simple syrup.
Make it ahead: Mix the fresh watermelon juice, lime, vodka, and sweetener up to 1 day in advance. Add seltzer just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Mocktail option: Replace the vodka with a splash of apple cider vinegar. It mimics the sharp bite of alcohol and balances the sweetness beautifully. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste—it’s strong, so go slow.
Serving for a crowd: Double or triple the base and refrigerate in a pitcher. Stir in seltzer right before serving.
Garnish ideas: Add a slice of cucumber or fresh basil for a fun twist. Crushed ice makes it extra refreshing!
Don’t skip the straining: It gives the cocktail a smooth, sippable texture without pulp.
Nutrition
Serving: 1drink | Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 659IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Expert Tips for Cocktail Success
- Use ripe watermelon for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color. If it tastes bland, so will your cocktail.
- Make it ahead: Mix the base up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Add seltzer right before serving for max fizz.
- Mocktail version: Replace the vodka with a splash of apple cider vinegar. It adds a subtle bite that makes mocktails feel more grown-up.
- For a crowd: Double or triple the recipe and serve it in a drink dispenser or punch bowl.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Add fresh mint or basil to the blender for a herby twist
- Muddle jalapeño into the pitcher for a spicy kick
- Freeze the watermelon to make a frozen slushie version
- Swap vodka for gin or tequila for different flavor profiles
FAQ
Can I make it without a blender?
Yes! You can use a food processor or mash the watermelon well with a fork or potato masher and strain it, though the texture may be slightly different.
What’s the best vodka to use?
Use a plain or lime-flavored vodka. My favorite brand is Tito’s. Avoid sweetened or heavily flavored vodkas that can overpower the watermelon.
Can I use bottled watermelon juice?
You can, but fresh is best for both flavor and color. If using bottled, reduce or adjust sweetener based on the brand.
How long does that cocktail base last in the fridge?
Up to 2 days without seltzer added. Stir well before using.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
