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Toshi's Table » Recipes » Drinks

Frozen Skinny Watermelon Margarita

Modified: Aug 16, 2024 · Published: Aug 6, 2024 by Emily Toshiko · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Does it get any more refreshing than a frozen skinny watermelon margarita on a hot summer day? This watermelon and tequila drink is sure to cool you down! You only need a few simple ingredients to make this refreshing cocktail.  

Frozen watermelon margarita garnished with a lime wheel in a coupe glass on a wooden coaster.

Note: this recipe was originally published on August 3, 2020. It was republished with updated photos and helpful information on August 6, 2024

Now I’ll be honest, I dislike using the word “skinny” however it has a distinct meaning when it comes to ordering cocktails. A skinny cocktail generally contains less calories than the traditional version. Margaritas are typically made using both tequila and cointreau, however this “skinny” version is made without cointreau (or triple sec), meaning there is less alcohol, and therefore less calories.

Watermelon, tequila and lime pairs so well together! Tequila has a distinct flavor that balances well with the sweet summer watermelon. This frozen watermelon drink pairs well with watermelon salsa, summer corn and lentil salad and bbq cauliflower tacos!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Equipment Notes
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • How to Make a Frozen Watermelon Margarita
  • Tip and Tricks
  • Storing and Freezing
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Recipes You'll Love
  • Did you try this recipe?
  • Frozen Skinny Watermelon Margarita

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This refreshing frozen watermelon margarita only requires a few ingredients and it’s made without triple sec or cointreau. 
  • It’s a great way to use excess watermelon during the summer months.
  • The frozen, icy consistency is reminiscent of snow cones and slushies!

Equipment Notes

Equipment needed to make a frozen watermelon margarita.
  • High powered blender - or a small magic bullet blender.
  • Jigger - or a liquid measuring cup that uses ounces.
  • Citrus juicer - this is necessary for the fresh limes.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make a frozen watermelon margarita.
  • Watermelon -  make sure to get a seedless watermelon for this recipe as the seeds will not blend well. The watermelon will need to be cut into cubes and frozen for at least 4 hours ahead of making the margaritas.  
  • Ice - using ice will help achieve the perfect slushy consistency. 
  • Limes - ALWAYS use fresh lime juice! It is so much better and more flavorful than the bottled lime juice. In a pinch the bottled juice will work but make sure to taste and adjust flavors as needed.
  • Tequila - use the tequila of your choice! Honestly since we are blending the drink I don’t necessarily think you need a super high quality tequila. 
  • Agave - this adds a touch of sweetness to the drink and is especially helpful if your watermelon is not that sweet. Tequila is made from the agave plant, so I think using agave as a sweetener is a good addition. Using agave also makes this recipe vegan (rather than using honey).
  • Salt or tajin for the rim of the glass - this is totally optional but I love a salted rim for my margs! I find that the salt elevates the flavor of the watermelon. A tajin rim will be more of a zesty, spicy rim. The choice is up to you!

Substitutions and Variations

  • Mezcal - swap in mezcal in place of tequila for a smokey finish.
  • Vodka - if you don’t like tequila you can use vodka for a more neutral flavor.
  • Strawberry - use half frozen watermelon, half frozen strawberries for a fun summertime twist!
  • Mocktail - omit the alcohol. You will likely need to add in water in place of the tequila so the frozen cocktail will blend. Taste and adjust to see if you need more lime juice or agave for sweetness. 
  • Simple syrup - feel free to use simple syrup instead of agave. Try this quick microwave simple syrup in a pinch!

How to Make a Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Overhead of a coupe glass being dipped on a plate of salt to salt the rim of the glass.

Salt the rim of the glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip the rim into a plate of salt. Twist it around until the rim has a light coating. Set aside.

A magic bullet blender with ingredients for a frozen watermelon margarita before blending.

Add the frozen watermelon, ice, tequila, agave and lime juice to a blender.

A magic bullet blender with frozen watermelon margarita.

Blend well until desired consistency is reached.

Overhead of a slushy frozen watermelon margarita with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.

Pour the blended margarita into the rimmed glass. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Hint: Make sure to freeze your watermelon at least 4 hours ahead of time. I like to freeze it the day before I plan on making this.

Tip and Tricks

  • Remember fresh ingredients are always going to be the best option. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than the bottled stuff. Fresh lime juice simply tastes better!
  • Use excess limes to garnish the glass if desired. 
  • Chill the glasses in the freezer ahead of time so your frozen drink stays cold for longer.
A frozen watermelon margarita in a coupe glass garnished with a lime whee.

Storing and Freezing

I recommend drinking these watermelon margs as soon as you blend them up! You can try freezing them after you blend them if you have extra, but honestly I think they are best served fresh. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to freeze watermelon for a margarita?

Cut the watermelon into cubes and spread the cubes out on a baking sheet. Freeze for 2-4 hours until they are solid. From there you can transfer them into a tupperware or ziplock bag. The baking sheet method is recommended because it will prevent the watermelon from clumping together into one solid chunk. You could also freeze the watermelon in a single layer in a larger Tupperware or a single layer in a large ziplock bag that can lay flat in the freezer. 

What is the difference between a regular margarita and a skinny margarita?

A regular margarita is typically made with tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Occasionally a sweetener may be used such as agave, honey or simple syrup. A skinny margarita has less calories than a regular margarita. This is often achieved by omitting the orange liquor (usually cointreau or triple sec) or the sweetener. This frozen watermelon margarita is considered “skinny” because there is no orange liquor in the drink. 

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A frozen pink watermelon margarita garnished with a lime wheel.

Frozen Skinny Watermelon Margarita

Emily Toshiko
Does it get any more refreshing than a frozen watermelon margarita on a hot summer day? This skinny watermelon margarita is sure to cool you down!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Freezing Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

  • High powered blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup frozen watermelon
  • ½ cup ice
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ oz agave (optional)

For the Rim:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Lime wedge

Instructions
 

  • Rub the lime wedge over the rim of the glass you will be using. Place the salt in shallow dish. Turn the glass upside down and gently dip it into the salt. Move it around to cover the rim of the glass.
  • Add the frozen watermelon, ice, tequila, lime juice and agave to a blender.
  • Blend well until smooth.
  • Pour into the salted glass and enjoy!

Notes

  • Depending on how sweet your watermelon is you may want to omit the agave which adds sweetness.
  • The watermelon will need 2-4 hours to freeze. I like to freeze it the night before I plan on making these.
  • You can swap in mezcal in place of tequila for a smokey finish.
    Feel free to use simple syrup instead of agave if desired. Try this quick microwave simple syrup in a pinch!
Serving: 1drinkCalories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 888IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @toshistable on social!

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Comments

  1. Cathy says

    July 05, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious and refreshing!!! 5 star drink for hot summer days!!

    Reply
    • Emily Toshiko says

      July 05, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      Thanks!! It's one of my favorites!

      Reply

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Emily Toshiko Brackett from Toshi's Table standing in the kitchen holding a glass of red wine.

Hi, I'm Emily!

Welcome to my table! I enjoy creating colorful, tasty recipes that inspire you to eat more veggies. While I don't claim to be vegan or vegetarian, I find that I feel my best when eating a plant forward diet. Give one of these recipes a try, I dare you!

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