Spicy Watermelon Refresher

Be the first to rate & review!

Like a spicy margarita, but way better.

By
Casey Barber
casey barber
Casey Barber
Casey Barber is a food writer, illustrator and photographer; the author of "Pierogi Love: New Takes on an Old-World Comfort Food" and "Classic Snacks Made from Scratch: 70 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Brand-Name Treats"; and editor of the website Good. Food. Stories. See more of her work on https://www.caseybarber.com and connect with her on Pinterest and Instagram.
Southern Living's editorial guidelines
Updated on June 19, 2022
Spicy Watermelon Refresher
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Yield:
8 serves

We're no strangers to the world of Southern porch cocktails—just ask the crowd-favorite sip of heaven that is our watermelon margaritas. Far and wide, Southerners make that recipe to hang out together and enjoy the close of another lovely day.

Well, now we've turned it up a notch by adding a spicy kick and zingy fizz for an easy watermelon refresher you'll make over and over again.

Serrano peppers pack a serious punch, so we call for only half a pepper to get your glass going. From there, fresh watermelon you can find at your local farmers' market is going to mellow out the heat and add classic summer flavor. Finish with tequila reposado (which is slightly smokier than regular tequila and incredibly smooth) and seltzer for a well-balanced cocktail that won't put you under the picnic table.

Those wanting a weaker sipper can add a splash more of seltzer as desired. Sit back, relax, and get your spicy watermelon spritzer on.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 batch Simple Syrup

  • 1/2 seeded and chopped serrano chile (about 1 Tbsp.)

  • 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 2 lb.)

  • 3/4 cup (6 oz.) tequila reposado

  • 1 (12 oz.) can watermelon-flavored or plain seltzer water

  • Garnish: salt for rim, chile slices, and watermelon wedges

Directions

  1. Prepare ¼ batch of Simple Syrup; remove from heat. Stir in seeded and chopped serrano chile. Cover and steep 30 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl; discard solids. Cool to room temperature, 1 hour.

  2. While syrup cools, process cubed seedless watermelon in a blender until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Working in batches, pour watermelon puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl; discard solids.

  3. Pour watermelon juice into a 2- to 3-qt. pitcher. Stir in tequila reposado, watermelon-flavored or plain seltzer water, and cooled syrup. Salt the rims of 8 Collins glasses, and fill with ice. Pour cocktail evenly into glasses; garnish with chile slices and watermelon wedges.

Related Articles

Southern Living Watermelon Sangria in glasses to serve garnished with watermelon wedges, mint leaves, and lime wheels
Watermelon Sangria
Watermelon Daiquiris in glasses with watermelon wedge and lime wheel
Watermelon Daiquiri
Pineapple-Coconut Fizz
Pineapple-Coconut Fizz
Southern Living Watermelon 75 in glasses to serve
Watermelon 75
thanksgiving punch - southern living
Thanksgiving Punch With Rum
Southern Living Watermelon Margaritas in two glasses ready to serve
Watermelon Margaritas
summer melon sangria
Summer Melon Sangria
Watermelon Pie
Watermelon Pie
Southern Living Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad in a bowl to serve
Watermelon, Cucumber, And Feta Salad
Southern Living Pitcher Mojitos ready to serve
Pitcher Mojitos
Pomegranate Margaritas in clear margarita glasses
Pomegranate Margarita
Southern Living Paloma three drinks ready to serve
Paloma
Azalea Cocktail
Azalea Cocktail
Southern Living Bourbon Margarita in glasses to serve
This Bourbon Margarita Is Made For Beach Days
Southern Living Spiked Arnold Palmer in glasses to serve
Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers
Southern Living Tailgate Margarita in glasses to serve
Tailgate Margaritas Are The Only Way To Complete Game Day