Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

What’s more summery than icy cold watermelon? Transform it into a tasty cocktail, and you’ll have a drink that’s just as refreshing as a summer breeze! It is perfect for a warm, clear evening enjoying the starry skies on the patio or for some festive fun at summer parties.

If you love spending time in the sunshine, watermelon is the perfect fruit to keep you hydrated!

It’s also packed with nutrition and healthy plant compounds. Did you know that watermelon is a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid known for improving exercise performance? This gives you even more reason to add it to the drinks menu when you’re having an activity-filled pool party or a day out at the lake. 

This Watermelon Vodka Cocktail recipe is so tasty that you’re bound to want more than one. So why not double (or quadruple!) it up and invite a few friends over to experience this taste and color sensation. Yes, it’s just as pretty as it is delicious.

Making a watermelon vodka cocktail is quick and easy. You’ll need a few things to make this cocktail, but I have some smart ideas for substitutions in case you don’t have all the required equipment. 

1. Glasses

You can use any type of glass for this cocktail. Because it is such a beautiful color, I recommend using clear glasses so you and your guests can enjoy it even more.

2. A Cocktail Shaker

If you have a cocktail shaker at home, that’s great! But if you don’t, you can use a protein shaker, a mason jar, a travel coffee cup that can seal, or a blender bottle. They’ll all work just fine.

3. A Blender or Juicer

You’ll need a blender or juicer to turn the fresh watermelon cubes into yummy watermelon puree. It’s a similar process to make watermelon margaritas.

But, if you don’t have a blender pr juicer, don’t worry. You can use a stick blender, or you can always use store-bought juice if you don’t have anything to blend it with. 

If you’re okay with a little extra effort and you really want some fresh watermelon, you could grate it up and then strain it. It takes longer, but watermelon is a super soft fruit, so this method will work.

4. A Strainer

You can use an ordinary strainer that you’d use to sift flour or even a cheesecloth. You can also use a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a clearer drink.

If you like the idea of keeping some of the watermelon pulp, don’t bother staining the watermelon.

You can substitute, mix and match all of the ingredients in this watermelon vodka cocktail and make it as healthy as you like. And you don’t have to worry about compromising on taste – even the healthiest version is delicious. 

I’ve also included some ideas below for flavor variations. It makes it so easy to adapt to your flavor preference, and substituting ingredients is simple.

Watermelon

Fresh whole watermelon is always best! The flavor will be so rich and sweet that it’s well worth the little bit of effort to use it. Look for a large watermelon at the grocery store or farmers’ market that is heavy for its size.

If you’re pressed for time or can’t find fresh watermelon in your area, you can use store-bought watermelon juice instead. Just watch out for added sweeteners or sugars. It will make your cocktail too sweet, and it will be less healthy. 

Save a watermelon slice to garnish your drinks.

Vodka

You can use any vodka for this delicious cocktail. I like to keep a nice bottle of vodka on hand.

What if you don’t have any vodka? Tequila, white rum, triple sec, gin, or any clear liquor will do just fine. 

If you want to make a mocktail with no alcohol, simply replace the vodka with club soda or soda water. You’ll have a delicious Watermelon Aqua Fresca with lots of fresh flavors.

Lime or Lemon Juice

Either fresh lime juice or lemon juice or bottled juice will work as long as it’s fresh or high-quality, unsweetened store-bought juice. I think lime goes best with watermelon – the tanginess balances out the sweetness of the fruit beautifully.

I would avoid using orange juice or cranberry juice as it will change the color and flavor of the drink too much.

If you use bottled lime or lemon juice, substitute one tablespoon for every half a lime you use. Feel free to save a fresh lime wedge for garnish.

Fresh Mint Leaves

If you don’t have fresh mint leaves, it’s okay. It is an optional but wonderfully fragrant extra. If you have mint on hand, all you need to do is clap the sprig with your hands a couple of times to release the oils, which gives you that fresh flavor. You’ll love the smell!

Sweetener

This Vodka Watermelon Cocktail should have more than enough sweetness on its own, especially if you use a fresh, ripe watermelon to make it.

But, if you are a sweet tooth, use agave or honey as a slightly healthier option to simple syrup to sweeten it. I love it just the way it is without any added sweetener. 

Ice

This cocktail works so well with crushed ice, but ice cubes or frozen citrus fruit slices will work just as well.

To crush ice at home without an ice crusher or blender, tie some ice cubes in a clean dish towel with a rubber band and use a rolling pin to crush the ice by beating it.