This watermelon martini recipe is the perfect refreshing drink for a hot Summer day! These easy, cosmo-style martinis are made with vodka or gin and bursting with fresh watermelon flavor!
This gin or vodka watermelon cocktail is one of our favorite drink recipes for Summer! They are so yummy! If you love watermelon drinks, be sure to check out our Jalapeño Watermelon Margaritas, too!
Ingredients
These fresh watermelon martinis are easy to make with a few simple ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Watermelon Syrup - The star of the show!!! Our watermelon cocktail recipes are made with a quick, 5 Minute Watermelon Simple Syrup. All you need is some seedless watermelon and a bit of sugar! The recipe is included below but be sure to check out the full post for tips on picking a perfect watermelon and more watermelon drink ideas!
- Vodka or Gin - Use your favorite bottle of vodka for martinis that are bursting with the natural sweetness and flavors of fresh watermelon juice.
- You can also experiment with infused vodka. For gin martinis, we recommend using a Spring or Summer style gin that is lighter and won't overpower the delicious Summer fruit!
- Triple Sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier - A little orange liqueur pairs perfectly. For a lower alcohol content, substitute more watermelon or orange juice.
- Lemon Juice - A touch of bright citrus juice helps to balance the fresh flavors with a touch of tartness.
- Ice - For shaking!
How To Make This Recipe
These drinks are so easy to make! Check out the recipe card below for more detailed instructions!
- Make homemade watermelon syrup.
- Add all ingredients to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake, shake, shake!
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass and garnish with watermelon balls or mini watermelon slice!
- Cheers!
When To Serve Watermelon Martinis
This watermelon martini cocktail recipe perfect for enjoying all Summer long! For the best watermelon-y flavor, we recommend making this recipe in the peak of watermelon season!
Here are a few of our favorite times to enjoy this recipe:
- Summer Holidays - Watermelon martinis are the perfect cocktail to serve at your Summer celebrations! We love them at cookouts for 4th of July, Summer Solstice and all of Labor Day weekend!
- Barbecues - Watermelon drinks are the perfect pairing for a good backyard BBQ! Try it with our Smoked Chicken Quarters and Apricot BBQ Sauce!
- Ladies Night - These drinks go fast on a good girls' night!
- Pool Parties - Such a fun way to kick back and relax on sunny Summer days! Use the same watermelon syrup to make the kids sodas and non-alcoholic watermelon lemonade!
- Happy Hours and Dinner Parties - Watermelon vodka cocktails make for a lovely seasonal aperitif!
More Summer Cocktail Recipes
Here are some of our other fruity cocktails that are perfect for sipping in the Summer months!
Recipe
Watermelon Martini (with Gin or Vodka)
ADJUST SERVINGS
Special Equipment
- 1 Blender or Food Processor
- 1 Funnel
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 Cocktail Shaker (or Mason Jar with Lid)
- 1 Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer
- 1 Fine-Mesh Cocktail/Tea Strainer
Ingredients
Watermelon Syrup (About 2 Cups)
- 1 pound cubed seedless watermelon About 3 Cups
- 4 ounces granulated sugar ½ Cup plus 1 Tablespoon
Watermelon Martini (1 Serving)
- 1½ ounces vodka or gin
- ¾ ounce Watermelon Syrup
- ¾ ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ ounce Triple Sec or other orange liqueur
- Ice as needed for shaking
- 1 watermelon ball or mini watermelon wedge optional garnish
Instructions
Watermelon Syrup (About 2 Cups)
- Add watermelon to a blender (or food processor) and process on high speed until puréed. Set aside.
- Add sugar to a mason jar. Arrange a funnel and fine mesh strainer over the jar. Strain fresh watermelon puree into the jar with the sugar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 - 60 seconds or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Use immediately or keep refrigerated for up to 1 - 2 weeks.
Watermelon Martini (1 Serving)
- Combine vodka or gin, watermelon syrup, triple sec, lemon juice and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until ice cold.
- Strain through a Hawthorne and fine mesh tea strainer into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a melon ball or mini watermelon wedge, as desired. Serve immediately. Cheers!
* A Note About Salt
Unless otherwise noted, all recipes on The Sage Apron are developed using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. It is a great all-purpose salt for cooking and baking. If using table salt, reduce quantities by about half.
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