Refreshing Watermelon Drinks to Cool Off With (Cocktails, Mocktails, and more!)

Posted By Meghan Y. | Updated on April 4, 2025 | Published on August 16, 2023 // Leave a Comment

Explore a refreshing roundup of watermelon-inspired cocktails and drinks that embody the essence of summer! From vibrant cocktails to mocktails to smoothies bursting with flavor, we are sharing a variety of ways to quench your thirst and embrace the season’s juiciest fruit.

Watermelon cocktails and watermelon drinks pinterest image

Watermelon is the fruit of the summer, and if you aren’t putting it into drinks, you are seriously missing out. Watermelon juice is one of those drinks that I could sip on any day, but it’s also a fantastic base for so many drinks.

Where can you serve any of these tasty watermelon drinks? The options are endless! There are cocktails to sip on by the pool, smoothies to start your day with, mocktails that the whole family can sip on, and big batch party drinks for your next summertime party.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for watermelon cocktails or non-alcoholic watermelon drinks, this round up has it all to cool off with on a hot day. From classic recipes to unique twists, you are guaranteed to find something to enjoy in this list!

Overhead image watermelon margaritas in glasses

spicy watermelon margarita

A Spicy Watermelon Margarita is the ultimate summer refreshment for happy hour! Made with fresh watermelon and jalapeño for a touch of subtle heat, you won’t be able to stop at just one. This recipe is easily scalable so you can make anywhere from 1 cocktail up to 8 cocktails!

Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca Image in a glass

watermelon lime agua fresca

Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca is a refreshing mix of sweet, fruity, and tangy for your summer sipping delight! Made with only four ingredients, it’s fresh and easy to make all season long. If you want, you can even spike it with some vodka!

Salted Watermelon Grapefruit Paloma

salted watermelon grapefruit paloma

Kick back and sip on a Salted Watermelon Grapefruit Paloma! The combination of sweet and tart fruit, plus a bit of salt, come together to make the perfect summer sipper. Bust it out for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any backyard summer cocktail hour!

Photo of fruity cocktail in glasses with fresh fruit

watermelon vodka cocktail

A mouthwatering Watermelon Vodka Cocktail is the epitome of summer refreshment! This invigorating drink combines the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh watermelon with the smooth, clean notes of vodka. It’s a tasty fusion of flavors that will keep you cool and revitalized, making it the ideal choice for hot summer days.

watermelon basil mo

watermelon basil mocktail

A Watermelon Basil Mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink made with basil simple syrup, fresh watermelon juice, lime, and a touch of sparkling water for a fizzy twist. All the flavor of a mojito, without the alcohol.

banana watermelon smoothie

banana watermelon smoothie

A Banana Watermelon Smoothie comes together in mere minutes with only three ingredients: watermelon, banana, and ice. It’s the best way to start the day!

frozen watermelon margarita

frozen watermelon margarita

Don’t miss out on watermelon season! Relish the cooling delight of the Frozen Watermelon Margarita, a cocktail that is ready to be paired with your favorite tacos. 

strawberry watermelon smoothie

strawberry watermelon smoothie

A Fresh Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, suitable for both kids and adults. It’s a favorite to drink poolside!

watermelon mojito

watermelon mojito

Transform watermelon juice into an Easy Watermelon Mojito! It is a delicious way to enjoy the essence of summer. Just grab watermelon, rum, fresh lime juice, club soda, and ice!

watermelon kid friendly slushie

watermelon slush (kid-friendly)

Savor the simplicity of Watermelon Slush—a tasty and easily made drink perfect for warm weather sipping. Ideal for kids and adults alike.

margarita infused watermelon chunks

margarita infused watermelon

Margarita Infused Watermelon is a tequila-spiked refreshment that’s perfect for a party. Infused with the flavors of a classic margarita, these watermelon-soaked chunks are a refreshing boozy treat.

coconut watermelon lime mojito

coconut watermelon mojito

The Coconut-Watermelon Mojito is where mint, lime juice, and fresh watermelon chunks meet sweet cream of coconut for a tropical island-inspired cocktail.

watermelon crush cocktail

watermelon crush

If you are looking for a refreshing summer cocktail, you have to try this Watermelon Crush. It’s a tasty blend of fresh watermelon juice, vodka, triple sec, and a touch of lemon-lime soda!

watermelon mojito cocktail

watermelon mojito

Quench your thirst on hot summer days with the Watermelon Mojito Mocktail. This refreshing drink blends juicy watermelon, fresh mint, lime juice, and sparkling water for a delightful experience. It’s a quick 5-minute recipe that’s both alcohol-free and easily transformable into a traditional mojito.

watermelon basil margarita

watermelon basil margarita

Experience a fresh twist on the classic margarita with the Watermelon Basil Margarita. Combining beloved summer flavors, this sip is perfectly sweet and totally refreshing.

sangria in a watermelon

sangria watermelon

Dive into summer with the enticing Sangria Watermelon. It is a party-ready choice that maximizes the potential of watermelon’s sweetness. It’s a refreshing and sweet vibe all in one!

watermelon jello shots in lime rinds

watermelon jello shots

Summer vibes are all you need to pair with these Watermelon Jello Shot! They are a hit at barbecues and pool parties. 

watermelon malibu slush

watermelon malibu slush

Discover the Watermelon Malibu Slush—a freezer-friendly essential for spontaneous summer cocktail hours. With minimal ingredients, this slush keeps you and your guests cool during scorching days.

watermelon mint cocktail

watermelon mint cocktail

Embrace summer with the Watermelon Mint Cocktail, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the zest of lemon and the freshness of mint.

watermelon mezcal mojito cocktail

watermelon mezcal mojito

Quench your thirst with the Watermelon Mezcal Mojito! It is a balanced blend of sweet watermelon and smoky mezcal that is a tasty pairing for warm summer cookouts.

watermelon smoothie recipe

watermelon smoothie

A refreshing Watermelon Smoothie is ready in just 2 minutes. The frozen watermelon, water, lime juice, honey, and optional mint leaves combine to offer the ideal summer morning smoothie.

watermelon strawberry sangria

watermelon strawberry sangria

Elevate the classic Sangria with Watermelon Strawberry Sangria, adding a summery twist to this well-loved drink.

watermelon granita in a glass

raspberry watermelon granita

Cool off on hot summer days with the ultimate treat, the Watermelon Granita. It is essentially a snow cone made with fresh juices and whole fruit!

watermelon lemonade image

watermelon rosemary cocktail

Earthy and bright Watermelon Rosemary Cocktails are made with vodka and homemade watermelon juice. Ready in under 20 minutes, this is a unique take on a watermelon cocktail

Watermelon Paloma image

watermelon palmoa

A Watermelon Paloma is a refreshing cocktail made with fresh watermelon, lime and orange juices, and a splash of tequila — the perfect summer treat.

Pouring watermelon soda

watermelon italian soda

Get a taste of fruity refreshment with the Watermelon Italian Soda, a quick and easy recipe bursting with sweet fruit flavor.

watermelon mimosas

watermelon mimosa

Celebrate any occasion with the light, sweet, and bubbly Watermelon Mimosa. The easy-to-make drink is perfect for brunch or Mother’s Day.

Watermelon mojito smoothie

watermelon mojito smoothie

Cool off on a hot summer day with a Watermelon Mojito Smoothie, a hydrating and simple delight.

watermelon limeade

watermelon limeade

Experience the tangy kick of Watermelon Limeade, a quick, easy, and naturally sweet way to cool down.

watermelon whiskey sour

watermelon whiskey sour

Savor a unique blend with the Watermelon Whiskey Sour. The classic whiskey sour meets sweet watermelon, resulting in a beautifully hued mixed drink.

easy watermelon margaritas

watermelon margarita

Unwind with the straightforward and easy Watermelon Margaritas. With just three ingredients, it’s the ultimate cooling solution for summer.

watermelon mint sangria recipe

watermelon mint sangria

Sip on a glass of refreshing Watermelon Mint Sangria, a perfect summer cocktail for warm evenings on the porch.

watermelon martini

watermelon martini

The Watermelon Martini, a twist on the Cosmopolitan Cocktail, is a fresh and vibrant option. Mocktail instructions are included for those who prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Watermelon plant based slushie

watermelon slushie

Beat the heat with a Watermelon Slushie, a satisfying and invigorating solution. This icy combination of watermelon and mint not only refreshes but also provides nutrients in every gulp.

watermelon cooler sipper

watermelon cooler

For the quintessential summer thirst quencher, try the Watermelon Cooler. A refreshing drink using just four basic ingredients, this beverage is a delightful alternative to designer options.

pineapple watermelon summer sangria

fruity summer sangria with pineapple and watermelon

Fruity Summer Sangria with Pineapple and Watermelon offers a sweet, effervescent, and refreshing experience for scorching days. A mix of fresh pineapple, watermelon, and chilled white wine, garnished with mint and orange, sets the tone.

easy watermelon lemonade

watermelon lemonade

Watermelon Lemonade is a hit for all ages during summer parties. The non-alcoholic blend promises enjoyment for kids and adults alike.

my must-haves for watermelon cocktails

If you are making watermelon juice for any of the recipes above, you will definitely need a blender (like a Vitamix) or a food processor. This is the easiest way to make watermelon juice without getting a juicer! Simple blend the fruit until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to get the juice.

You could also use a juicer, but it is a big bulky appliance so only grab it if you have room and plan to drink a lot of juice!

For cocktails, pick up a jigger, cocktail shaker, cocktail strainer, and cocktail stirring spoon. I love to have a classic set of glasses on hand like these Gatsby glasses because you can serve so many different drinks in them!

When you make these cocktails in a big batch, just grab a pitcher!

Don’t forget to grab a set of ice sphere molds to make ice for those drinks too! The larger ice cubes are ideal because they don’t melt as quickly.

I also recommend having extra watermelon around as an option for garnish, whether it’s cubed watermelon or slices of watermelon.

just one more thing…

If you are serving any of these watermelon cocktails or watermelon drinks, you will need some tasty summery food to go with them! Personally, I feel like seasonal summer recipes or grilling recipes go best with watermelon beverages.

Here are a few of my favorite meals to serve with a juicy watermelon drink:

If you love BBQ pulled meat, try an easy bbq pulled chicken burger or pulled pork burger!

A savory French onion burger melds together the juiciness of a grilled burger with the flavors of French onion soup.

Get ready to lick your fingers when you grab a rack of bbq apple cider ribs!

Juicy and tender, a smoked pork loin is the easiest main dish to make.

For more charred recipes, you can always check out my grilling recipes page. Don’t forget to get more seasonal inspiration with these summer recipes, as well.


You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.