Tequila-Watermelon Punch

By Rosie Schaap

Updated July 9, 2026

  • Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
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Rating
5(395)
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To make watermelon purée, put seedless chunks of watermelon in a blender and pulse, then push the purée through a mesh sieve to make it smoother. (Cutting a whole watermelon might make your kitchen look like a Gallagher set, so it’s O.K. to use precut watermelon from a supermarket.)

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Ingredients

  • 3 parts watermelon purée

  • 1 part silver tequila

  • ½ part fresh lime juice

  • Seltzer

  • Sliced jalapeño

  • Coarse sea salt

  • Ice

  • Agave nectar (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving

43 grams carbs; 173 calories; 1 gram fat; 2 grams fiber; 1394 milligrams sodium; 3 grams protein; 35 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large pitcher or bowl, stir together the watermelon purée, tequila and lime juice.

  2. Step 2

    To sweeten, adjust with agave nectar.

  3. Step 3

    To serve, pour into glasses over ice, top each glass with seltzer, a pinch of sea salt and slices of jalapeño.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
395 user ratings
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Comments

Ben P

Almost...try this instead:
Step 1: Fill a blender with watermelon chunks. You can spoon out of half a watermelon directly into the blender rather than worrying about getting neat chunks as its all going to be blended soon
Step 2: Add 3/4 cup silver tequila and 1/4 cup Cointreau or other triple-sec
Step 3: Add juice from 1 lime
Step 4: Turn on blender and blend until watermelon is liquefied
Step 5: Add crushed ice to glasses, and serve with thin slice of lime and a pinch of salt

Arlen in WV

I froze the watermelon chunks to make puree. When you add the tequla and lime juice and agave it's like a frozen watermelon margarita. Delicious.

Kirsten H

Cut the watermelon in half and use an ice cream scoop instead of cutting and cubing. 😁

Deirdre

It’s not like a watermelon margarita, it’s punch. Regardless, I don’t get the 5 star rating at all-I thought it was really boring. I love watermelon but it’s full of water and this is just too watery and bland as written, especially with the added seltzer which is totally unnecessary.

Elena

Agree this tastes better without alcohol - not my favorite spin on margaritas but makes a good mocktail

Melissa S

@Judy S That's super interesting. I didn't know you could be allergic to Tequila. I just am not a fan. The Rum sounds good.

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