As the scorching summer temperatures rise across India, there’s no better way to cool down than with a refreshing, fruity cocktail. Watermelons, with their high water content and natural sweetness, make for an excellent cocktail mixer. These thirst-quenching watermelon cocktail recipes are perfect for enjoying on a hot day while relaxing at home or entertaining friends and family.
Watermelon: The Quintessential Summer Fruit Watermelons have been cultivated in India for over 3,000 years and are an integral part of the country’s summer cuisine. With their vibrant red flesh, abundant in water and nutrients like vitamins A, B6, C and antioxidants, watermelons offer a refreshing respite from the sweltering heat.
Beyond just eating watermelon slices or making beverages like jal-jeera, panna, or sharbats, the juicy fruit can also be used to make delightfully cooling cocktails. The natural sugars in watermelon allow it to blend seamlessly with spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and more. Get ready to explore a whole new side of this beloved summer staple!
Spicy Watermelon Margarita Add an Indian twist to the classic margarita with this spicy and fruity version.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz triple sec
- 3 oz watermelon puree (from seedless watermelon)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1⁄4 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1⁄4 tsp red chili powder
- Salt and chili lime seasoning for rimming glass
Instructions:
- Prepare the spiced salt rim by mixing salt with chili lime seasoning on a small plate. Moisten the rim of two glasses with a lime wedge and dip in the salt mixture.
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, triple sec, watermelon puree, lime juice, cumin powder, and chili powder with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into the prepared salt-rimmed glasses over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a watermelon wedge.
Watermelon Gin Fizz Botanical gin pairs beautifully with the fruity sweetness of watermelon in this effervescent cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3 oz watermelon juice (puree watermelon and strain)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- Mint leaves and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker tin, combine the gin, watermelon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake hard.
- Strain into a chilled collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and give a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wheel.
Frosty Watermelon Lassi Creamy, cool, and spiked – this cocktail is inspired by the iconic yogurt-based lassi drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup watermelon cubes (seedless)
- 1⁄2 cup plain yogurt
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1⁄4 tsp cardamom powder
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes, yogurt, milk, vodka, sugar, and cardamom powder. Blend until smooth and frosty.
- Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with crushed pistachios.
- For a thicker, shake-style lassi consistency, use less milk.
Kala Khatta Watermelon Cooler This unique cocktail combines the refreshing taste of watermelon with the tangy, savory flavors of kala khatta (black salt and dried mango powder).
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 3 oz watermelon juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1⁄2 tsp kala khatta powder (or black salt)
- 1⁄2 tsp dried mango (amchur) powder
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, watermelon juice, lime juice, cumin powder, kala khatta powder, and amchur powder with ice. Shake vigorously.
- Strain into chilled glasses filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish each drink with a mint sprig.
Summer Rose Watermelon Sangria Combining watermelon, rose wine, and fresh fruit makes for a perfect warm weather sangria.
Ingredients:
- 1 (750 ml) bottle rose wine
- 1 cup watermelon cubes
- 1⁄2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1⁄2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1⁄4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the rose wine, watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, triple sec, orange juice, lime juice, and sugar. Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to blend.
- Give the sangria a gentle stir before serving over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Sgroppino al’Anguria (Watermelon Sgroppino) Based on the classic Italian palate cleanser, this frothy frozen cocktail is akin to an icy watermelon slushie.
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup watermelon puree
- 1⁄4 cup vodka
- 2 tbsp lemon sorbet
- 1 tbsp prosecco
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the watermelon puree, vodka, and lemon sorbet. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into a chilled glass or bowl.
- Top with prosecco and give a gentle stir to incorporate.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Thandai Watermelon Punch This big-batch cocktail combines the traditional thandai drink flavors with juicy watermelon.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon juice
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup thandai mix (or 1⁄2 cup each almonds, fennel seeds, melon seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds)
- 1 cup vodka or light rum
- 1⁄2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp fennel seed powder
- 1⁄2 tsp cardamom powder
- Dried rose petals for garnish
Instructions:
- If making thandai mix from scratch, soak ingredients overnight then grind into a powder.
- In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, milk, thandai mix, vodka or rum, sugar, fennel powder, and cardamom powder. Stir well.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.
- Stir again before serving over ice in glasses. Garnish with dried rose petals.
With their vibrant colors, natural sweetness, and endless versatility, watermelon cocktails make the perfect thirst-quenchers for those sultry Indian summer days and nights. Kick back, relax, and let these creative recipes transport you to a juicy, refreshing oasis. Cheers!