How do I choose a ripe watermelon?

Pick a ripe watermelon every time by looking for a few key traits: Choose a melon that's dark in color, has a dull rind, is heavy for its size, echoes back a "thump" when tapped, and has some sugar spots, or webbing, on its surface.

Can I use a different type of alcohol for watermelon daiquiris?

While daiquiris get their signature flavor from rum, you can make a version of this frozen cocktail with any alcohol you prefer, including vodka.

What other flavors of daiquiris can I make?

Daiquiris come in a rainbow of colors, and can feature a variety of fruits. Some of our favorites include strawberry , banana , and key lime daiquiris. If you're looking for a version that's slightly less sweet, a Hemingway Daiquiri will be right up your alley.

Watermelon Daiquiri Recipe

Name: Watermelon Daiquiri
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 2 cups seedless watermelon cubes [(1-in. pieces) from 1 small watermelon], plus more for garnish; .5 cup ice cubes; 6 tablespoons (3 oz.) white rum (such as Bacardi); 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 4 limes); 6 tablespoons refrigerated watermelon juice (such as Simply Watermelon); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; .25 teaspoon kosher salt; Lime wheels

Active Time:

10 mins

Freeze Time:

4 hrs

Total Time:

4 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

2

The most spirited Southern entertainers have fun changing their "house drink" from season to season, delighting guests and drop-by visitors. Summer is the time for something light, refreshing, and bursting with the best flavors of the season; particularly watermelon. From mojitos and margaritas to sangria and spritzers, there are many refreshing options (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for porch sitting, pool parties, and backyard barbecues.

This year, we're skipping the long list of ingredients and fancy bar tools in favor of a tried-and-true classic. Enter the watermelon daiquiri. This frozen cocktail combines rum, lime juice, and sugar, and cubes of frozen watermelon for a cool, balanced drink that helps beat the summer heat.

Watermelon Daiquiris in glasses with watermelon wedge and lime wheel — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

The History of Daiquiris

The daiquiri is a cocktail consisting of rum, juice, and sugar, and was rumored to have been invented by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, then brought to New York by a U.S. Congressman in 1902.

The drink was introduced to the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. in 1909, and continued to gain popularity, reaching a peak in the 1940’s when World War II rationing made whiskey and vodka hard to come by, but rum more easily obtainable.

Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and John F. Kennedy are just a few of the celebrities known to enjoy daiquiris. Hemingway would often frequent El Floridita, an American-style bar in Havana, Cuba during Prohibition, where the Hemingway daiquiri was created for him. Frozen daiquiris were also created in Cuba, by Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, also known as “The Cocktail King of Cuba."

Ingredients for Watermelon Daiquiris

To make these daiquiris, you'll need:

Seedless watermelon: The base of the drink, the watermelon cubes are frozen to help thicken the drink while blending. If short on time, purchase pre-cut watermelon and freeze overnight so you're ready to blend.
Ice cubes: To chill and thicken the cocktail.
White rum: Bacardi or other preferred rum.
Fresh lime juice: Substitute for store-bought if needed.
Watermelon juice: Such as Simply Watermelon, or make your own by blending fresh watermelon and straining out the excess pulp.
Powdered sugar: Blends easily into the drink. Can also use simple syrup to sweeten.
Kosher salt: To enhance the flavor of the drink.
Lime wheels: For garnish.

How To Make Watermelon Daiquiris

While a little freezing time is needed for the cubed watermelon, they can be prepped the night before so you're ready to go. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Freeze watermelon: Arrange cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
Step 2. Blend daiquiri: Blend watermelon, ice, rum, lime juice, watermelon juice, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth.
Step 3. Pour and serve: Pour into 2 frozen rocks glasses. Garnish and serve immediately.

Storing Watermelon Daiquiris

While other types of frozen daiquiris can be made ahead and frozen (the alcohol will keep them from freezing solid), the water content of watermelon makes this difficult to prepare in advance. If you do want to try freezing the mixture ahead, let soften at room temperature until slushy, then reblend to bring it back together.

To prep watermelon cubes ahead: Prepare the frozen watermelon cubes up to a month in advance (freeze in a zip-top, freezer-safe bag), so you're ready to blend at a moment's notice.

More Watermelon Cocktails

Looking for more watermelon-based cocktails? Check out some of our favorites:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2 cups seedless watermelon cubes [(1-in. pieces) from 1 small watermelon], plus more for garnish
1/2 cup ice cubes
6 Tbsp. (3 oz.) white rum (such as Bacardi)
6 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 4 limes)
6 Tbsp. refrigerated watermelon juice (such as Simply Watermelon)
2 Tbsp. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Lime wheels

Directions

Freeze watermelon:

Arrange watermelon cubes evenly on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
Blend daiquiri:

Process frozen watermelon, ice cubes, rum, lime juice, watermelon juice, powdered sugar, and salt in a blender until mixture is smooth, 30 to 45 seconds.
Pour and serve:

Pour mixture evenly into 2 frozen rocks glasses. If desired, garnish with lime wheels and additional watermelon cubes. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a ripe watermelon?

Pick a ripe watermelon every time by looking for a few key traits: Choose a melon that's dark in color, has a dull rind, is heavy for its size, echoes back a "thump" when tapped, and has some sugar spots, or webbing, on its surface.
Can I use a different type of alcohol for watermelon daiquiris?

While daiquiris get their signature flavor from rum, you can make a version of this frozen cocktail with any alcohol you prefer, including vodka.
What other flavors of daiquiris can I make?

Daiquiris come in a rainbow of colors, and can feature a variety of fruits. Some of our favorites include strawberry, banana, and key lime daiquiris. If you're looking for a version that's slightly less sweet, a Hemingway Daiquiri will be right up your alley.