A good margarita relies on balance, and this watermelon version gets it just right. The sweetness of watermelon juice works brilliantly with sharp lime and tequila, while the triple sec rounds everything out without making it too sweet. It’s a proper cocktail that happens to taste like summer, rather than just fruit juice with a splash of alcohol.
The Tajín rim is worth doing properly. That mix of chilli, lime and salt against the cold, sweet drink creates a lovely contrast with each sip. Tajín has become fairly easy to find in most supermarkets now, usually in the world foods aisle near the Mexican ingredients. If you can’t get hold of it, a mix of chilli flakes and salt works as a decent substitute, though the real thing is better.
Shop-bought watermelon juice makes this cocktail even quicker to put together. Most health food shops and larger supermarkets stock it these days, usually in the chilled juice section. Look for one without added sugar if you can, as watermelon is naturally sweet enough and you want the lime juice to cut through properly. The colour varies between brands, from pale pink to proper deep red, but that won’t affect the taste much.
The measurements are given in parts rather than specific amounts, which makes it easy to scale up for a crowd. One part equals whatever measure you choose, whether that’s 30ml for a single drink or a full cup when you’re making a pitcher. The key is keeping the ratios consistent.
That watermelon wedge garnish isn’t just for show either. It’s nice to have something to nibble between sips, especially with the spiced rim adding a bit of heat to the mix.

Sunset Watermelon Margarita with Tajín Salt Rim
Ingredients
- 2 parts tequila
- 2 parts watermelon juice
- 2 parts lime juice
- 1 part triple sec
- Tajín seasoning
- Flaked sea salt
- Ice cubes
- Fresh watermelon wedge for garnish
Directions
- Combine equal parts flaked sea salt and Tajín seasoning on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass, then dip and twist the rim in the spice mixture to coat evenly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Measure in the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and watermelon juice.
- Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass.
- Cut a small slit in a fresh watermelon wedge and place it on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately.
