Here’s a summer drink that’s full of big fruity flavor: the Watermelon Martini! This vodka martini is all about the watermelon, with a pure, refreshing flavor. It’s just sweet enough to let the fruit shine through, and it goes down pretty easy. Add that watermelon wedge garnish and it’s a great signature drink for a dinner party, or ideal for sipping by the pool. Here’s how to make this tasty cousin of the martini…that’s really not a martini at all.
What’s in a watermelon martini?
The watermelon martini is a flavored vodka martini. It’s actually more like a Cosmo than a dry martini! Made with gin and dry vermouth, the classic version sometimes is made with vodka. Over time, the vodka version became a blank slate for adding all sorts of fruity variations. Just serve it in a martini glass and it’s a martini! Every bartender has their own way of making this drink. Here are the the ingredients in this watermelon martini:
WatermelonMintVodkaCointreauLime juiceSimple syrup (optional)
You might think this drink would taste intensely sweet, like a watermelon jolly rancher. Instead, this cocktail is just sweet enough: which lets the watermelon flavor shine through beautifully.
How to make a watermelon martini (basic steps)
The watermelon martini is easy to make. All you’ll need is a cocktail shaker and a martini glass. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):
Use watermelon or watermelon juice
You can make this drink using watermelon or watermelon juice! Either way, here’s the most important thing: make sure you use a ripe watermelon. Only make this drink during watermelon season when you know you can find a bright red, juicy fruit. Here are a few notes on chopped watermelon vs watermelon juice:
Watermelon is so easy to use: just cube it up and throw it in! You’ll muddle it so that it becomes a juice right in the cocktail shaker. Watermelon juice is easy to whip up in advance as a big jar. It’s nice for when you’re entertaining, and you can use it for other watermelon cocktails like this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail or Watermelon Gin Cocktail.
All about Cointreau (plus a substitute)
Cointreau is an orange liqueur with a beautiful orange perfume flavor. It’s higher quality than Triple Sec, with a more robust and balanced flavor. It’s most well known for being used in cocktails like the Classic Margarita. If you buy a bottle, you’ll have lots to make with it: try all our Best Cointreau Drinks! If you don’t have a bottle of Cointreau for this watermelon martini, you can substitute any orange liqueur. You could try Triple Sec, or a higher end liqueur like Grand Marnier.
More flavored vodka martini recipes
Flavored martinis are a modern invention: built on the vodka martini. Most of them drop the vermouth…so they’re hardly a martini at all! Here are some of our favorite flavored martini recipes:
Pomegranate Martini This jewel-toned drink is sweet tart and light: the perfect fruity variation.Lemon Drop Martini or Limoncello Martini Zingy and full of citrus brightness.Cucumber Martini A crisp, cool take with the refreshing scent of this hydrating vegetable.Espresso Martini or Coffee Martini A modern classic made with coffee, Kahlua, and vodka.Ginger Martini The spicy flavor of the fresh root shines in this ginger cocktail!Key Lime Martini Fruity and fun, with a graham cracker crust rim! And Licor 43.Raspberry Martini Bright red and full of berry flavor!Chocolate Martini Rich, creamy and oh so decadent.French Martini A triumph! Perfectly balanced with vodka, pineapple, and raspberry liqueur.
When to serve a watermelon martini
The watermelon martini is festive and stunning, perfect for summer entertaining! Serve it as a:
Summer drinkHappy hour drinkDinner party drinkGirls night drinkPool party drinkCocktail hour drink
More watermelon drinks
Love watermelon? Here are some of the best watermelon drink ideas to try while the season is ripe: 4 from 1 review
Watermelon Margarita Tangy, sweet, and seriously refreshing. It’s lightly salty for a perfectly balanced flavor.Watermelon Mule Why have a Moscow mule or Kentucky mule when you can have a…watermelon mule?Watermelon Smoothie or Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie Frosty with frozen strawberries and banana.Easy Watermelon Juice It’s hydrating, full nutrients, and easy to make at home…no juicer required.
