Who doesn't love watermelon season? It's the best when you get perfectly ripe watermelons. As much as I love snacking on watermelon, fresh watermelon juice makes for some of the best summer cocktails. Let's make this watermelon gin cocktail that you'll love sipping all season long.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission when you click on the links and make a purchase. I will never recommend a product that I don’t support 100%.
You'll love this watermelon gin cocktail
It's easy to make. With 4 simple ingredients, this perfect watermelon cocktail comes together in no time. Plus, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to juice a watermelon! You'll be making this all summer long.
It's refreshing. The combination of sweet watermelon with a dry yet floral gin is so crisp and refreshing. Not to mention the little bit of zest from the fresh lime juice and the bubbly sweetness from the tonic water, it all comes together to make one of my favorite summer cocktail recipes.
It's perfect for summer. Watermelon screams summer, so of course, this fruity drink is perfect for summer!
Ingredients
Gin. I use a dry gin; Tanqueray is one of my favorites, and that is currently the gin I have stocked on my bar cart. You can use whatever classic gin you prefer! I also really enjoy Empress Gin. They have a pink gin that's infused with rose, which would make for the prettiest pink cocktail when mixed with watermelon juice. That gin is a great option, too.
Lime Juice. I enjoy just a splash of fresh lime juice to cut through the sweetness of the watermelon juice and tonic water. It's the perfect addition to this watermelon gin cocktail.
Watermelon Juice. You can use store-bought watermelon juice, but I included directions below for you to follow on how to get watermelon juice from a fresh watermelon. It is so easy and so worth it, in my opinion.
Tonic Water. To add a bit of bubbles and a little touch of sweetness, I love adding tonic water to this!
How to make watermelon juice
Watermelon juice is SO easy to make! All you need is a blender, a fine mesh sieve (or a fine mesh strainer), and a bowl with a spout for easy pouring. I recommend keeping your watermelon juice in one of these glass juice jars.
- Cut your watermelon into cubes and place them into a blender.
- Blend until smooth. (this shouldn't take long at all)
- Place your fine mesh strainer over your bowl.
- Carefully pour the blended watermelon into the fine mesh strainer.
- Using the back of a spoon, press the pulp into the fine mesh strainer to make sure you're getting all the juice out of your watermelon.
- Repeat until the blended watermelon is all strained.
- Transfer to your glass pitcher, and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to make this easy watermelon gin and tonic
- In a cocktail shaker, combine your gin, lime juice, and watermelon juice.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish with a watermelon slice and lime wheel.
- Cheers!
Substitutions and variations
Lemon Juice. If you don't have limes, lemon juice would also be a delicious citrus juice to make this watermelon gin cocktail with!
Simple Syrup. If you like your cocktails sweet, you might want to add a splash of simple syrup. I think it's sweet enough with the watermelon juice and tonic water, but I also don't love super sweet cocktails! Try the cocktail as is, and then add in a little bit of simple syrup until it's to your liking.
Club Soda. If you don't love tonic water or you just don't have any, club soda isn't a total substitute, but it'll give you that fizz.
Watermelon Ice Cubes. If you have leftover watermelon juice, pour some into ice molds and make watermelon ice cubes to use in this drink!
Garnish ideas
- Watermelon Slice
- Fresh Herbs like a fresh mint sprig, basil, or thyme
- Lime Wheel
How to make a big batch version for a party
This cocktail can't totally be made in advance, but you can make the majority of it in advance! This recipe will make 10 cocktails.
- In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups of gin, ⅔ cups lime juice, and 2.5 cups of watermelon juice. Stir, cover, and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Once ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher. Serve it alongside cups, fresh ice to fill the cups, and tonic water. Pour 4 oz of the watermelon gin mixture into a glass, and top with tonic water.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Pin it for later!
FAQs
Do gin and watermelon go together?
Yes! I love the pairing of gin and watermelon.
What fruit is best with gin?
I love citrus fruits with gin, like lime or lemon. Alternatively, I love watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries with gin, too.
Want more gin cocktails?
Watermelon Gin Cocktail
Who doesn't love watermelon season? It's the best when you get perfectly ripe watermelons. As much as I love snacking on watermelon, fresh watermelon juice makes for some of the best summer cocktails. Let's make this watermelon gin cocktail that you'll love sipping all season long.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz gin
- ½ oz lime juice
- 2 oz watermelon juice
- 2-3 oz tonic water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine your gin, lime juice, and watermelon juice.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish with a watermelon slice and lime wheel.
- Cheers!
Notes
How to make watermelon juice
Watermelon juice is SO easy to make! All you need is a blender, a fine mesh sieve (or a fine mesh strainer), and a bowl with a spout for easy pouring. I recommend keeping your watermelon juice in one of these glass juice jars.
- Cut your watermelon into cubes and place them into a blender.
- Blend until smooth. (this shouldn't take long at all)
- Place your fine mesh strainer over your bowl.
- Carefully pour the blended watermelon into the fine mesh strainer.
- Using the back of a spoon, press the pulp into the fine mesh strainer to make sure you're getting all the juice out of your watermelon.
- Repeat until the blended watermelon is all strained.
- Transfer to your glass pitcher, and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Substitutions and variations
Lemon Juice. If you don't have limes, lemon juice would also be a delicious citrus juice to make this watermelon gin cocktail with!
Simple Syrup. If you like your cocktails sweet, you might want to add a splash of simple syrup. I think it's sweet enough with the watermelon juice and tonic water, but I also don't love super sweet cocktails! Try the cocktail as is, and then add in a little bit of simple syrup until it's to your liking.
Club Soda. If you don't love tonic water or you just don't have any, club soda isn't a total substitute, but it'll give you that fizz.
Watermelon Ice Cubes. If you have leftover watermelon juice, pour some into ice molds and make watermelon ice cubes to use in this drink!
Garnish ideas
- Watermelon Slice
- Fresh Herbs like a fresh mint sprig, basil, or thyme
- Lime Wheel
How to make a big batch version for a party
This cocktail can't totally be made in advance, but you can make the majority of it in advance! This recipe will make 10 cocktails.
- In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups of gin, ⅔ cups lime juice, and 2.5 cups of watermelon juice. Stir, cover, and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Once ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher. Serve it alongside cups, fresh ice to fill the cups, and tonic water. Pour 4 oz of the watermelon gin mixture into a glass, and top with tonic water.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Leave a Reply