This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This watermelon punch is my ultimate summer sip – fresh, juicy, and wildly refreshing. It’s always a crowd favorite at BBQs, pool days, or anytime it’s too hot to function!
Looking for more punch recipes? Try my Lavender Gin & Tonic Punch, Tequila Punch and Cherry Punch!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItCrowd-Pleasing Watermelon Punch
Refreshing & Easy: Sweet, juicy, and ice-cold—just blend, stir, and serve!
Crowd Favorite: Bright pink and always the first drink to disappear at a party.
Customizable: Add more tequila, skip the booze, or turn it into popsicles.
Summer Vibes in a Bowl: It looks as good as it tastes—especially with floating watermelon slices on top!
Watermelon Punch Ingredient Notes
Fresh Watermelon Juice: I always blend my own—so much fresher and prettier than store-bought! Check out my guide to learn more about making Homemade Watermelon Juice.
Lemon + Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must. It brightens the whole drink.
Simple Syrup: Just sugar + water. Easy and adds the perfect sweetness.
Silver Tequila: Use a smooth one so it doesn’t overpower the watermelon.
Cointreau: A splash of citrusy magic! I use it in tons of cocktails like my like my hibiscus margarita, fig sidecar, and my cosmopolitan.
Ice + Watermelon Slices: Keeps it cold and cute. I always float a few slices on top!
How to Make Watermelon Punch
Juice the watermelon: Blend fresh chunks, then strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for that silky-smooth texture. This fresh juice is the star of the show!
Make a quick syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water until dissolved. Let it cool before adding – no one wants hot punch!
Mix it all together: In a big punch bowl, stir together watermelon juice, fresh lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, tequila, and Cointreau.
Finish it off: Right before serving, add lots of ice and float watermelon slices or a few mint sprigs on top. Grab a ladle and let the sipping begin!
Recipe Tips & Variations
Make it sparkle: Add a splash of sparkling water or Prosecco right before serving for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
Switch it up: Not a tequila fan? Try white rum or vodka – each gives it a different (but delicious) vibe.
Go zero-proof: Skip the booze and add extra citrus + a splash of ginger ale for a kid-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
Chill everything: Warm punch is a no-go! Make sure your juice and mixers are nice and cold before serving.
Pick a ripe one: Look for a watermelon with a deep yellow ground spot – it’s the sweetest!
Strain it smooth: Don’t skip the straining step. A silky juice = next-level punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I love making the juice, simple syrup, and even mixing the punch a few hours ahead. Just keep it chilled in the fridge and add ice + garnishes right before serving. It actually tastes even better when it’s cold and the flavors have had time to mingle!
You can, but fresh is best! Store-bought watermelon juice works in a pinch, but homemade has a brighter flavor and prettier color. Plus, blending your own makes you feel a little fancy – which I’m always here for.
So easy—and still so delicious! Just skip the tequila and Cointreau, and add a little extra lemon and lime juice plus a splash of ginger ale or sparkling water for fizz. It’s super refreshing and perfect for kids, baby showers, or anyone skipping the booze!
More Punch Recipes
Need more party punch ideas? Try these delicious punch recipes!
If you love watermelon, you’ll want to try my watermelon piña colada, easy watermelon frosé, and watermelon popsicles with tequila!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
My new Entertaining book is here! Order Now!
Watermelon Punch
Ingredients
- 6 cups watermelon juice
- 3/4 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1/4 cup lime juice fresh squeezed
- 6 1/2 ounces simple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups tequila
- 1/8 cup Cointreau
Instructions
- To make watermelon juice, cut a whole watermelon into chunks with the rind removed.
- Add the watermelon chunks into a blender and blend until liquid.
- Drape a cheesecloth over a strainer with a bowl below and pour the watermelon juice onto the cheesecloth. The bowl below will catch just the juice, leaving any thickness behind to throw away.
- Add all of the ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Add ice when ready to serve and garnish with watermelon slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Fantastic, easy recipe! I made it for movie night with friends and my fiancé begged me to make again the very next day. So, so good!
This looks so delicious, can’t wait to make it!
Where did you get the pitcher?
If you freeze this will it lose the flavor? are there any adjustments you would suggest for this? looking to put these in capri sun pouches and freeze.
This won’t freeze fully since the alcohol ration would be too much. It might become a slushy texture. With frozen drinks in general like our frozen gin and tonic we do add more sugar to it so you can taste the flavors better.
Thank you slushy is totally fine! Will reference the other frozen drinks for sugar content.
What could be substituted for Contreau?
You can try orange juice, but it won’t have the intensity. Should still be good though!