Watermelon Punch

This watermelon punch cocktail is perfect for a summer cookout! Made with simple ingredients and tequila, it’s sure to cool you down!

If you love watermelon, you’ll want to try my watermelon piña colada, easy watermelon frosé, and watermelon popsicles with tequila!

Watermelon Punch

Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit. As soon as watermelons hit the stores, I snag a few! Not only are they beneficial to your health, but there are also so many amazing recipes you can make with watermelon, sweet or savory!

This cocktail is an easy, sweet watermelon cocktail punch that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a summer gathering and BBQ!

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Punch

Refreshingly Simple: When summer heat hits its peak, this watermelon punch is my go-to refreshment that takes just minutes to prepare with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor!

Party Perfect: Every time I serve this at backyard BBQs or pool parties, guests can’t stop raving about it – the vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser!

Customizable Kick: What I love most about this punch is how easily you can adjust the tequila level to make it stronger for an adults-only gathering or alcohol-free for a family-friendly version. This is also an excellent base for a signature summer cocktail!

Watermelon Punch Ingredients

Watermelon Juice – We use fresh watermelon juice made from a ripe, seedless watermelon. Making it yourself ensures the freshest flavor and beautiful color that store-bought just can’t match.

Fresh Lemon and Lime Juice – These citrus juices add the perfect tangy balance to the sweet watermelon. Always use freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor – it makes a huge difference in the final taste!

Simple Syrup – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the natural sweetness of the watermelon. It’s super easy to make at home by combining equal parts sugar and water.

Tequila – Use a good quality silver tequila that won’t overpower the watermelon flavor.

Cointreau – This orange liqueur adds a subtle citrus flavor that ties all the flavors together beautifully. It’s worth investing in a bottle as it can be used in many other cocktails like my hibiscus margarita, fig sidecar, and my cosmopolitan.

Ice and Watermelon Slices – Essential for serving! The ice keeps everything perfectly chilled, while watermelon slices make an edible garnish that hints at what’s in the glass.

How to Make Watermelon Punch

Prepare the watermelon juice: Blend fresh watermelon chunks and strain through a cheesecloth to get silky smooth juice – this is the key to a perfect punch! Check out our guide to making Homemade Watermelon Juice.

Make simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool completely before using.

Mix your punch: Pour the watermelon juice into a large punch bowl, then add fresh lemon juice, lime juice, cooled simple syrup, tequila, and Cointreau. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.

Garnish and serve: Just before guests arrive, add plenty of ice and float fresh watermelon slices on top for a beautiful presentation. Serve with a ladle and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make it Bubbly: Add a splash of sparkling water or prosecco just before serving for a fizzy twist that makes this punch even more refreshing on hot summer days.

Switch the Spirit: While tequila is my favorite with watermelon, you can easily substitute white rum or vodka. Each spirit brings its own unique character to the punch!

Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the spirits entirely and add a bit more citrus juice and a splash of ginger ale for a family-friendly version that’s just as delicious. Perfect for gatherings with kids or guests who don’t drink alcohol.

Eden’s Tips

Chill Everything: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the watermelon juice, are thoroughly chilled before mixing. Room temperature punch warms up quickly outdoors!

Watermelon Selection: For the sweetest flavor, choose a ripe watermelon with a deep yellow (not white) spot where it rested on the ground while growing.

Strain Thoroughly: Take your time with the straining process – a smooth juice makes all the difference between an okay punch and a fantastic one.

How to Pick Out the Perfect Watermelon

We go through many watermelons in our house, and I’ve gotten good at choosing a watermelon! Here are my best tips for picking the perfect watermelon:

• A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow resting spot on it. This is called the field spot, and is the place where it rests on the ground. You want a watermelon with a yellow spot (not white) this means it is ripe.

• The watermelon should sound hollow.

• A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size.

How to Make Watermelon Juice

Prepare the watermelon: Slice a whole, seedless watermelon and remove the rind completely.

Blend until smooth: Add the watermelon chunks into a powerful blender and puree until completely liquid.

Strain for smoothness: Place a cheesecloth in a strainer over a bowl, then pour the blended watermelon through to remove pulp and thickness.

Store properly: Keep your fresh watermelon juice refrigerated for up to three days.

Check out our guide to learn more about making Homemade Watermelon Juice.

More Uses for Watermelon Juice

Watermelon is a very versatile fruit. It can be used in savory or sweet dishes. If you have leftover watermelon juice, try these awesome ideas:

Make frozen treats: Try watermelon ice cubes for drinks, watermelon popsicles (our watermelon tequila pops are a hit!), or even refreshing watermelon ice cream floats.

Create other beverages: Watermelon juice makes amazing watermelon lemonade, or try it with a splash of vodka and club soda for a quick cocktail.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is a healthy fruit. It’s high in water content but still delivers

• Keeps you hydrated, which is always good when drinking alcohol.

• Contains antioxidants and vitamin C

• Lower inflammation

• Great for skin and hair!

More Watermelon Recipes

If you like watermelon as much as we do, try some of these fun watermelon recipes!

• Watermelon Lemonade 
• Watermelon Piña Colada
• Tequila Popsicles 
• Cold Pressed Watermelon Floats 
• Watermelon Popsicles
• Hydrating Cucumber Cooler
• Watermelon Sherbet Bombe Cake
• Honeydew & Watermelon Sangria
• Easy Watermelon Frosé

You could even combine these ideas and have a whole watermelon-themed 4th of July party!

More Punch Recipes

Need more party punch ideas? Try these delicious punch recipes!

• Lavender and Gin Punch
• Pineapple and Carrot Punch
• Pineapple Orange Party Punch
• Prosecco Punch
• Spiked Jolly Rancher Punch
• Blackberry Margarita Party Punch