Fresh Watermelon Vodka Cocktail (Summer Recipe)
This Watermelon Vodka Cocktail is made with fresh and juicy watermelon, vodka, lime, honey, and club soda. Whip it up in just five minutes, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect companion for summer days by the pool, backyard BBQs, or last-minute hosting.
If you love cocktails with watermelon, you’ll also want to try my Spicy Watermelon Ranch Water Cocktail, Watermelon Slushie, and Watermelon Basil Cocktail.
With July & August being peak watermelon season, I couldn’t resist whipping up a watermelon cocktail—the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Vodka, being a neutral spirit, lets the watermelon be the star of the season. Sweet and rich, the honey syrup brings it all together and you can even adjust the amount to your liking! Combining the natural sweetness of the watermelon, the bright citrus of the lime, and the spritz-like fizz from the club soda, this cocktail is an ultra-satisfying summer-in-a-glass libation.
Not only is this drink delicious, it’s so easy to make. Simple to mix, pretty and pink, it is guaranteed to impress any guest!
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card for quantities.
- Vodka: Choose a good quality vodka. I used Tito’s which is known for its clean and neutral taste, letting the watermelon be the star of the drink. Tequila and gin are both great substitutions.
- Watermelon: When shopping choose a watermelon that has a dark green rind and doesn’t feel light for its size. These are the most ripe and juicy.
- Lime juice: Use fresh-squeezed lime juice.
- Honey syrup: 1 part honey and 1 part warm water. I always recommend 100% pure honey like Local Hive Honey. Simple syrup or agave will also work.
- Club soda: Regular club soda or sparkling water works perfectly in this drink.
- Lime slices, mint, chamomile flowers: Feel free to use these for garnish.
Tools & Equipment List
You can check out my favorite glasses here!
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your honey syrup. Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot or warm water. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Cool before using.
Step 2: Cut and cube your watermelon. Leave a few triangular slices for garnish. Cut one lime in half and cut another into slices/wheels for the garnish.
Step 3: To a cocktail shaker – Add watermelon and muddle until fully broken down. Add vodka, lime juice, honey syrup and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Adjust to taste.
Step 4: Strain into a cocktail glass over ice. Top with a splash of club soda and stir to combine. If desired, garnish with watermelon, lime, mint and chamomile flowers.
Watch How To Make This Recipe
Tips for Making a Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Use chilled vodka and club soda.
- Taste before straining and adjust sweetness or citrus to your liking.
- Honey syrup can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vodka is a great option when mixing up cocktails with watermelon. The smooth, clean, and neutral taste lets the sweetness of the watermelon shine. Tequila, white rum and gin also pair nicely with watermelon.
Yes! For larger quantities I would recommend blending the watermelon instead of muddling. Multiply the recipe below by the desired servings and add all the ingredients to a blender, except the club soda. When ready to enjoy, add the blended ingredients, club soda and ice. Stir to combine.
⭐Pro tip: Whenever you are batching cocktails, always make sure to add any bubbly elements and ice immediately before serving, not ahead of time.
There are a few ways you can make a watermelon cocktail without a blender. In this drink I muddled the watermelon and then strained it into the drink, this is a great option for smaller quantities. You can also use a juicer to extract fresh watermelon juice.
Yes, absolutely. This drink works well as a mocktail. You can use the recipe as is, sans alcohol, or add a bit more club soda & muddled watermelon. You could also use a flavored sparkling water like lime or watermelon.
More Watermelon Cocktails to Try
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Fresh Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cubed watermelon, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup, simple syrup or agave
- Club soda
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Mint, for garnish
- Chamomile flowers, for garnish
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker – Add watermelon and muddle until fully broken down. Add vodka, lime juice, honey syrup and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Adjust to taste.
- Strain into a cocktail glass over ice. Top with a splash of club soda and stir to combine. If desired, garnish with watermelon, lime, mint and chamomile flowers.
Notes
- Use chilled vodka and club soda.
- Taste before straining and adjust sweetness or citrus to your liking.
- To prepare honey syrup: Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot or warm water. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Cool before using.
- Honey syrup can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
