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Cocktail • Mexican

Watermelon Basil Margarita | Chili Sugar Rim Recipe

Refreshing, sweet watermelon with herbaceous basil are the perfect flavors for a summertime margarita! The Chili Sugar Rim brings the spice and nice!

5.0 from 150 votes
10 mins
Total Time
2
drinks
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Watermelon Basil Margarita | Chili Sugar Rim

How to Make the Best Watermelon Basil Margarita | Chili Sugar Rim

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing, fruity margarita on a hot summer day, and this watermelon basil margarita is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh, juicy watermelon with aromatic basil creates a beautifully balanced cocktail that’s both sweet and herbaceous. The chili sugar rim adds an unexpected kick of heat that brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

This recipe is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Watermelon’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the anise-like notes of fresh basil, while the triple sec and tequila provide a smooth, sophisticated base. The real magic happens when you take that first sip and the chili sugar rim hits your palate—bringing warmth and complexity to every taste.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a fun way to cool off, this watermelon basil margarita with a chili sugar rim is sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious.

Watermelon Basil Margarita | Chili Sugar Rim

Watermelon Basil Margarita | Chili Sugar Rim

Refreshing, sweet watermelon with herbaceous basil are the perfect flavors for a summertime margarita! The Chili Sugar Rim brings the spice and nice!

5.0 from 150 votes
CourseCocktail
CuisineMexican
Keywordfresh fruit cocktails, fruit margarita, herb infused cocktails, watermelon margarita
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time mins
Total Time10 mins
Servings2 drinks
Calories344kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Watermelon Basil Margarita

Chili Sugar Rim

Instructions

Watermelon Basil Margarita

  1. Muddle the watermelon pieces and fresh basil together in a cocktail shaker to release the flavors.
  2. Add the silver tequila, agave nectar, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.

Chili Sugar Rim

  1. Mix the turbinado sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.
  2. Rim the glass with the chili sugar mixture before serving.
  3. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and fresh basil leaf if desired.

Notes

  • This margarita is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare it just before serving.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the sugar rim.
  • For a frozen version, blend the watermelon pieces with ice instead of muddling.
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