A spicy watermelon margarita mocktail that will make your mouth water
/I’m super excited to share one of my all-time favorite mocktail recipes with you. If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for fun non-alcoholic drinks to spice up your mocktail routine. Well, spicy watermelon margaritas have become the unofficial official drink of summer, so I had to try it as a mocktail. This Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail is about to become your new go-to drink! 🍉🌶️
Why This Mocktail Rocks
Mocktails are the perfect way to enjoy all the fun and flavors of traditional cocktails without the associated hangover. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, or just need a drink to unwind, this Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail hits all the right notes. It’s fruity, zesty, and has just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.
What is Non-Alcoholic Tequila?
Non-alcoholic tequila is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of tequila in their drinks but may not want the alcohol, for whatever reason. It offers all the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes of tequila, making it a versatile ingredient in a wide range of mocktails.
The non-alcoholic tequila we’re using in this drink is Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative.
How does Ritual zero proof tequila alternative taste?
This tequila alternative is unique and we really love it. The aroma is very grassy and smoky, a hint of old sock which is definitely a hallmark of reposado tequila. The taste is so interesting, with a little bit of heat, a hint of grassiness, lots of smoke and a slight sweetness to it. You could probably drink this on the rocks and you wouldn’t be turned off by it. It’s a great option to pair with watermelon!
Shop my Ritual storefront here!
How to make watermelon juice
Cut up about 2 cups of watermelon into cubes or chunks.
Add to a blender and blend on high until pureed.
Put a big mesh strainer over a pitcher or carafe and slowly strain out the juice. You’ll have to press down on the watermelon pulp quite firmly so use a wooden spoon, and make sure the strainer is sitting snug on top of a sturdy bowl.
Once strained, you can leave in the fridge for a day or two, but warning that the juice will start separate if left too long at room temperature. Give it a good whisk if that starts to happen!
A note about using ice in this mocktail (and others):
When shaking this drink in a shaker, try and use larger chunks of ice, rather than small cubes, as the small cubes dilute faster and make the mocktail more watery; larger ice chunks or cubes will chill the liquid but not dilute it before it goes into the glass.
For ice in the glass, try and use medium, to large-sized square ice as those also have a slower dilution rate and your mocktail will stay fresh (and not diluted) for longer.
And now, let’s make some mocktails!
Here’s the lineup of ingredients:
2 oz watermelon juice: Freshly juiced watermelon is the star of the show, offering a naturally sweet and hydrating base.
2 oz Ritual non-alcoholic tequila: This gives our mocktail that classic margarita vibe without any of the alcohol. This is a fantastic brand that mimics the taste of tequila really well.
2 slices of seeded jalapeño: For that unexpected spicy twist! Trust me, it’s what makes this mocktail unforgettable. If you find it’s too spicy with two jalapenos, you can use just one slice.
1 oz lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds the perfect tangy punch.
1 tsp agave syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Ready to mix things up? Here’s how you can create your own Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail:
Prepare Your Jalapeño: Start by slicing your jalapeño. Remember to seed it first unless you want an extra fiery kick.
Muddle: In the bottom of a shaker, gently muddle the jalapeno with the agave - don’t smash it, you just want a bit of the oils to be expressed.
Mix the Ingredients: Add the watermelon juice, non-alcoholic tequila, lime juice, and salt and ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and combine.
Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. You can use a salt-rimmed glass for that extra margarita touch. Garnish with a slice of lime or a small watermelon wedge if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy: Sip and savor the refreshing, spicy, and tangy flavors of this fun mocktail. This is a really yummy drink and I know I wanted a second one, as soon as I finished the first.
Tips for the Perfect Mocktail Experience
Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a world of difference. Opt for fresh watermelon - not frozen - if you can, and freshly squeezed lime juice whenever possible.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe. Add more jalapeño for extra spice (or less!) or a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly twist.
Presentation Matters: A beautifully garnished mocktail is not only Instagram-worthy but also enhances your experience. Don’t skip the garnish!
Share the Love: Mocktails are perfect for sharing. Make a big batch of this Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail for your next party and watch your guests be confused about why a mocktail tastes so good!
Join the Mocktail Revolution
The world of non-alcoholic drinks is expanding rapidly, and there’s never been a better time to dive in. Whether you’re new to the sober curious lifestyle or a seasoned mocktail enthusiast, recipes like this Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail are a great way to enjoy life without a hangover, and inspire you to explore more healthier drink options in your own time.
More Watermelon Mocktail Recipes to Try
If you loved this recipe, here are a few more to add to your must-try list:
Watermelon Mimosa - celebrate summer with watermelon and bubbly!
Watermelon Ranch Water - zero-proof tequila, Topo Chico and watermelon are a perfect match in this refreshing mocktail
Cheers!
I hope this Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail brings a burst of flavor and fun to your sober curious journey. Remember, living alcohol-free doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or enjoyment. Mocktails are here to stay, and they’re more exciting than ever!
If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts and photos on Instagram and tag me @somegoodcleanfun or @makeitnonalcoholic. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your mocktail experiences.
Cheers to a flavorful and fabulous sober curious lifestyle! 🍉🌶️🥂
Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail

Spicy Watermelon Margarita Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz watermelon juice
- 2 jalapeno slices
- 1 tsp agave
- 2 oz Ritual zero proof spirit
- 1 oz lime juice
- pinch of salt
- lime zest and salt for the rim (optional)
Instructions
- If making a rim, prepare your glass by brushing some agave syrup or lime juice on it and rolling in the mixture of lime zest and salt
- Muddle the jalapeño and agave in a cocktail shaker
- Add the rest of the ingredients and a scoop of ice
- Shake it for 10 seconds to chill
- Strain into a margarita glass with fresh ice
- Garnish with a watermelon slice