This Watermelon Matcha Margarita is fun cocktail to have while watermelons are still in season! It's a unique twist to the classic margarita that leaves you refreshed and energized - a perfect happy hour drink.
This drink hits all the right spots: it's sweet from the watermelon, bitter from the matcha, salty from the matcha salt rim, and fresh from the mint. I also love how the colors of this cocktail match those of a watermelon!
If you're looking for other spins on Margaritas, try this Spicy Mango Mezcal Margarita or this Apple Cider Margarita.
Ingredients
- Matcha: I would pick a ceremonial grade matcha for this cocktail as it will pair well with the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Hot water: The ideal temperature to whisk matcha in is 176F. Just make sure it isn’t boiling water so it doesn’t burn the tea.
- Salt rim: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with ¼ teaspoon matcha powder for the rim.
- Watermelon: Slice the watermelon in cubes. There's no need for perfect cubes because it will all go into the blender anyway. Here’s an article from Cook’s Illustrated that shows you how to choose the right watermelon .
- Lime: Lime is a classic ingredient in a margarita and goes well with the other ingredients in this drink.
- Tequila: If you don’t like tequila, you can swap this out for vodka or gin. Or simply omit the alcohol to make it a mocktail.
- Maple Syrup: This can be replaced by honey, or simple syrup if you prefer.
- Mint: We use mint here to add freshness to the drink but another herb like basil could work as well.
How To Make This Cocktail
STEP 1: Prepping your glasses
- Make the matcha salt rim by mixing the salt and ¼ teaspoon of matcha powder on a plate.
- Cut a lime wedge and run it around the rim, then dip the glass in the matcha salt mixture.
STEP 2: Matcha
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- Sift 2 teaspoons of matcha into a bowl to remove clumps.
- Add ¼ cup of warm water into the bowl and using a matcha whisk, whisk the matcha making a “W” shape until the powder is dissolved, about 20-30 seconds. You should see a layer of foam. If you don't have a whisk, add the matcha powder and water into a mason jar and shake until dissolved or use a frother.
STEP 3: Watermelon mixture
- In a blender, add the watermelon cubes, mint, lime juice, tequila, and maple syrup. Then, blend until smooth.
STEP 4: Assembly
- Add ice to your rimmed glasses.
- Pour over the watermelon mixture into your glasses leaving ⅛th of it for the matcha.
- Top off with the matcha.
- Add a mint leaf and watermelon slice for garnish.
Blend the watermelon, mint, maple syrup, lime, and tequila.
FAQ
I would pick a ceremonial grade matcha for this Watermelon Matcha Margarita as it will pair well with the sweetness of the watermelon.
Because matcha has a short shelf life (up to a year), store it in the refrigerator.
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. However, I suggest pouring in the matcha in the watermelon mixture right before serving if you want too impress your guests (so the watermelon and the matcha colors are still separated.)
Watermelon Matcha Margarita
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Matcha whisk (chasen) (or frother or a jar with a lid - to mix the matcha powder and water)
- 1 Small sifter
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Ceremonial grade matcha
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2/4 cup Warm water (about 176F)
- 4 cups Watermelon (cubed) (and a few extra small slices for garnish)
- ¼ cup Mint
- 2 Limes (squeezed)
- ½ cup Tequila
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Prepping your glasses
- Make the matcha salt rim by mixing the salt and ¼ teaspoon of matcha powder on a plate.
- Cut a lime wedge and run it around the rim, then dip the glass in the matcha salt mixture.
Matcha
- Sift 2 teaspoons of matcha into a bowl to remove clumps.
- Add ¼ cup of warm water into the bowl and using a matcha whisk, whisk the matcha making a “W” shape until the powder is dissolved, about 20-30 seconds. You should see a layer of foam. If you don't have a whisk, add the matcha powder and water into a mason jar and shake until dissolved or use a frother.
Watermelon mixture
- In a blender, add the watermelon cubes, mint, lime juice, tequila, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
Assembly
- Add ice to your rimmed glasses.
- Pour the watermelon mixture into your glasses leaving ⅛th of it for the matcha.
- Top off with the matcha.
- Add a mint leaf and watermelon slice for garnish.
Nutrition
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