This is probably the healthiest margarita recipe on the internet. Introducing my virgin spicy watermelon margarita that will definitely hit the spot during this summer heatwave. It’s naturally sweetened with fresh watermelon juice and a salted honey rim, so it’s low calorie and low sugar. This healthy and fresh watermelon margarita recipe is easy to make and looks SO cute with a watermelon slice garnish.
It’s almost that time of year where we contribute our favorite summer recipes to Sunday BBQ’s and Fourth of July parties. That means, delicious, healthy fried chicken sandwiches and vegan summer pasta salads need the perfect party side-kick: a super tasty and healthy virgin spicy watermelon margarita. Well, virgin or spiked —you do you!!
This healthy margarita recipe came about because it was a REAL hot summer day in Colorado (check out my Durango, Colorado travel guide!) without air conditioning (yikes), and I needed a hydrating summer drink to feel instantly refreshed. One sip of this watermelon marg, and I was OBSESSED with the fresh, bursting flavor of the watermelon juice and the complexity of red pepper that added a gorgeous, vegetal market-fresh vibe.
Ever since I’ve started being an intentional drinker, I’ve been on the hunt for the best healthy mocktails that are actually interesting in flavor. For that reason, I started using red pepper in mocktails and have never looked back. It makes you feel like you’re drinking at a fancy farm-to-table restaurant. And if you’re searching for more of the best summer mocktail recipes, don’t miss this post where I rounded up 6 of my favorites that are perfect for this hot weather!
What makes this virgin watermelon margarita healthy?
This isn’t just any virgin margarita recipe. Fresh watermelon juice and antioxidant-rich red pepper give it wonderful health benefits, like being a hydrating, detox drink for weight loss, glowing skin, and immunity. Here’s all the ingredients you’ll need to make this watermelon margarita recipe:
Watermelon: one of the top antioxidant-foods in the world that’s been proven to boost collagen production, reverse sun damage, and detox the body! Interested? We talk all about healing out guts on this Healthier Together podcast episode with The Gut Health Doctor, Dr. Megan Rossi.
Red pepper: rich in vitamin A and vitamin C which make it one of the best brain foods, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation in the body. Sick of inflammation? Check out this episode all about fighting inflammation.
Lime: research shows that drinking fresh-squeezed lime juice can aid digestion, reduce wrinkles and aging, and support weight loss and detoxification. Want to learn about anti-aging? You’ll love this episode of the Healthier Together Podcast.
Fine grain sea salt: makes the flavors pop, plus is loaded with minerals to promote digestion, blood pressure, and thyroid function.
Honey: a natural sweetener that is shown in research to help maintain healthy weight and helps keep this recipe refined sugar free.
How to make a healthy watermelon margarita two ways
This margarita recipe is super easy and you don’t need any equipment– not even a cocktail shaker because I’m a nomad and we ain’t got room for that stuff! However, if you prefer to use your blender and you’re making this in a big batch, that’ll work too!
Muddle method – serves 2
- In a bowl, muddle the sliced pepper and lime (skin on is fine!) using a wooden spoon or muddler until a lot of the juice comes out. Add the watermelon and muddle again for a few minutes until it’s mostly liquid.
- Strain the muddled mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing to remove all of the liquid.
- Drizzle honey on a small plate, and salt on a second small plate. Gently press the rims of your glasses into the honey, and then coat it with salt. Add ice to the glass (and add a shot of tequila if you want). Then, pour your fresh juice into each glass, stir, and serve!
Blender method – serves a crowd
- In a blender, add the red pepper, lime (skin removed!), and watermelon. Blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer until pulp is removed.
- Drizzle honey on a small plate, and salt on a second small plate. Gently press the rims of your glasses into the honey, and then coat it with salt. Add ice to the glass (and add a shot of tequila if you want). Then, pour your fresh juice into each glass, stir, and serve!
Don’t forget the cute watermelon garnish!
Accessorize your delicious summer drink with a small slice of watermelon. Beyond making this drink totally ‘gram worthy, it’s the perfect snack after your drink’s gone.
More healthy mocktail recipes
Creamy Strawberry Cinnamon Digestive Mocktail
Strawberry Basil Margarita Mocktail
I hope you love this Spicy Watermelon Margarita as much as I do! Tag me on Instagram if you make them (@lizmoody) – I can’t wait to see!
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Healthy Virgin Spicy Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (seeds and stem removed)
- 2 limes cut into eighths (skin on for muddle method, skin off for blender method)
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed plus triangle slices to garnish
- honey
- fine grain sea salt
- ice
Instructions
- For the muddle method, place red pepper and limes in a large bowl and muddle with a wooden spoon until a lot of the juice comes out. Then, add the watermelon and muddle again for about five minutes or until it’s mostly liquid.
- For the blender method, blend the red pepper, limes (skin removed), and watermelon until mostly smooth.
- Next, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the juices into a large bowl, pressing down to get all the juice.
- Put honey on one plate and salt on another. Gently press the rims of the drinking glasses into the honey, then coat with salt. Add ice to the glasses, pour in a shot of tequila if using, and then add the fresh squeezed juice.
- Garnish with watermelon slice, serve and enjoy!
