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Bright, juicy and refreshingly boozy, this watermelon paloma may very well become your new favorite summer cocktail. It’s a fruity twist on the classic paloma, blending fresh watermelon with citrus juice, tequila, and a splash of sparkling water. Rimmed glasses with lime and salt add just the right edge to balance the sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, lounging by the pool or just craving a cold drink, this colorful cocktail is light, crisp and perfect for hot-weather sipping.

Three glasses of Watermelon Paloma cocktails with ice, mint, and chili rims, surrounded by lime wedges and watermelon slices—an easy summer cocktail recipe made with watermelon juice.

This watermelon paloma is a fruity twist on the classic cocktail, made with fresh watermelon, citrus juice and tequila, topped off with sparkling water.

If you love sweet recipes, also try this Starbucks iced shaken espresso, rainbow sherbet mimosas, no-bake cannoli cones, and raisin oatmeal muffins.

Three glasses of refreshing Watermelon Paloma made with watermelon juice, served with ice and mint, sit beside juicy watermelon slices and lime halves on a light surface.

Why You’ll Love It

Fruity and refreshing: Watermelon keeps it light, juicy and perfect for warm days.
Easy to make: Just blend, mix and pour for a quick summer cocktail.
Beautiful presentation: Salted rims and garnishes make it look extra festive.
Perfect for gatherings: Great for BBQs, parties or relaxed afternoons.

A pink cocktail made with watermelon juice, ice, mint garnish, and a spiced rim in a glass on a gray surface.

Watermelon Paloma Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Watermelon: Adds natural sweetness, color and hydration.
Orange juice: Enhances the fruitiness and balances the tart lime.
Tequila: Brings the classic paloma kick with smooth warmth.
Lime juice: Adds tang and sharpness to brighten the mix.
Sparkling water: Finishes the drink with fizz and lightness.
Ice: Keeps everything chilled and sippable.
Lime wedges: Used for garnish and rimming the glasses.
Coarse salt: Adds texture and contrast on the glass rim.

Bowl of watermelon balls, sliced limes, a glass of juice, and a small white pitcher on a light surface—perfect for an easy summer cocktail recipe like a refreshing Watermelon Paloma.

How to Make a Paloma with Watermelon

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Blend the watermelon: Purée until smooth, then strain into a pitcher.
Mix the base: Add orange juice, tequila and lime juice to the strained watermelon.
Add ice: Stir to combine and chill the drink.
Rim the glasses: Rub a lime wedge around the edge and dip into coarse salt.
Assemble the drink: Fill glasses three-quarters full, then top with sparkling water.
Garnish and serve: Add lime wedges, watermelon or mint sprigs.

A glass of Watermelon Paloma with ice, mint garnish, and chili rim sits next to a lime wedge and watermelon slice—this tangy and sweet paloma is made with watermelon juice for a refreshing twist.

Substitutions and Variations

Use grapefruit juice: Swap orange juice for grapefruit for a more traditional paloma flavor.
Try flavored sparkling water: Choose lime or watermelon varieties for extra depth.
Make it a mocktail: Skip the tequila and use extra sparkling water and a splash of agave.
Add chili salt: Use a spicy salt blend on the rim for heat.

A glass of tangy and sweet paloma made with watermelon juice and ice, garnished with mint and a spiced rim, sits on a gray surface.

Serving Suggestions

With savory bites: A paloma would be tasty with appetizers like crispy stacked potatoes and a garlic marinara dipping sauce or salt and pepper pork chop bites.
With a sweet treat: Enjoy some berry pound cake skewers, mixed berry jello desserts or perhaps some vanilla cookies.

A glass of pink Watermelon Paloma with a chili rim and mint garnish on a gray surface, made with watermelon juice for a tangy and sweet paloma twist.

How to Store Watermelon Paloma Cocktails

Store: If you make this ahead, keep it refrigerated and don’t add the ice until serving. You can make it a day ahead as long as you give it a good stir before pouring in case the ingredients have separated.
Freeze: Alcohol tends not to freeze well but this could be frozen if you don’t mind a slushy result – actually it might be nice that way!

A glass of cocktail made with watermelon and a chili rim, garnished with mint, surrounded by lime wedges and watermelon slices—an easy summer cocktail recipe perfect for refreshing moments.

Top Tips

Use ripe watermelon: Sweet, juicy fruit gives the best flavor and color.
Strain well: Removing the pulp keeps the texture smooth and light.
Chill everything: Cold juice and tequila help the drink stay frosty longer.
Salt just before serving: Rim glasses right before pouring to keep the salt fresh.

A glass of Watermelon Paloma with ice, mint garnish, and a chili rim sits next to lime wedges and a watermelon slice—an easy summer cocktail recipe perfect for warm days.

Watermelon Paloma Cocktail FAQs

What’s the history of palomas?

The exact origins of the paloma cocktail are unclear, though many believe they were first made in 1950s Mexico. Some credit Don Javier Delgado Corona of La Capilla bar, while others link the name to the folk song La Paloma. Traditionally made with tequila, grapefruit soda and lime, the paloma has inspired many variations over time. This version uses watermelon juice for a sweeter, fruitier twist. Refreshing and tangy, it’s a versatile cocktail that’s perfect for the summer months.

What type of tequila is best for this watermelon lime cocktail?

You can use any kind you prefer, and silver tequila is always good. Since it’s only one ingredient in the mix, don’t use the most expensive top shelf stuff. A mid-range tequila will work perfectly.

A glass of pink Watermelon Paloma with ice, mint, and chili rim, surrounded by lime wedges and a watermelon slice. An easy summer cocktail recipe made with watermelon juice for a refreshing twist.

Watermelon Paloma Cocktail Recipe

5 from 10 votes

Watermelon Paloma

A fruity twist on the classic cocktail, this watermelon paloma is made with real fruit and finished with a bubbly splash. It’s crisp, juicy and perfect for warm days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5 cocktails

Ingredients 

  • 6 Cups watermelon, diced
  • 1 Cup orange juice
  • 1 ¼ Cups tequila
  • ¼ Cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¾ Cup sparkling water
  • 1 Cup ice
  • coarse salt , to rim glasses

Optional Garnishes

  • watermelon slices
  • fresh mint sprigs
  • lime wedges

Instructions 

  • Add the watermelon to a blender and pulse until smooth.
  • Strain into a pitcher.
  • Add the orange juice, tequila and lime juice, and stir to incorporate. Add the ice.
  • Get 5 serving glasses and run a lime wedge over the rims, then roll in salt, chile mixed with salt or your preferred rim coating.
  • Fill each glass ¾ full with the watermelon mixture and top with the sparkling water.
  • Garnish each one with lime wedges, watermelon and/or mint sprigs if liked.

Notes

Use ripe watermelon: Sweet, juicy fruit gives the best flavor and color.
Strain well: Removing the pulp keeps the texture smooth and light.
Chill everything: Cold juice and tequila help the drink stay frosty longer.
Salt just before serving: Rim glasses right before pouring to keep the salt fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1152IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

This watermelon paloma is everything you want in an easy summer cocktail recipe. It’s vibrant, easy to make and full of fresh flavor. With juicy watermelon, tart lime and smooth tequila, it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. Topped with sparkling water and served in salt-rimmed glasses, this refreshing drink is sure to become your new favorite for warm-weather celebrations. Whether sipped poolside or shared at a BBQ, it’s a crowd-pleasing drink that’s simple and stylish.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 10 votes (4 ratings without comment)

8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Yum!! How refreshing. I particularly like the use of watermelon. Will try making this as the temperatures get warmer.

  2. Perfect summer drink, I don’t like the texture of watermelon but I love the taste so this is perfect for me