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Light, crisp and full of summer flavor, this watermelon gin tonic is the cocktail you’ll want to sip all season long. It’s made with fresh watermelon juice, botanical gin and fizzy pink tonic water, then finished with cool cucumber ribbons for an elegant twist. Quick to make and effortlessly refreshing, this drink is perfect for patio lounging, barbecues or brunches. Bursting with color and flavor, it’s a simple yet stylish way to elevate your summer sipping.

Two tall glasses of pink Watermelon Gin Tonic with lime and cut cucumber ribbons sit next to a Hendrick’s gin bottle and ice on a white surface—your new favorite summer gin and tonic recipe.

Watermelon gin tonic is a crisp, refreshing cocktail with fresh watermelon juice, gin, tonic water and cucumber ribbons for a cool summer drink.

Also try melon prosciutto salad or treat yourself to a watermelon wine slushie, coffee boba ice cream, or watermelon jalapeno margarita.

Two tall glasses of pink watermelon cucumber drink with ice, garnished with watermelon cubes and striped straws.

Why You’ll Love It

Quick to make: Ready in just minutes with minimal ingredients.
Fresh and light: Real watermelon juice and cucumber keep it refreshing.
Perfect for summer: Ideal for BBQs, picnics or casual get-togethers.
Beautiful presentation: The cucumber ribbons make it look extra fancy.
Easy to customize: Adjust sweetness or switch up the garnishes.

Two tall glasses of pink cocktail with ice, lime slices, cut cucumber ribbons, and paper straws, surrounded by ice cubes and bottles—a refreshing nod to a watermelon cucumber drink.

Gin Tonic with Watermelon Ingredients

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

Watermelon: Juicy and sweet, it forms the base of the drink.
Gin: Adds botanical complexity and depth to the cocktail.
Tonic water: Pink tonic gives a fizzy, slightly bitter balance.
Ice cubes: Keep the drink chilled and crisp.
Cucumber ribbons: Add a cooling, refreshing touch and visual appeal.
Lime and watermelon cubes: Optional garnishes that boost flavor and presentation.

Bowl of diced watermelon, gin bottle, tonic, cut cucumber ribbons, limes, glasses, and straws on a countertop—perfect for crafting a refreshing Watermelon Gin Tonic or your new favorite summer gin and tonic recipe.

How to Make a Gin Watermelon Cucumber Drink

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

Juice the watermelon: Mash and strain the cubes to extract fresh juice.
Build the cocktail: Divide gin, ice and watermelon juice between glasses.
Top with tonic: Pour over pink tonic water to add fizz.
Garnish: Add cucumber ribbons and extra watermelon or lime if liked.

A tall pink cocktail with ice, lime, cut cucumber ribbons, and grapefruit garnish sits beside a Hendrick’s gin bottle and tonic water—your refreshing summer BBQ cocktail.

Substitutions and Variations

Use flavored tonic: Try elderflower or cucumber tonic for a twist.
Swap the gin: Use vodka for a milder base or tequila for a bold option.
Make it mocktail-friendly: Use sparkling water in place of gin for a non-alcoholic version.
Add herbs: A sprig of mint or basil brings a fresh herbal note.

Two pink gin cocktails with striped straws, surrounded by gin bottle, tonic, lime, cut cucumber ribbons, and ice on a white tray—perfect for trying a refreshing Summer gin and tonic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

With appetizers: Enjoy some tasty snacks with your watermelon gin and tonics, perhaps Caprese stuffed avocados, buffalo chicken tenders or beef taquitos.
With dinner: These watermelon gin tonics would be tasty with peach panzanella (one of my favorite salads ever!) or perhaps gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

Two tall glasses of pink Watermelon Gin Tonic with straws and lime, garnished with grapefruit and cut cucumber ribbons, sit beside a tonic water bottle—a refreshing summer BBQ cocktail.

How to Store Watermelon Gin Tonics

Store: If you have leftovers, it should be OK for a day in the refrigerator but not much beyond that. Keep it in a bottle with a cap or in a pitcher with plastic wrap over the top.
Freeze: I haven’t tried freezing it but watermelon gin tonic popsicles do sound tempting!

Two tall glasses of Watermelon Gin Tonic with striped straws, garnished with lime and watermelon cubes—a refreshing summer BBQ cocktail perfect for warm days.

Top Tips

Use seedless watermelon: It makes juicing quicker and easier.
Strain well: Removing pulp keeps the drink smooth and clean.
Chill your glasses: Cold glasses help the cocktail stay icy longer.
Make cucumber ribbons with a peeler: A vegetable peeler works best for long, even strips.
Serve immediately: This drink tastes best fresh and well chilled.

Two pink gin cocktails with striped straws, garnished with lime and cut cucumber ribbons, sit beside a Hendrick's gin bottle and ice.

Watermelon Gin and Tonics FAQs

Does it have to be pink tonic water?

No, regular tonic water works just fine, but pink adds color and a hint of fruitiness.

What kind of gin is best for this?

A citrusy or floral gin pairs well with the watermelon and cucumber.

Can I double the recipe for a group?

Absolutely, just keep the ratios the same and mix in a large pitcher.

Two pink gin cocktails with lime, striped straws, tonic bottle, gin bottle, ice, and limes on a table—the perfect refreshing summer BBQ cocktail for any gathering.

Watermelon Gin Tonic with Cucumber Ribbons Recipe

Two tall glasses of pink cocktails with cut cucumber ribbons and fruit skewers stand beside a Hendrick's gin bottle and lime, perfect for a refreshing Summer gin and tonic recipe.
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5 from 5 votes

Watermelon Gin Tonic with Cucumber Ribbons

By: Bella Bucchiotti
This watermelon gin tonic is the ultimate summer cocktail. It’s made with fresh watermelon juice, crisp cucumber ribbons and botanical gin for a refreshing and stylish drink. Perfect for a hot day or casual gathering.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients 

  • 1 Cup watermelon, seedless, cut into cubes
  • 4 Ounces gin
  • 2 Ounces tonic water, pink or clear
  • ice cubes 

Optional Garnishes

  • watermelon, cut into cubes
  • lime, cut into wedges
  • cucumber quarters, cut into ribbons

Instructions 

  • In a bowl, press watermelon cubes with a fork to get the juice out. Drain with a stainer and keep pressing the watermelon flesh on the stainer to get more juice. You should get half a cup of juice from a very juicy watermelon. 
  • Fill each glass equally with gin, about 4 ice cubes and watermelon juice. 
  • Pour tonic water and add cucumber ribbons. Garnish with watermelon cubes and lime. 

Notes

Use seedless watermelon: It makes juicing quicker and easier.
Strain well: Removing pulp keeps the drink smooth and clean.
Chill your glasses: Cold glasses help the cocktail stay icy longer.
Make cucumber ribbons with a peeler: A vegetable peeler works best for long, even strips.
Serve immediately: This drink tastes best fresh and well chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 432IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
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Bowl of diced watermelon, gin bottle, tonic, cut cucumber ribbons, limes, glasses, and straws on a countertop—perfect for crafting a refreshing Watermelon Gin Tonic or your new favorite summer gin and tonic recipe.
A bowl of diced watermelon sits beside a bottle of gin, a pink tonic water bottle, and some cut cucumber ribbons—perfect ingredients for a refreshing Watermelon Gin Tonic.
A white bowl with crushed ice and red liquid, next to limes, cut cucumber ribbons, and a pink tonic bottle on a countertop—a refreshing summer BBQ cocktail scene.
A fork presses grapefruit pulp in a strainer over a bowl, with bottles, limes, and cut cucumber ribbons ready for a refreshing summer BBQ cocktail like a Watermelon Gin Tonic.
A bowl of red liquid with gin, pink tonic, cut cucumber ribbons, and limes on a white countertop—perfect as a refreshing summer BBQ cocktail or for trying a new summer gin and tonic recipe.
Two glasses of pink gin cocktails with striped straws, garnished with grapefruit and lime, sit beside drink bottles—perfect for trying a refreshing summer gin and tonic recipe like a Watermelon Gin Tonic.

Watermelon gin tonic is the kind of drink that makes summer feel extra special. With fresh fruit, fizzy tonic and a smooth kick of gin, it’s light, flavorful and always refreshing. The cucumber ribbons in this summer gin and tonic recipe add a cool twist and elevate the look of this easy cocktail. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this drink comes together in minutes and never disappoints. It’s a perfect way to enjoy summer’s sweetest flavors in one chilled glass.

Other Recipes to Try

Two tall glasses of pink watermelon gin tonic with cut cucumber ribbons and striped straws on a tray—an ideal refreshing summer BBQ cocktail.
Enjoy a refreshing Watermelon Gin Tonic served in two glasses with cut cucumber ribbons, garnished with fruit and striped straws—the perfect summer gin and tonic recipe.

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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5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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