Skip To Main ContentMasterClass logo
|Articles
At Work
Log In
Sign Up
Food

Watermelon Martini Recipe: How to Make a Watermelon Martini

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Apr 30, 2022 • 2 min read

A Watermelon Martini is a refreshing summer cocktail made with fresh watermelon juice and vodka. Learn how to make your own with this simple recipe.

Learn From the Best

Sign Up

What Is a Watermelon Martini?

A Watermelon Martini is a Vodka Martini flavored with fresh watermelon juice and a sweetener such as simple syrup. Commonly garnished with a watermelon wedge and served in a chilled Martini glass, Watermelon Martinis are popular in the summertime, when watermelon is in season. To prepare a Watermelon Martini, add vodka, watermelon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake the ingredients well and strain to serve. Add lime or lemon juice to the shaker for some acidity to balance the sweetness of this summer drink.

If you prefer tequila to vodka, you can easily turn Watermelon Martinis into Watermelon Margaritas. Simply swap out the vodka for tequila, add lime juice and triple sec, and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker. Learn how to make a Margarita.

3 Tips for Making a Watermelon Martini

Learn how to make the best watermelon martinis with these tips.

  1. 1. Chill the martini glasses. Watermelon Martinis are best cold, so serving them in chilled Martini glasses is key. Simply place your Martini glasses in the freezer for at least thirty minutes before serving the cocktails or swirl ice cubes in a Martini glass and discard the ice before filling the glass.
  2. 2. Make fresh watermelon juice. For the freshest watermelon juice, make your own at home. Start with seedless watermelon and cut it into cubes—here’s how to cut a watermelon. Freeze those watermelon cubes for at least two hours so that the juice stays cold for longer. Purée the frozen watermelon cubes in a blender and strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Refrigerate the watermelon juice in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it, up to five days. The juice may separate in the fridge; simply shake it before using.
  3. 3. Add liqueur. Add an extra kick by splashing a few ounces of flavored liqueur to your Watermelon Martini. Try limoncello for a burst of delicious lemon flavor or pomegranate liqueur for a striking deep pink hue. Add a splash of melon liqueur to amp up the melon flavor of a Watermelon Martini. Find inspiration with these Martini variations, and remember that liqueurs are often sweet, so you may choose to reduce or omit the simple syrup if you use one.

Ginger Watermelon Martini Recipe

email recipe
2 Ratings | Rate Now

makes

2 drinks

prep time

5 min

total time

7 min

cook time

2 min

Ingredients

For the simple syrup:

For the watermelon ginger juice:

For the Martinis:

Note: The total time does not include 30 minutes of inactive time.

Make the simple syrup:

  1. 1

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.

  2. 2

    Let the simple syrup cool before transferring to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Make the watermelon ginger juice:

  1. 1

    In a blender, blend the watermelon cubes and fresh ginger.

  2. 2

    Pour the juice through a strainer into a pitcher and set it aside. If not used immediately, transfer the juice to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Make the Martinis:

  1. 1

    Chill 2 Martini glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    To a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice, the watermelon ginger juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka.

  3. 3

    Shake the cocktail, then strain it into the chilled Martini glasses.

  4. 4

    Garnish each glass with a watermelon wedge and serve immediately.

Learn more about mixology from award-winning bartenders. Refine your palate, explore the world of spirits, and shake up the perfect cocktail for your next gathering with the MasterClass Annual Membership.