A tequila cocktail with muddled watermelon, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and coconut water. Shaken, strained into a highball glass, and bright magenta from the hibiscus.
Why add hibiscus syrup to a watermelon cocktail? Watermelon is already sweet and floral on its own. But shake it with Tres Agaves Blanco, lime juice, and coconut water, and you get something that tastes like summer water. The hibiscus pulls it back: tart, slightly bitter, a colour that turns the whole drink from pink to magenta.
Bright magenta in a highball glass, with a thin watermelon slice as garnish. Muddle three or four pieces of watermelon, combine everything in a shaker, and strain. Pour it for a group and do not bother explaining what is in it until someone asks. It goes fast.
Tips for Making Watermelon Crush
Muddle the watermelon well
Three to four pieces of fresh watermelon need to be properly broken down. Press and twist with your muddler until you have mostly juice with some pulp.
Seedless watermelon saves you from picking seeds out of the shaker. If using seeded watermelon, strain carefully.
Adjust the hibiscus syrup carefully
Half a part of hibiscus syrup is the starting point, but the sweetness varies between brands. Taste before you shake.
If you cannot find hibiscus syrup, steep dried hibiscus flowers in simple syrup for 20 minutes. Strain and cool. It keeps in the fridge for two weeks.
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Celebrate National Tequila Day with this Watermelon Crush
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Diet: Omnivore
Description
A refreshing summer cocktail. Sweet watermelon and tart hibiscus create a perfect balance with tequila.
Instructions
- Muddle watermelon and combine all ingredients.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a highball glass.
- Garnish with a thin watermelon slice.
Notes
- For a smoother cocktail, blend the watermelon before muddling.
- Adjust the amount of hibiscus syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Store leftover hibiscus syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hibiscus syrup and where do I find it?
Hibiscus syrup is a sweetener made from dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water. You can find it at specialty liquor stores or online. To make your own, steep a quarter cup of dried hibiscus flowers in a cup of simple syrup for 20 minutes, then strain.
Can I make this as a non-alcoholic drink?
Yes. Replace the Tres Agaves Blanco with sparkling water or more coconut water. Keep the hibiscus syrup and lime juice to maintain the tart, floral flavour. The colour will still be the same bright magenta.
Why does this recipe include coconut water?
Coconut water adds a subtle sweetness and softens the tequila without making the drink heavier. It also adds volume so the cocktail is not too strong. If you cannot find coconut water, plain water works but the drink will taste sharper.