Watermelon Cosmopolitan Recipe
- Sarah
- Jul 17, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: May 6
This easy summer cocktail recipe uses fresh watermelon for a sweet and refreshing twist on the classic cosmopolitan.
Equipment | No Equipment Needed |
Difficulty | Very Easy |
Watermelon Cosmopolitan or Watermelon Martini?
When I discussed this cocktail recipe in my family group chat my older sister insisted that it is a watermelon martini. We really got into the weeds of cocktail recipes and their names in our discussion on the topic! Older sister posits that cranberry juice is imperative for a cosmopolitan, so a recipe that subs the cranberry juice must be more broadly defined as a martini. I say that since the only difference is the use of watermelon juice, and that the vodka, Cointreau, and other recipe proportions are still the same as for a cosmo, then it's a cosmo. Younger sister helpfully joined the discussion by posting a .gif of Angela Lansbury excitedly eating popcorn, ha!
Older sister also called it "adult agua fresca" which is pretty funny, and perhaps the most accurate of the descriptions. But semantics aside, it is absolutely delicious!
Perfect summer cocktail recipe for hot days!
In my opinion, fresh watermelon is one of the quintessential summer flavors. And conveniently, the pretty pink color and natural sweetness of the juice work perfectly for a (ahem) cosmopolitan recipe. Besides, it's too easy to cut into an ambitiously large watermelon, only to have a seemingly infinite amount of fruit and a finite amount of time. Juicy watermelon drinks are perfect for "shaking up" the leftovers. So try this watermelon cosmo (or martini) this summer!
Substitutions:
Substitute for watermelon juice: If you don't have watermelon or watermelon juice then it more or less defeats the point of this recipe, but you can always make a normal cosmo! To make a traditional cosmopolitan follow the exact recipe above, simply replacing the watermelon juice with 1 oz (30ml) cranberry juice instead. Watermelon is a more delicate flavor than cranberry, which is why this recipe uses twice as much watermelon juice as a traditional, cranberry cosmopolitan would.
Substitute for lime juice: Lime juice is the preferred citrus juice used universally in cosmos, but if you don't have any limes it is possible to replace it. You can use orange juice, cranberry juice, or in a pinch, lemon juice. The citrus juice is needed to add a touch of brightness to counterbalance the sweetness of the watermelon juice. It really helps to round out the flavors and make a more pleasing, finished cocktail that is full of the bright fruit flavors of summer!
What kind of vodka should I use?
Absolut, Smirnoff, and Grey Goose are three of the most common and popular vodka brands that work really well in this recipe. All three brands are fairly affordable, smooth, and can easily work in various other kinds of cocktails, making them extremely versatile. It is worth noting that some bartenders prefer to use Absolut Citron for cosmopolitans. While it is not necessary for this recipe, if you do happen to have some already in your bar then you might experiment with which vodka you prefer in this cocktail. If you don't already own it don't bother buying it just for this recipe.
What is the difference between Cointreau and Triple Sec? And which should I use?
Both Cointreau and Triple Sec are orange-flavored liqueurs, but there are some differences in their flavors and alcohol contents.
Triple Sec is actually a broad term for the category of triple distilled orange-flavored liqueurs and covers the products of several different brands. Cointreau is a specific brand of "top shelf" Triple Sec from France that is known for its extra depth and complexity of flavor, compared with other Triple Secs which tend to be sweeter, more syrupy, and have a more straightforward orange flavor. Cointreau also has a higher alcohol content than is standard for Triple Secs in general.
Basically, Cointreau is premium Triple Sec. While you can use both in this recipe, we find that the extra depth of the Cointreau adds more roundness to the flavors, especially since the ingredients are fairly delicate in this watermelon mixed drink. Ultimately you can easily skip the Cointreau in favor of a more affordable Triple Sec, but the overall experience will be lacking a little oomph.
Can I use Grand Marnier instead of Triple Sec?
Grand Marnier is an orange-flavored liqueur that has been blended with cognac. The cognac adds a different type of flavor that is very luxurious, but somewhat limited in its use for mixed drinks. In the case of this watermelon cosmo, Grand Marnier's extra flavors do not go as well with the watermelon juice as Cointreau or straight Triple Sec, so we suggest avoiding Grand Marnier for this drink. If all you have is Grand Marnier and you're looking to try a cocktail to use up some leftover watermelon then go for it! But we think it is not as good, and therefore not worth the extra purchase price for this recipe.
Pro tips!
The easiest way to juice watermelon: The watermelon must be juiced and strained for this recipe. While it is possible to mash the watermelon to oblivion with a fork, if you happen to have one of those handheld citrus juicers that squeeze a lemon between two handles (you can see one below in the photos if you don't understand what I mean) it works really well for juicing watermelon chunks! Be aware that they can sometimes spray juice around when squeezed, so do this step somewhere that is easy to clean.
Use fresh lime juice! It is so easy to buy pre-squeezed lime juice in a bottle, but don't be tempted! The pre-squeezed lime juice has an odd flavor that isn't very appealing and can become very pronounced in such a simple drink. Instead, don't risk the tastiness of your watermelon cocktail and squeeze fresh lime juice for the most professional final product. If you substitute the lime juice for lemon juice it is also better to squeeze the lemon fresh for the same reason. You could get away with bottled orange juice or cranberry juice if needed instead of lime juice.
Chill the glass: While less important than the others, this little tip can improve your drinker's experience. Especially if the weather is hot! There is nothing more refreshing than a cold drink in a chilled glass! So if you happen to plan ahead (and remember), set the martini glass into the freezer 30 minutes to 1 hour before use to give it a nice, chilly, frosted surface.
Let's Begin:
Gather your ingredients. Be sure that the watermelon has been cut into chunks to make juicing easier. It is also better if the watermelon was chilled ahead of time. If the watermelon is cooler when shaking or mixing the cocktail it will help prevent the ice from melting too quickly and watering the drink down. If it is not possible to chill the watermelon ahead of time then don't worry about it.
There is no need to measure the vodka and Cointreau into separate bowls. I only did it for the photos, you can save yourself the effort and extra dishes and just measure them straight into a cocktail shaker or glass.
Juice the watermelon and lime with either a juicer or a fork. Strain the juice into a cocktail shaker or glass. As mentioned in the pro tip above, the type of handheld juicer in this photograph works really well for juicing watermelon. Juice the chunks one at a time, don't crowd them as tight as possible in the juicer. It goes very rapidly anyway. You can save the leftover watermelon flesh for a smoothie!
Add the ice, vodka, and Cointreau. Shake or stir until just combined and chilled. Don't shake or stir it for too long or the ice will melt too much and water down the cocktail. As soon as the drink is combined and cold move on and strain it into a martini glass.
How to garnish this cocktail: This drink doesn't require any garnish, but if you want a garnish I suggest using a crushed mint leaf floating in the top or a curl of orange peel. Don't garnish it with watermelon pieces because the watermelon pieces float about and become unruly, so it is not very attractive.
Enjoy with friends while relaxing in the warm summer weather!
What can I serve with this Watermelon Cosmopolitan recipe?
This is a great cocktail for a hot summer cookout, during an elegant brunch, or for sipping poolside! Really, any sort of friendly, warm-weather enjoyment is perfect for refreshing watermelon drinks. Do you need ideas for things to serve alongside? I recommend any kind of recipe usually used for cookouts or picnics, but if you need some specific ideas I suggest;
BBQ
Fruit Salad
Cheesecake
Veggie Skewers
Peach Cobbler
Ice cream
Etc!
This would also be a really nice aperitif served with a summer appetizer, such as a selection of fresh fruit and crackers, or perhaps cheeses. It also pairs very nicely with strawberry, raspberry, and chocolate desserts.
Storage.
This watermelon cosmo recipe will last in the fridge in an airtight container for 24 hours before is starts to degrade. Watermelon juice itself will last in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days, and whole watermelon chunks will last for several days in the fridge as long as they are covered.
Can I make it ahead of time? Since it does a pretty good job of lasting, it is possible to make a pitcher of this summery cosmo a few hours before a party, cutting down any bartending time during a party. If you do make it ahead of time, be sure you stir the pitcher before serving to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
What about you?
Well, what do you think? Is this drink a watermelon cosmopolitan or a watermelon martini? I'm a firm believer that use of a martini glass does not a martini make, but my older sister thinks it is a better catch-all phrase for drinks outside the classics. So we can decide this with managed democracy! Vote in the poll below in support of your preferred cocktail term!
What kind of cocktail is this watermelon mixed drink?
0%Watermelon Cosmopolitan
0%Watermelon Martini
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