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Home » Blog » Cocktail and Drink Recipes » Margarita Watermelon Bites

Margarita Watermelon Bites

Cathy Roma Published: May 24, 2020

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Salty, spicy, boozy...these margarita watermelon bites are summer treats for the over 21 crowd.
Salty, spicy, boozy…these margarita watermelon bites are summer treats for the over 21 crowd.
Margarita Watermelon Bites served on a white platter garnished with lime zest.

When summer rolls around, so begins my obsession with tequila, heat, and watermelon, perfectly combined in these watermelon margarita bites.

I love the bright, fresh flavors of summer produce, easy grilling recipes and of course, tequila-based cocktails and marinades. Tequila was my muse with margarita grilled shrimp and also inspired a spicy, smoky jalapeño paloma.

These watermelon margarita bites are basically deconstructed watermelon margaritas with a savory spin.

Let’s make watermelon margarita bites!

Step by step photos showing how to make Margarita Watermelon Bites. Make the simple syrup and candied jalapeños (1), cut out the watermelon rounds (2), place the rounds in a flat dish (3) pour the marinade over the rounds and chill (4)
  1. Make the lime simple syrup and candied jalapeño slices. Chill separately.
  2. Slice a watermelon into 1 inch thick slices. Use a small round cookie cutter to punch out rounds.
  3. Place the rounds in a single layer in large container.
  4. Mix the tequila, orange liquor, and lime simple syrup together to make a margarita marinade for the watermelon rounds. Pour over rounds and chill 2-6 hours.
Margarita Watermelon Bites with cojita cheese and candied jalapeños on the side.

After a good, long soak in this boozy blend, the watermelon rounds are topped with crumbled cotija cheese and the candied jalapeño slices. Skewer them with a long toothpick, bamboo skewer, or cocktail fork to serve.

These watermelon margarita bites are a grown up appetizer that is sweet, tangy, spicy, and just right for your next party.

The sweet and spicy combination of these bites always make them a favorite at my summer gatherings. Trust me, the platter will be empty in no time!

Someone holding a serving dish of margarita watermelon bites.

But whatever you do, DO NOT throw out that marinade!

Grab a handful of watermelon cubes, a couple cups of ice, and blend it with the leftover marinade for a frosty watermelon margarita. Top it with a couple of slices of candied jalapeno for the perfect garnish.

These bites are a summer favorite for entertaining because anything that can be made in advance takes the pressure off when you’re hosting a gathering, large or small.

And since this appetizer is all about bright flavors, low-stress, and advance prep, I’m sure you’ll be serving it at your summer parties too. (And a big glug of tequila doesn’t hurt either!)

Margarita Watermelon Bites with cojita cheese and candied jalapeños on the side.

Tips for success

  • I recommend 1 inch thickness and 1 1/2 inch rounds as the optimal serving size.
  • If you don’t have a round cookie cutter, slice the bites into even 1 1/2 inch squares.
  • BONUS! Save the watermelon scraps to mix up with the leftover marinade for frozen watermelon margaritas.
  • Cotija cheese is my go-to for topping, but feta or ricotta salata can be substituted.
  • The leftover jalapeño syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and used to flavor cocktails.

More cool boozy summer treats

  • Watermelon Champagne Popsicles
  • Moscow Mule Push Pops
  • Frozen Cucumber Lemonade Cocktail
Someone holding a serving dish of margarita watermelon bites.
4.56 from 29 votes
Margarita Watermelon Bites served on a white platter garnished with lime zest.
Print
Margarita Watermelon Bites
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Marinating Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 30 mins
 
Salty, spicy, boozy…these margarita watermelon bites are summer treats for the over 21 crowd.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: margarita watermelon bites
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 465 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For…
Ingredients
Candied Jalapenos
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 jalapeños, thinly sliced into rounds
Lime Simple Syrup
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp lime zest
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
Margarita Marinade
  • 2 cups tequila
  • 3/4 cup orange flavored liquor, such as triple sec or Cointreau
  • lime simple syrup
Make the Bites
  • 4 lb seedless watermelon
  • 8 oz cotija cheese, crumbled (feta or ricotta salata can be substituted)
  • lime zest, for garnish
Instructions
Candied Jalapenos
  1. In a small saucepan combine the sugar, water, and jalapeño slices and set over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes and remove from the heat.

  2. Place jalapeños and the cooking syrup into an airtight container and chill.
Lime Simple Syrup
  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and then remove from the heat. Chill.

Margarita Marinade
  1. In a medium bowl whisk together the lime simple syrup, tequila, and orange liquor.

Make the Bites
  1. Cut the watermelon into one inch thick slices. Using a 1 1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut out rounds from each slice and place into a large, flat container and set aside.

  2. Pour the margarita marinade over the watermelon rounds. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours.

  3. To serve: Remove watermelon from margarita marinade and place in a single layer on a platter. Scatter cotija cheese over the watermelon. Place one candied jalapeño slice on top of each watermelon round and skewer with a bamboo skeweror cocktail fork. Garnish with lime zest and serve.

Recipe Notes

Special Equipment: 1 1/2 round cookie cutter

 

  • I recommend 1 inch thickness and 1 1/2 inch rounds as the optimal serving size.
  • If you don’t have a round cookie cutter, slice the bites into even 1 1/2 inch squares.
  • BONUS! Save the watermelon scraps to mix up with the leftover marinade for frozen watermelon margaritas.
  • Cotija cheese is my go-to for topping, but feta or ricotta salata can be substituted.
  • The leftover jalapeño syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and used to flavor cocktails.
Nutrition Facts
Margarita Watermelon Bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 219mg10%
Potassium 454mg13%
Carbohydrates 77g26%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 71g79%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 2244IU45%
Vitamin C 36mg44%
Calcium 122mg12%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2016 but was republished with new photos and tips in May 2020.

29

Appetizer and Snack Recipes, Cocktail and Drink Recipes, Recipe snack, spicy, starter, tequila, watermelon, 4th of july, cocktail parties, appetizers, cotija, feta, holidays, jalapeno, margarita

About Cathy Roma

My food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. Sweet, savory, healthy, decadent…food, like life, is all about balance. I rely on my background as a trained chef/mom to create family-friendly recipes that will inspire you to cook, not complicate your life.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. cakespy says

    June 7, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Adorable, boozy, summery. I’m hooked.

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 8, 2016 at 1:31 am

      Thanks! Nothing more summery than spiked watermelon!

  2. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

    June 7, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    Now this recipe is exactly why I love summer! Hello boozy watermelon bites.

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 8, 2016 at 1:30 am

      Ditto Nicole!

  3. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    June 8, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    5 stars
    As soon as I saw these on instagram all I could think was, “OMG… NEEEEEED!” LOVE these, Cathy!! Talk about the perfect summer adult bite! These are genius and I will totally be making these happen in my house! Pinned! Cheers, friend!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 14, 2016 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks Cheyanne. I definitely love these a little more than I should!!

  4. drew mcvety says

    June 9, 2016 at 3:59 am

    5 stars
    Truly effing perfect! always inspired by your stuff…… thanks!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 14, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks Drew! Definitely gets the party started!

  5. Candice @ Whole Health Hacks says

    June 15, 2016 at 12:32 am

    This recipe has all of my favorite things about summer! YUM! Cannot wait to try it — thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 17, 2016 at 2:07 pm

      Thanks Candice! Can’t go wrong with watermelon and tequila!!

  6. Grace | eat, write + explore says

    June 27, 2016 at 8:48 am

    5 stars
    There is nothing better than a snack that gets you tipsy! Got to try these!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 28, 2016 at 3:52 am

      Absolutely Grace. Agreed!

  7. Sarah says

    June 15, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    5 stars
    I made these last night for a party. They were a huge hit! So so good!

    Reply
    • Cathy says

      June 16, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Perfect summer party fare. So glad you enjoyed!!

  8. agreso says

    December 24, 2020 at 2:17 am

    I made these last night for a party. They were a huge hit! So so good!

    Reply
    • Cathy Roma says

      January 5, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      So glad you enjoyed! Can’t go wrong with a boozy app!!

  9. nhà kính mini says

    December 25, 2020 at 2:00 am

    This recipe has all of my favorite things about summer! YUM! Cannot wait to try it — thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  10. nhà kính mini says

    December 26, 2020 at 1:40 am

    I made these last night for a party. They were a huge hit! So so good!

    Reply
  11. trồng rau sân thượng says

    December 31, 2020 at 7:04 am

    Now this recipe is exactly why I love summer! Hello boozy watermelon bites.

    Reply
    • Cathy Roma says

      January 5, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      I’m sooooo with you!

  12. Leanne says

    June 4, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    5 stars
    How refreshing! Can the leftover marinade be used as a base for cocktails (if kept refrigerated of course)??? I can imagine it would be delicious with 7-Up or ginger beer!

    Reply
  13. Cynthia says

    July 5, 2023 at 9:14 pm

    5 stars
    These were a huge hit for the 4th of July. I cut into squares as Iwas unable to find the round cutters. This, however, makes WAY more than 12 servings. Used a 1/2 watermelon (medium sized) and had more than enough. I have 1/2 of the mixture left over for another weekend.

    Reply
4.56 from 29 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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HEY THERE, I’M CATHY.

My food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. Sweet, savory, healthy, decadent…food, like life, is all about balance. I rely on my background as a trained chef/mom to create family-friendly recipes that will inspire you to cook, not complicate your life.

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