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Salty, spicy, boozy…these margarita watermelon bites are summer treats for the over 21 crowd.
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!
- Make the lime simple syrup and candied jalapeño slices. Chill separately.
- Slice a watermelon into 1 inch thick slices. Use a small round cookie cutter to punch out rounds.
- Place the rounds in a single layer in large container.
- 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.
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!
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!)
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
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 jalapeños, thinly sliced into rounds
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 2 cups tequila
- 3/4 cup orange flavored liquor, such as triple sec or Cointreau
- lime simple syrup
- 4 lb seedless watermelon
- 8 oz cotija cheese, crumbled (feta or ricotta salata can be substituted)
- lime zest, for garnish
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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.
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Place jalapeños and the cooking syrup into an airtight container and chill.
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Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and then remove from the heat. Chill.
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In a medium bowl whisk together the lime simple syrup, tequila, and orange liquor.
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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.
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Pour the margarita marinade over the watermelon rounds. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours.
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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.
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.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2016 but was republished with new photos and tips in May 2020.
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cakespy says
Adorable, boozy, summery. I’m hooked.
Cathy says
Thanks! Nothing more summery than spiked watermelon!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Now this recipe is exactly why I love summer! Hello boozy watermelon bites.
Cathy says
Ditto Nicole!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
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!
Cathy says
Thanks Cheyanne. I definitely love these a little more than I should!!
drew mcvety says
Truly effing perfect! always inspired by your stuff…… thanks!
Cathy says
Thanks Drew! Definitely gets the party started!
Candice @ Whole Health Hacks says
This recipe has all of my favorite things about summer! YUM! Cannot wait to try it — thanks for sharing!!
Cathy says
Thanks Candice! Can’t go wrong with watermelon and tequila!!
Grace | eat, write + explore says
There is nothing better than a snack that gets you tipsy! Got to try these!
Cathy says
Absolutely Grace. Agreed!
Sarah says
I made these last night for a party. They were a huge hit! So so good!
Cathy says
Perfect summer party fare. So glad you enjoyed!!
agreso says
I made these last night for a party. They were a huge hit! So so good!
Cathy Roma says
So glad you enjoyed! Can’t go wrong with a boozy app!!
nhà kính mini says
This recipe has all of my favorite things about summer! YUM! Cannot wait to try it — thanks for sharing!!
nhà kính mini says
I made these last night for a party. They were a huge hit! So so good!
trồng rau sân thượng says
Now this recipe is exactly why I love summer! Hello boozy watermelon bites.
Cathy Roma says
I’m sooooo with you!
Leanne says
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!
Cynthia says
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.