Margarita Watermelon Bites

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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!

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.

After a good, long soak in this boozy blend, the watermelon rounds are topped with crumbled cojita 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.
• Cojita 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

4.6 from 10 votes

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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 cojita 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 cojita 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.
• Cojita 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.