Melon Margarita

This Melon Margarita recipe is based on the classic Margarita – America's most popular tequila-based cocktail, and is made from tequila, melon liqueur (Midori) and lime juice, served over ice. By adding delicious melon to the mix the Melon Margarita becomes even better – we know you will love the sweet taste of this drink.

According to cocktail historian David Wondrich, the margarita is related to a popular Mexican drink, the Daisy – Margarita is Spanish for "daisy". The difference between them is the usage of tequila rather than brandy.

The margarita became popular during Prohibition as people crossed the Mexican border to consume alcohol.

We also have a popular recipe for a classic margarita and a Frozen Strawberry Margarita both of which taste amazing!

  • Total Time:
  • Type: Cocktail
  • Units: 3

Equipment

  • Margarita glass

Ingredients

  • 60 ml tequila
  • 30 ml melon liqueur
  • 30 ml lime juice
  • crushed ice

Optional

  • sea salt
  • lime wedge

Instructions

  1. Rub the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with the lime wedge.
  2. Then dip the cocktail glass into sea salt to frost.
  3. Add crushed ice into a cocktail shaker.
  4. Add the tequila, melon liqueur and lime juice into the shaker.
  5. With the lid on, shake vigorously until cold and strain into the cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish with the lime wedge.
The Melon Margarita became a hit in the 1980s and ’90s when neon-coloured cocktails were all the rage – its glowing green Midori made it a barroom showstopper long before Instagram cocktails were a thing.

FAQ

What is the difference between a Paloma and Margarita?

A Paloma cocktail also uses tequila like a Magarita, but the Paloma cocktail doesn’t contain triple sec and instead uses a grapefruit juice mix.

Is a Midori liqueur vegan?

Yes, midori liqueur (known as the brand Midori) is suitable for vegans.

Is a melon margarita sweet?

Yes, a melon margarita cocktail has a generally sweet taste due to the melon liqueur added, sharpened a little by the tequila.

Are margarita cocktails strong?

Yes, a melon margarita is a very strong alcoholic cocktail, with roughly 3-4.5 units per serving. Drink responsibly.

Is a Melon Margarita sweeter than a regular Margarita?

Yes, the Midori adds a sweet, fruity melon note that softens the sharpness of lime and tequila.

Can I skip the triple sec in a Melon Margarita?

Yes, Midori can replace triple sec for sweetness, or you can keep both for layered citrus and melon flavors.

How does it compare to a classic Margarita?

It’s sweeter and more playful, thanks to the melon liqueur, and much less sharp than the salt-and-lime punch of the original Margarita. If you like fun twists such as the Strawberry Daiquiri, you’ll probably enjoy the Melon Margarita.

What garnish works best?

A wedge of lime or a slice of fresh melon makes the drink pop visually and ties in with its fruity flavours. Salt on the rim is optional – I find it a bit messy, but it tempers the sweetness much like it does in a classic Margarita.

Please note that the units field is an estimation, and will vary depending on the type and quantity of alcohol used. Please drink responsibly and legally.