Fruity cantaloupe cocktails make for a refreshing, light summer drink packed with antioxidants. Perfect for your next spring or summer party!
Summertime means an abundance of fresh fruit, and we are so here for it!
Now is the time to whip up some Strawberry Watermelon Smoothies, a batch of Key Lime Cookies, and a few Blueberry Galettes.
Melons like cantaloupe often get quieter appreciation, but we love to celebrate them in our Melon and Prosciutto Caprese Salad. And we love to make melon cocktails like this delicious melon margarita!
🧡 Why you'll love this melon cocktail
These cantaloupe margaritas are unexpected, luscious treats that bring bursts of bright sunshine to your table.
- The cantaloupe cocktails have the sweet flavors of the fruit and agave balanced by zesty lime.
- Using summer melon elevates these cocktails from your standard issue margaritas to something truly special and satisfying!
- They contain a cup and a quarter of cantaloupe per drink, so these are packed with antioxidants thanks to Vitamins A and C. This melon margarita also contains potassium, folate, magnesium, and more!
- You can make these with just 5 ingredients.
- The recipe makes two margaritas, but it's easy to double or even triple the recipe.
🍈 Ingredient notes
Cantaloupe - Cantaloupe cocktails start with, of course, cantaloupe. This bright orange melon
Tequila - You can use whatever tequila you happen to have on hand. Using reposado tequila will add some smoothness to these drinks.
Agave - To add a little sweetness, I use a light agave nectar. This ingredient is really great to have on hand for many different types of cocktails. You can also use honey or make your own simple syrup as a substitute.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
- In a blender, add cantaloupe, lime juice, tequila, and agave nectar and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into two glasses.
3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime slice
🍹 Cocktail FAQs
A ripe cantaloupe will have a light green line across it, and the stem end will have a slightly sweet smell.
If you don't have a cantaloupe, you can substitute a honeydew melon, mango, or even papaya.
You can use blanco, joven, or reposado tequila in these cantaloupe margaritas.
Serving ideas
Serve up these blended cantaloupe margaritas for Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day brunch, and any al fresco fiesta you have planned this spring or summer. The garnish of mint leaves (or lime slices - your choice!) add some freshness to the drink, as well as a beautiful contrasting visual appeal.
These cantaloup cocktails especially go well when served with our Melon and Prosciutto Caprese Salad, Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers, and Grilled Lemon with Salmon and Herbs. They're also tasty to enjoy while cooling off with these refreshing Tropical Margarita Popsicles!
🍸 More cocktail recipes
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Melon Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2½ cups cantaloupe, chopped into small pieces
- 2 ounces tequila
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon light agave nectar
- mint leaves or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, add cantaloupe, lime juice, tequila, and agave nectar and blend until smooth.
- Pour into two glasses.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime slice
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
This recipe was first published on April 11, 2016. It was updated with new content, all new photos, updated recipe card, and more helpful cocktail making tips and republished on July 20, 2022.
@estee_bestie says
omg sign me up!!! love the process shots- looks so easy and delicious!
Beth says
This sounds so delicious! I've never thought of cantaloupe in a margarita but it actually makes so much sense for the summer. It's the perfect flavor.
cam says
This may be the best cocktail idea ever!! The cantelope flavor was delicious and so refreshing. I will definitely be enjoying these for the rest of the season!
Kathleen says
This cantaloupe margarita is calling my name. Will be making this refreshing cocktail all summer long.
Melissa says
You really come up with the best drink ideas!
jenni says
ha! Very glad that cantaloupe doesn't turn me orange because I LOVE it. I am a weirdo and eat it with salt and pepper. SO GOOD. This looks fabulous. I'm a huge fan of tequila with that fruit!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
Cantaloupe is most definitely not boring! These look awesome, I think cantaloupe is one of the few (haha) flavored margaritas I've never had. Must correct that!!
Mary @ Vindulge says
I used to date a guy in college who was obsessed with carrots. OBSESSED. He ate them all day long, and also drank carrot juice. Literally overdosing on carrots. And I swear to god his skin did turn a faint shade of orange as a result!!!
Also, these margaritas look so darn refreshing!!! I have to try them. I'll also be generous and make a non-alcoholic batch for my kiddos. I can imagine they would love the booze-free version.
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
These look so refreshing and delicious Marlynn! Such a summery cocktail!
Catherine says
I am totally annoyed with deli fruit salads, but the cantaloupe from the farmer's market is SO MUCH BETTER than the creepy stuff you get at the supermarket. And I'd bet it's even more delicious with a splash of tequila. ;)
Pech says
I have to admit my favorite way to have cantaloupe is in drink form... the one I'm thinking of included melon ball scoops of cantaloupe in the drink itself too to enjoy as a "garnish"!
Brettni Brumfield says
I've never met a margarita I didn't like. These look tasty!
Marye says
This makes me think of warm summer afternoons! Looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
No too silly! Drinking a glass of fresh carrot juice and then going out in the sun WILL turn you a slight orange!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
LOL, I had the same fear. I could eat a bag of carrots in a sitting! This drink has my name all over it. I had one in a restaurant and just haven't gotten around to figuring out the recipe, now I don't need to.