Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita Recipe

RECIPE BY: RICARDO DYNAN AND HEDDA BRUCE
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita is a summer vodka cocktail bursting with watermelon flavor. 

A vodkarita is essentially a margarita cocktail made with vodka instead of tequila. The Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita is an easy to make shaken cocktail that combines Absolut Watermelon, fresh watermelon juice, fresh lime Juice, simple syrup, and a splash of orange liqueur. 

Served in a salt-rimmed rocks glass and garnished with both a lime wedge and a watermelon wedge, it’s the taste of Mexico with a watermelon-flavored vodka twist!

How To Make an Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita

What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife
• Blender
• Sieve (Fine Mesh Strainer)
• Mixing Glass (or Pitcher)
• Citrus Press
• Small Plate (for the Kosher Salt)
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Boston Shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Rocks Glass

How to Make

1. Use a Paring Knife to cut a Watermelon in half, then into medium-sized pieces, saving a Watermelon Wedge for garnish.
2. Blend the Watermelon pieces until liquefied.
3. Pour the Watermelon Juice through a Sieve into a Mixing Glass (or Pitcher), removing the Pulp.
4. Use a Paring Knife to cut a Lime in half, then juice both halves using a Citrus Press.
   Tip: If your Limes are on the firmer side, soften them by rolling them under your palm.
5. Pour Kosher Salt onto a small plate.
6. Rub a Lime half along the rim of a Rocks Glass, then dip the rim into the Kosher Salt to create a Salt-Rimmed Glass.
7. Use a Jigger to measure and pour Simple Syrup into the larger tin of a Boston Shaker.
8. Measure and pour Lime Juice into the Shaker, followed by Orange Liqueur.
9. Measure and pour Watermelon Juice into the Shaker, followed by Absolut Watermelon.
10. Fill the Shaker with ice Cubes, then shake vigorously until ice-cold and condensation forms on the outside.
11. Separate the Boston Shaker and place a Hawthorne Strainer over the top of the larger tin, pouring the cocktail directly into your Glass.
12. Use a Paring Knife to cut another Lime into Lime Wedges and place one Wedge directly in your Glass to garnish.
13. Place the saved Watermelon Wedge on the rim of your Glass to garnish.
14. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Watermelon Vodkarita?

You could say a Watermelon Vodkarita is a twist on a classic Margarita cocktail that uses watermelon-flavored vodka instead of tequila. It was created by award-winning Swedish bartender Hedda Bruce and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan.

What Does a Watermelon Vodkarita Taste Like?

Mixing watermelon-flavored vodka and fresh watermelon, the Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita is bursting with watermelon flavor. The fresh lime juice gives it a wonderful zesty zing and the salt-rim adds a whole other element, rounding off an incredible drink experience.

The History of the Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita

To understand the history of the Vodkarita, we need to look back at the origins of the Margarita – one of the most popular cocktails on the planet. Unfortunately, nobody really knows who invented the Margarita! 

Most stories suggest it originated in the 1930s or 1940s in Mexico, often involving a beautiful woman. What we do know is that the Margarita has always been made with Tequila.

So, when was the Margarita first made with Vodka instead of Tequila? That’s another mystery.

However, Absolut Watermelon hit the market in 2021, and the Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita was crafted by Award-Winning Bartender Hedda Bruce and Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, for an episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico in the summer of 2021.

Tips for Making the Perfect Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita

Salt-Rimmed Glass
Although you could just strain this Cocktail into a Rocks Glass, to add a whole new dimension to the drinking experience, we recommend rubbing the rim of your Rocks Glass first with Lime, then dip the rim in Kosher Salt. A Margarita, anyone?

Variations of an Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita

Absolut Watermelon Frozen Vodkarita
As if the Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita wasn’t summery enough! If you love a Frozen Margarita – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t – then you’re going to love this. 

It follows the exact same recipe as the Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita on this page, but with lots and lots of Ice! Here’s how to make an Absolut Watermelon Frozen Vodkarita.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for an Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita

Serve the Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita in a Salt-Rimmed Rocks Glass for the best experience. We suggest a double garnish – a Lime Wedge and a Watermelon Wedge. 

There are no rules here, so feel free to place your Wedges directly into the Glass or perch them on the side. It’s completely up to you!