Watermelon Lime Spritz
A bright, lightly bubbly watermelon spritz with lime and a salty rim option.
Prep: 8 · Cook: · Total: 8 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (132 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
It is inspired by the simple patio spritzes you can mix with whatever fruit is at its sweetest right now.
Story
I make this when the cutting board is already sticky from slicing watermelon for the kids. You only need a blender and a couple of limes, and it tastes like you planned a whole moment. The tiny pinch of salt is the trick that makes the fruit pop, and the bubbles keep it feeling light.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon cubes, chilled
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 to 3 tsp simple syrup, to taste
- 3 oz vodka (or white rum)
- 6 oz chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Tajín or flaky salt, for rim (optional)
Instructions
- If using a rim, run a lime wedge around two glasses and dip in Tajín or flaky salt.
- Blend watermelon until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want it extra clean.
- Stir watermelon juice with lime juice, simple syrup, vodka, and a pinch of salt.
- Fill glasses with ice and divide the mixture between them.
- Top each glass with sparkling water and give it one gentle stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, and sip while it is extra cold and fizzy.
Chef Tips
- A pinch of salt makes the watermelon taste sweeter, do not skip it.
- If your watermelon is super sweet, cut back on the syrup.
- For a mocktail, skip the vodka and add a splash more sparkling water.
- Chill everything first so the ice does not water it down fast.
Cook's Notes
- **Watermelon:** Seedless is easiest, but any ripe melon works.
- **Strain or not:** Straining makes it smoother, leaving it unstrained keeps it juicy and rustic.
- **Spirit:** Vodka is neutral, white rum adds a little sweetness.
- **Make it a pitcher:** Multiply, mix base, then top each glass with bubbles right before serving.