Ingredients
- 15 ml vodka
- 15 ml watermelon liqueur Midori Watermelon or DeKuyper Pucker
- 15 ml sour mix or equal parts lemon and simple syrup
Instructions
- Add vodka, watermelon liqueur and sour mix to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 8 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled shot glass.
- Optional garnish: a tiny watermelon wedge or mint leaf on the rim.
- Drink in one go.
Notes
Where it came from
The Watermelon Shot rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s when DeKuyper Pucker watermelon schnapps and Midori’s watermelon line hit the US market. Bartenders started building shots around the new sweet liqueurs and the watermelon shot became a signature pool-bar drink.
Several variations exist: some bars add Crown Royal Peach instead of vodka (the Crown Watermelon), others use sour apple schnapps for a green-and-pink layered version. The vodka, watermelon liqueur and sour mix template is the most common.
Why it works as a shot
The watermelon liqueur is sweet and lightly fruity but not aggressive. Vodka adds body without taking over. The sour mix cuts through the sweetness so the shot does not coat the throat. Three balanced ingredients, no off-notes, drinks like a sweet, easy mouthful.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
The watermelon liqueur
- Use
- Midori Watermelon or DeKuyper Pucker Watermelon
- Try
- Real Fruit watermelon liqueur for a more natural flavour
- Skip
- Watermelon schnapps under 15 percent ABV, lacks body
The sour mix
- Use
- Fresh-made: equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup
- Try
- Bottled sour mix in a pinch
- Skip
- Margarita mix, too sweet, throws off the balance
The vodka
- Use
- Any clean vodka, chilled
- Try
- Watermelon-flavoured vodka for double watermelon
- Skip
- Heavily aromatic vodkas, they distract from the fruit
Variations
Other fruity party shots and summer shooters.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Strawberry liqueur or sour apple schnapps. Different drink, same easy-drinking vibe.
Equal parts fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
White rum or tequila silver. Tequila version is the “Watermelon Margarita Shot”.
Triple all measures, serve over ice in a rocks glass. Now it is a Watermelon Cooler.
Swap sour mix for pineapple juice. Hello summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Watermelon Shot?
Vodka, watermelon liqueur (typically Midori or DeKuyper) and sour mix in equal parts. Standard build is 15ml of each, shaken with ice and strained into a shot glass.
What does a Watermelon Shot taste like?
Like a liquid Jolly Rancher: sweet, fruity, slightly tart from the sour mix, with a clean vodka backbone. The watermelon flavour is candy-style, not fresh-fruit-style.
Can I use fresh watermelon?
For a fresh-watermelon shot, muddle 30g fresh watermelon with the vodka and lemon juice, shake, and double-strain. The flavour is more delicate but more natural. Different drink, same name.
What is the difference between a Watermelon Shot and a Watermelon Margarita?
A Watermelon Margarita uses tequila instead of vodka, adds triple sec or orange liqueur, and is served over ice in a glass. A Watermelon Shot is the smaller, vodka-based shooter version.
How strong is a Watermelon Shot?
Around 18 to 22 percent ABV. The watermelon liqueur is around 20 percent and the sour mix dilutes the vodka. Easier-drinking than a straight shot.
Can I layer a Watermelon Shot?
You can layer for visual: pour Midori at the bottom, sour mix in the middle, vodka float on top. The drink will not be properly mixed unless you stir or shake, so most bars shake.
Is sour mix the same as margarita mix?
No. Sour mix is typically lemon juice and simple syrup. Margarita mix is much sweeter and often includes lime, sugar and stabilisers. Sour mix is closer to fresh.
What food goes with a Watermelon Shot?
Pool-bar food: shrimp tacos, ceviche, fish and chips. Anything light and salty pairs with the sweet fruit shot.
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