These Cantaloupe Margaritas take an often underrated fruit and blend it with tequila and lime juice for the perfect summer cocktail!
Oh hey, Monday. It’s you again. Meh. Do you think if I close my eyes and pretend I’m actually sitting at a pool in the sun with a cocktail in my hand, I can make it happen? It’s worth a shot. Though I may look like I’m falling asleep at my desk, which could potentially be grounds for firing. So, maybe I’ll just stare at these photos instead. If I stare long enough, maybe I’ll even be able to taste the tequila. Hmm maybe I should wait until lunchtime. Then again, it is Monday. And I can tell you right now, it’s going to be a really, really long week.
I've been on a major margarita kick lately. And then I suddenly realized that the summer is almost over (SOB!) and I've barely posted any of my summer cocktails… And that I better get on it. Which is why I’m posting about cocktails on a Monday. Well, one of the reasons.
For some reason, I've never been a very big cantaloupe person. I actually think this was the second time ever that I've bought a cantaloupe in my life. Maybe the third. I think it’s just that they don’t look very appealing at the grocery store. And I also have a bad image (and taste) of the cut up cantaloupe that’s in some really terrible fruit salads. Luckily, the cantaloupe I had was incredibly juicy and tender. It makes such a difference! Yes, even when you throw it in a blender with tequila. Which is exactly what you’re going to do with this recipe.
CANTALOUPE MARGARITA WITH LIME RECIPE
This cantaloupe margarita recipe is a quick and easy one, but it’s probably a good idea to make the lime simple syrup first since it will need a little time to cool. It’s also a good idea to always have simple syrup in your fridge. At least 4 varieties. You won’t regret it.
For the lime simple syrup, simply bring sugar, water, and lime juice to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Lower to a simmer and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture has begun to thicken.
Transfer to a heat-proof bowl or jar to cool completely.
Chop cantaloupe into big chunks and toss into the blender.
Blend until smooth.
Put sea salt and cayenne pepper on a small plate. Brush a little simple syrup on the rim of the glass and place the glass into the mixture to coat rim.
In a shaker filled with ice, add ¾ cup cantaloupe puree, 1 oz. lime simple syrup, 1 ½ oz. tequila, and ½ oz triple sec. Shake well and pour into an ice-filled glass.
I tried to keep things simple for you on this Monday morning, too. You’re welcome.
I’ll warn you that this rim is a little bit spicy. I mean, it’s cayenne pepper for goodness sake. But it complements the sweet drink perfectly. This cantaloupe margarita is super smooth and wonderfully sweet without being too much. Of course, the tequila helps balance that out, too. Thanks, tequila.
The lime flavor is pretty subtle, but definitely there. This is another one of those simple syrups that I would like to chug from the jar (I’m not sure which simple syrups I don’t want to chug from the jar, though…).
I think cantaloupe is going to become a mainstay in my fridge from now on. And not just so I can mix them all up with tequila. I promise. I’ll also make some kick-butt fruit salads with sweet and juicy cantaloupe, instead of dried out bland cantaloupe. Annnd then I'll eat them alongside a cantaloupe margarita. Because summer.
And especially this Monday morning, I prefer my cantaloupe in margarita form. In a glass with ice and lots of tequila. Please? I swear I won’t blame you when I get in trouble for drinking margarita out of my coffee mug.
Are you a cantaloupe fan or do you often forget about the fruit?
If you love this cantaloupe margarita, be sure to check out my recipes for Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Arugula Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing. and Cantaloupe Boozy Smoothie Shooters. I also can't wait to try these Cantaloupe Melon Gin Spritzers from Spices in my DNA.
📖 Recipe
Cantaloupe Lime Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 medium cantaloupe
- 3 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. triple sec
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Bring sugar, water, and lime juice to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Lower heat to a simmer and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture has begun to thicken.
- Transfer to a heat-proof bowl or jar to cool completely.
- Chop cantaloupe into big chunks and toss into the blender. Blend until smooth. You should have about 1 ½ cups cantaloupe puree.
- Put sea salt and cayenne pepper on a small plate. Brush a little simple syrup on the rim of the glass and place the glass into the mixture to coat rim.
- In a shaker filled with ice, add ¾ cup cantaloupe puree, 1 oz. lime simple syrup, 1 ½ oz. tequila, and ½ oz triple sec. Shake well and pour into an ice-filled glass. Repeat for second drink.
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Ugh, I hate Mondays! But now I will be dreaming of this margarita in hand sitting on the beach. I love the sea salt and cayenne rim. The flavor combination is perfect!
DessertForTwo says
WHOA, NEW SITE! It looks awesome! Congrats!
Arpita@ TheGastronomicBong says
The drink looks awesomely delicious!! Love it!! 😀
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
Oh my goodness, these look RIGHT up my alley. Love the fresh cantaloupe!
Claudia says
Love cantaloupe. Never do anything with it but slice and eat, slice and eat. Heading out for some now.... and will restrain myself from making this until after 6 p.m. 5 p.m.? What a delicious way to celebrate the melon!
Russell from Chasing Delicious says
I am loving this recipe! Yum and yum!
Rachel says
this looks so good! I'm really, really craving one of these on this gorgeous Monday. Perhaps a late night terrace treat for this evening? It's almost like being on a beach...
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I absolutely love the flavors in this margarita! This has to be one of the most creative combinations that I've seen. What a perfect drink for a blah-Monday! 🙂
Michelle Lahey says
You know I'm a fan of that cayenne pepper rim! I wasn't going to drink tonight, but this might have to happen...
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
That color is gorgeous! This drink definitely makes Monday more tolerable!
Justine says
I eat cantaloupe a decent amount but this would make me buy it even more. To drink!!!
Emily aka The Three Bite Rule says
such a great idea! I love cantaloupe but never add it to smoothies or drinks. You have me inspired!
Megan says
I have definitely never even heard of a cantaloupe margarita. What an original and refreshing idea for such an awesome summer drink!
Odetta says
I would like to sip on this pretty drink right now!
Sharon says
This looks incredibly delicious…and don’t forget to mention “healthy” with all the vitamin C in it!
Velva says
You know I am a cocktail girl! These are a perfect late summer margarita. Very nice!!!
I am not crazy about Mondays either 🙂
Velva
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I love canteloupes (honey melons here) and margaritas so I know I will love this cocktail - roll on summer!
Kitchen Belleicious says
yes please! This looks delicious and refreshing
Pam says
They look refreshing, creative, and so delicious!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
Yes yes yes! These are absolutely gorgeous...could use one of these bad boys to help get me through the week 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
totally wish it was the weekend so i could make one of these margarita's, tequila, myself and weekdays do not mix well!
Juliana says
Yum! What a beautiful and delicious margarita...love the color!
Have a great week 😀
Mary Frances says
This is such a fun, unique drink! So decadent and yet it sounds very refreshing! Love the vibrant color!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
This margarita looks INCREDIBLE! I've never thought of spicing up the rim or putting cantaloupe in a margarita. What a great idea! And to answer your question...both! I do really like cantaloupe plain, but I never think to buy it when I'm at the store. Weird! I'll be sure to put it on my list this week, though!
Joanne says
I'm having one of those long weeks also. BRING ON THE MARGARITAS!