Cocktails
Copycat Ina Garten Watermelon Cosmo Recipe
A watermelon cosmo with vodka, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice, shaken with ice and garnished with watermelon.
Recipe reviewed 29 Sep 2026. How we test recipes.
Have ingredients already? Find cocktails you can make with My Bar.
WHAT YOU NEED
Ingredients
METHOD
How to make it
Prepare Watermelon Juice:
- Cut seedless watermelon into chunks and puree in a blender or food processor.
- Strain the puree through a fine sieve to collect the juice, pushing through with a spatula to extract as much juice as possible.
- You'll need about 1 cup of juice for the cocktail, so a medium-sized watermelon should suffice.
Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the watermelon juice (1 cup), vodka (1/2 cup), Triple Sec or Cointreau (1/4 cup), and fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons).
- Add a generous amount of ice to fill the shaker halfway.
Shake It Up:
- Close the lid of the shaker tightly. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is well chilled.
Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into large martini glasses. Fill them to just below the rim to prevent spills.
- Garnish each glass with a wedge or a small triangle of watermelon and, if preferred, a mint leaf for that extra pop of color and freshness.
- With garnishes in place, your Watermelon Cosmos are ready to serve. Enjoy the cool, refreshing mix of sweet watermelon and tangy lime with the smooth caress of vodka.
TASTED THIS RECIPE?
Rate this drink
Something wrong or not matching?
More in this article 5 sections
Summer calls for refreshing cocktails that cool you down and add a splash of joy to your evenings. Imagine hosting a garden party or just winding down after a long day with a drink that's not only thirst-quenching but blends the perfect balance of sweet and tart. There's something about the combination of fresh, juicy watermelon and the classic cosmopolitan that whispers elegance and relaxation.
Ina Garten Watermelon Cosmo Recipe
The Ina Garten Watermelon Cosmo is a cocktail recipe popularized by Ina Garten. This cocktail typically includes fresh watermelon juice, vodka, Cointreau (or another orange liqueur), and freshly squeezed lime juice. It's known for its refreshing and fruity flavor, perfect for summertime enjoyment.
Tips:
- Chill Your Glasses: For an added touch of class and to keep your drink colder for longer, chill your martini glasses in the freezer for at least an hour before serving.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cocktail. Opt for a vodka that you enjoy and a premium Triple Sec or Cointreau for the best taste.
- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer sweeter cocktails, you might want to add a touch more watermelon juice or a splash of simple syrup. Likewise, for a tangier kick, simply increase the lime juice.
- Make It Non-Alcoholic: This recipe can easily be adapted for a non-alcoholic version. Just replace the vodka and Triple Sec with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative, adjusting quantities to suit your taste.
What to serve with
This light, fruity cosmo suits summer food: chilled seafood, a cheese platter, summer salads, or grilled fish or chicken. For dessert, a fruit tart or cheesecake. For another light, bubbly drink, see our sparkling sake cocktail.
Ingredients Substitutes
Ina Garten's Watermelon Cosmo recipe is flexible, allowing for various substitutions based on personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or simply what you have.
Fresh Watermelon Juice
Substitute: Blended Cucumber or Honeydew Melon Juice
Why: For those who might not have watermelon available or are looking for a different flavor profile, cucumber offers a similar refreshing quality, and honeydew melon maintains the sweet, fruity aspect of the drink.
How to Prepare: Similar to watermelon, blend the flesh of cucumber or honeydew until smooth and then strain to get the juice. You might want to adjust the sweetener, as cucumbers and honeydew have different sweetness levels compared to watermelon.
Vodka
Substitute: Gin or White Rum
Why: Gin can introduce a botanical twist, while white rum adds a smoother, slightly sweeter character. These spirits can complement the fresh flavors of the cocktail while providing a similar alcohol content.
How to Use: Substitute equal parts of gin or white rum for the vodka. Note that gin's herbal notes might slightly alter the drink's profile, pairing well with the cocktail's freshness.
Triple Sec or Cointreau
Substitute: Grand Marnier or Orange Juice (Concentrate or Fresh)
Why: Grand Marnier offers a more nuanced, brandy-based citrus flavor for depth. Orange juice (especially concentrate) provides the citrusy sweetness without the alcohol, ideal for a lower-alcohol version of the Cosmo.
How to Use: Use the same amount of Grand Marnier or start with less orange juice, adjusting based on taste preference for sweetness and alcohol content.
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Substitute: Lemon Juice
Why: Lemon juice can easily stand in for lime, offering a similar acidity and brightness. This switch might slightly alter the taste but keeps the refreshing character of the cocktail intact.
How to Use: Substitute equal parts of lemon juice for lime juice. The lemon's flavor profile is a bit different but complementary to the sweetness of the watermelon.
Garnish (Watermelon Slice, Mint Leaf)
Substitutes: Basil Leaf, Lemon or Lime Twist
Why: Basil can offer an aromatic, herbal freshness that goes well with the cocktail's profile, while a twist of lemon or lime adds a visual appeal and a zesty aroma.
How to Use: Simply place a basil leaf on top of the drink or twist a piece of lemon or lime peel over the glass to release its oils before dropping it in.
Final Thoughts
By following this Ina Garten Watermelon Cosmo recipe, you're not just making a cocktail; you're crafting an experience—one that embodies the joy and simplicity of summer.
Reader comments
Loading comments…