This Beloved Watermelon Mezcalita Recipe Was Nearly Lost Forever — You’ll Be Glad It Wasn’t

Name: This Beloved Watermelon Mezcalita Recipe Was Nearly Lost Forever — You’ll Be Glad It Wasn’t
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 c. granulated sugar; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced; 4 c. cubed watermelon; 1 c. mezcal; 1/2 c. lime juice, plus 1 thinly sliced lime, for serving; 2 c. seltzer water

After landing on the cutting room floor of Country Living magazine nearly a decade ago, this recipe quietly became a staff favorite. “I can’t tell you how many people I’ve emailed this recipe over the years,” says Design Director Maribeth Jones.

By Christopher Michel, Lindsay Maitland HuntPublished: May 5, 2025

Be the first to review!

Jump to recipe

a glass of watermelon mezcalita with lime and jalapeno slices

Country Living Staff

Yields:

6 - 8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

You almost didn’t get to see this recipe, despite the fact that several Country Living editors have loved it and have been making it for nearly a decade!

Country Living’s Design Director Maribeth Jones has the story: “In 2016, I art directed a photo shoot starring a trio of watermelon recipes for our “Farm Fresh” column. One perk of the job is getting to sample the recipes when the shoot wraps (yes, even cocktails!). Our favorite recipe by a mile was this Watermelon Mezcalita, developed by one of our then-freelancers, Lindsay Maitland Hunt. It had all of the refreshing nostalgia of juicy watermelon, but with an unexpected spicy and smoky element thanks to the jalapeño and mezcal.

“One thing that isn’t a perk of the job is that sometimes work gets cut from an issue for one reason or another. And in this case, unfortunately, that happened. But it was my duty, honestly, to keep this delicious recipe alive and I’ve taken my job seriously! A pitcher of mezcalitas has been my summer cookout drink of choice for nine years and counting. I also can’t tell you how many people I’ve emailed this recipe over the years.”

The recipe finally made its online debut in 2024, just ahead of Cinco de Mayo. One year later, this is your reminder—save it, try it, and share it, too, because in our experience, you will be asked for the recipe.

For more crowd-pleasing food and drinks, check out:

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
4 cups cubed watermelon
1 cup mezcal
1/2 cup lime juice, plus 1 thinly sliced lime, for serving
2 cups seltzer water

Directions

1. Step 1Combine the sugar, 1/2 cup water, and half the jalapeño in a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes to let the jalapeño infuse, then strain and cool completely. You should have a little over 1/2 cup.
2. Step 2 Meanwhile, set a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher or another large container. Purée the watermelon in a blender until completely smooth. Pour the blended watermelon through the strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. You should have about 2 cups.
3. Step 3 Stir in the mezcal, lime juice, and 1/2 cup of the cooled jalapeño syrup. Divide between ice-filled glasses and top with the seltzer, dividing evenly. Garnish with lime and jalapeño slices.