Sailor’s Warning Cocktail
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The Sailors Warning Cocktail is a fruity, vibrant drink that’s ideal for summer sipping. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have something that looks beautiful and tastes even better. It’s naturally sweet, smooth, and served ice cold for maximum refreshment. A seasonal favorite that’s easy to love.
August always feels a little bittersweet to me… It’s the peak of summer, but also a quiet reminder that the season won’t last forever. Instead of sitting with the bitter, let’s celebrate the sweet. When the sun is shining and the days are long, there’s nothing better than a cold, colorful cocktail to match the mood.
This Sailor’s Warning Cocktail has become one of my go-to drinks this time of year. It’s fruity and refreshing without being too sweet, and it comes together in just a few easy steps. The bright pink color alone makes it worth pouring a glass and sinking into a lawn chair for the afternoon. It’s made with fresh watermelon, pineapple juice, and tequila (or rum, if that’s more your style), and it brings a little tropical flair to any summer day. Whether you’re mixing a batch for friends or just treating yourself, I have a feeling it’ll become a summer cocktail you reach for again and again. So, let’s soak up what’s left of the season and savor every last drop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you’ve got a cocktail that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy beachside bar. It feels like a little getaway, even if it’s just an ordinary Tuesday evening on the porch.
- Watermelon and pineapple juice do all the heavy lifting here, bringing just the right amount of sweetness and freshness without needing any added sugar. The result is a smooth, bright cocktail that’s refreshing and delicious.
- I like this cocktail with tequila, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more tropical, dark rum or even coconut rum would work beautifully. This recipe is flexible enough to match your tastes or whatever you have on hand.
- That gorgeous pink color is half the fun. It’s the kind of drink that catches your eye right away! Whether you’re serving it at a backyard get-together or just treating yourself, it always feels a little bit special.
Looking for more summer cocktail? You’ve got it! Check out this collection of my best summer cocktail recipes. I also have this collection of delicious fruity cocktail recipes.
Ingredients
It’s time to get together all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Sailor’s Warning Cocktail.
- Watermelon chunks – Fresh watermelon adds a naturally sweet and juicy flavor while also giving the drink its vibrant pink hue.
- Pineapple juice – Tart and tropical, pineapple juice brings just enough brightness to balance the richness of the tequila or rum.
- Tequila – A smooth silver tequila pairs beautifully with the fruit juices, adding a little warmth and depth to the cocktail. As I mentioned above, you can also use rum or even vodka if you’d like.
- Maraschino cherries – A classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of nostalgic sweetness.
- Pineapple wedges – Fresh pineapple wedges complete the tropical look and make for an inviting finishing touch.
Oh, and if you’re looking for the glasses I used. You can find them here. They are so much fun! I’ve been using them a lot lately. They always seem to impress.
How To Make
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a cocktail. Let’s whip up this colorful concoction. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Place the watermelon chunks in a blender and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds). Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. This should yield about one cup of juice.
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- Fill four highball glasses with ice. To each glass, add pineapple juice, tequila, and the strained watermelon juice, dividing the amounts evenly among the glasses.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry and a wedge of pineapple as a garnish.
Gorgeous, right? Trust me! It tastes as delicious as it looks. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to strain the watermelon juice?
Use a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl or large measuring cup. Press gently with the back of a spoon to help extract the juice, but avoid forcing too much pulp through, as this can make the drink cloudy.
What kind of tequila works best?
A good-quality blanco (silver) tequila is perfect here. It’s clean, crisp, and lets the fruit flavors shine. If you’re a fan of bolder flavor, a reposado could work too, but it will give the drink a bit more depth.
How do I make this a non-alcoholic drink?
To make it a mocktail, simply leave out the tequila and replace it with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. You’ll still get that fresh fruity flavor and pretty color without the alcohol.
Can I scale this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just blend a larger batch of watermelon juice and multiply the ingredients to match your guest list. Mix everything in a pitcher and serve over ice when your guests arrive.
More Summer Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
- Campari Sangria
- Strawberry Basil Martini
- Margarita Punch
- Blueberry Mojito
- Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini
So there you have it, a simple and sunny cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. If you give this Sailor’s Warning Cocktail a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
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Sailors Warning Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon chunks
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 8 ounces tequila or dark rum, if preferred
- Maraschino cherries and pineapple wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the watermelon chunks in a blender and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds). Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. This should yield about one cup of juice.
- Fill four highball glasses with ice. To each glass, add pineapple juice, tequila, and the strained watermelon juice, dividing the amounts evenly among the glasses.