Get ready for your new favorite summer sipper with these incredible Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergaritas! This fun and easy cocktail is a delightful mashup, combining the zesty punch of a margarita with the refreshing effervescence of a shandy. We’re talking freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice, smooth gold tequila, a hint of orange liqueur, and simple syrup, all shaken up and then topped with a splash of watermelon shandy beer for an extra summery twist. I absolutely love making unique drinks like this Watermelon Grapefruit Beergarita, especially when the weather starts to warm up – like on this beautiful May evening! It’s super delicious, easy to multiply for a crowd, and tastes like pure sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Grapefruit Beergarita
- Unique & Fun Twist: A creative combination of a margarita and a shandy beer cocktail.
- Super Refreshing: Packed with fresh citrus juices and topped with bubbly beer and soda (if using a non-shandy beer).
- Perfect for Summer: Light, fruity, and ideal for sunny days, BBQs, and patio entertaining.
- Easy to Make: Simple shaking and topping method.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Easily multiplied to make a pitcher for parties.
Ingredients for Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergaritas
Here’s what you’ll need to shake up this fun and refreshing cocktail. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Cocktail Base
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (Acid)
- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (Juice)
- Gold tequila (Liquor)
- Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur) (Liqueur)
- Simple syrup (Sweetener) (See Tips for making)
- Watermelon shandy beer* (Beer/Flavoring) (Or substitute – see Variations/Tips)
- Ice (crushed recommended) (Ice)
Rim & Garnish
- Lime wedge (for rimming glass & garnish) (Fruit) (Added based on instructions)
- Margarita salt (or coarse sea/kosher salt) (Seasoning)
- Watermelon balls (optional garnish) (Fruit)
- Grapefruit slices (optional garnish) (Fruit)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the specific grapefruit and watermelon shandy notes here, but feel free to customize your Beergarita:
- Watermelon Shandy Substitute: If you can’t find watermelon shandy beer (it can be seasonal/regional!), substitute with 1-2 ounces of a light lager or pilsner PLUS 1 ounce of fresh watermelon juice or a splash of watermelon syrup. Alternatively, use another fruity light beer.
- Different Beer: Try a Mexican lager, a pale ale, or even a grapefruit-infused IPA for different hoppy/citrus notes.
- Make it Spicy: Muddle a few thin slices of jalapeño in the cocktail shaker before adding other ingredients.
- Different Citrus: Use blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice (if also adding orange, as per previous Paloma recipe by same author), or add a splash of fresh orange juice to the grapefruit/lime mix.
- Different Sweetener: Use agave nectar instead of simple syrup (adjust to taste).
- Frozen Version: Blend the margarita base ingredients (lime, grapefruit, tequila, Grand Marnier, simple syrup) with ice until slushy, then gently stir in the beer before pouring.
How to Make a Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergarita
Making this fun Beergarita is quick and easy:
Prep the Glass
- First, I prepare my serving glass (a margarita glass, collins glass, or even a fun tumbler works well). I moisten the outer rim of the glass using a fresh lime wedge.
- I place the margarita salt (or other coarse salt) onto a small shallow plate.
- I gently dip the moistened rim into the salt, tilting the glass to coat the rim evenly.
- I fill the prepared glass generously with crushed ice.
Shake the Cocktail Base
- In a cocktail shaker, I add a few fresh ice cubes.
- I pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, gold tequila, Grand Marnier, and the simple syrup.
- I secure the lid tightly on the shaker.
- I shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold and frosty.
Top with Beer and Serve
- I pour the shaken margarita mixture (ice and all, or strained over the fresh crushed ice in the glass if preferred) into the prepared, salt-rimmed glass.
- Now for the fun part – the beer! I gently top the drink with 1-2 ounces of the chilled watermelon shandy beer (or your chosen beer/substitute).
- I give it a very gentle stir just to slightly combine.
- I garnish with a fresh lime wedge, some watermelon balls, and a thin grapefruit slice, if desired.
- Serve immediately!
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Beergarita
Here are my secrets for making the perfect Watermelon Grapefruit Beergarita:
- Use Fresh Citrus Juices: This makes all the difference! Freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice provide unparalleled brightness.
- Chill All Ingredients: Start with cold juices, cold tequila, cold Grand Marnier, and especially cold beer for the most refreshing experience.
- Watermelon Shandy Beer (or a Good Sub): If you can find a watermelon shandy, great! If not, use a light lager and fresh watermelon juice (see Variations) to mimic the flavor.
- Don’t Overdo the Beer: Just 1-2 ounces is enough to add that shandy character without overpowering the margarita base.
- Gentle Stir After Beer: Stir very gently after adding the beer to incorporate it without making it lose too much carbonation.
How to Serve
This Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergarita is best served immediately while cold and bubbly! Enjoy it:
- Ice Cold: In a salt-rimmed glass filled with crushed ice.
- On Sunny Days: The ultimate refreshing drink for patio season, poolside, or a BBQ.
- For Parties: Easily multiply the base margarita ingredients for a pitcher (see FAQs), and let guests top their own with beer.
- With Mexican Food: A fantastic pairing for tacos, nachos, or ceviche.
Garnish with fresh fruit like watermelon balls, lime wedges, and grapefruit slices!
Make Ahead and Storage
Due to the carbonation from the beer (and potentially soda if using a substitute), this cocktail is best made fresh just before serving.
- Prep Ahead: You can juice the citrus and mix the margarita base (tequila, Grand Marnier, juices, simple syrup) a few hours ahead. Store this base mixture covered in the refrigerator.
- Assembly: Add ice, shake, pour, and top with beer right before serving.
FAQs about Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergaritas
- What is a “shandy beer”?
- A shandy is traditionally a drink made by mixing beer (usually a lager) with lemonade or a citrus-flavored soda. A “watermelon shandy beer” would be a beer that already has watermelon and possibly citrus flavors infused, or it’s a beer specifically designed to be light and fruity like a shandy. If you can’t find one, use a light lager and add fresh watermelon juice.
- What kind of tequila should I use?
- A gold tequila (reposado) is suggested, which will have slightly more complex notes than a blanco/silver tequila. However, a good quality 100% agave blanco tequila also works beautifully and lets the citrus shine.
- Can I make a pitcher of this for a crowd?
- Yes! Multiply the margarita base ingredients (lime juice, grapefruit juice, tequila, Grand Marnier, simple syrup) and mix them in a pitcher without ice. Store chilled. When ready to serve, have guests fill their salt-rimmed glasses with ice, pour in the margarita base, and then top with their individual splash of watermelon shandy beer (or your substitute). This keeps everything fresh and bubbly.
Enjoy this unique, fun, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergarita! It’s a perfect taste of summer.
Print
Grapefruit Watermelon Shandy Beergaritas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails, Margarita, Beer Cocktail
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Description
These margaritas are made extra summery and fun with the addition of watermelon shandy beer and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice! A super delicious and easy “beergarita” with citrusy and refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cocktail (per serving):
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce gold tequila (Reposado recommended)
- 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio, adjust to taste)
- 1–2 ounces watermelon shandy beer, chilled
- Crushed ice
For Serving/Rim & Garnish:
- Coarse margarita salt (or kosher/sea salt), for rimming the glass (optional)
- Lime wedge (for rimming and garnish)
- Watermelon balls or small wedges
- Grapefruit slices or wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Glass (Optional): If desired, rim your serving glass. Pour coarse margarita salt onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to moisten it. Dip the moistened rim into the salt, rotating the glass to coat evenly.
- Fill Glass with Ice: Fill the prepared glass with crushed ice.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, gold tequila, Grand Marnier, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake: Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain: Pour the mixture from the shaker into the prepared, ice-filled glass. (Note: The original instruction says “pour”, implying including the shaken ice. For a smoother drink, you might prefer to strain it over the fresh ice in the glass).
- Top with Beer: Top with 1-2 ounces of the chilled watermelon shandy beer.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge, watermelon balls, and a grapefruit slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh Juice: Using freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice provides the best, brightest flavor.
- Tequila: Gold (Reposado) tequila is suggested, which has a slightly aged flavor. Blanco tequila can also be used.
- Orange Liqueur: Grand Marnier is a premium orange liqueur; Cointreau or a good quality Triple Sec are excellent substitutes.
- Simple Syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water, heat until sugar dissolves, then cool. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Watermelon Shandy Beer: Choose your favorite watermelon shandy. Other fruity or light beers could be experimented with, but watermelon shandy is key to this specific flavor profile.
- Serving: This cocktail is best served immediately while cold and bubbly.