Cocktail of the Week: Beat the Heat With Escalante’s Watermelon Mint Margarita

In the heart of Houston’s vibrant culinary scene, Escalante’s debuts a summer-ready showstopper that’s equal parts refreshing as indulgent. The Watermelon Mint Margarita is the kind of cocktail that makes you want to cancel your plans, sit on a breezy patio, and sip the day away.

This elevated margarita begins with 1800 Silver Tequila, balanced beautifully by Bols Watermelon Liqueur, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and a house-made mint syrup that adds a cooling herbal note to each sip. Fresh watermelon puree amplifies the natural sweetness, while the chamoy-Tajin rim delivers the perfect spicy-salty contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Escalante’s

The magic is in the assembly: shaken vigorously over ice, the drink is poured into a margarita glass drizzled with mint syrup along the inner rim, then finished with a juicy watermelon wedge and a fragrant sprig of mint. This margarita masterpiece tastes like summer in every sense.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz 1800 Silver Tequila
• 0.5 oz Watermelon Liqueur
• 2 oz Fresh Watermelon Puree
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Agave Nectar
• 0.5 oz Mint Syrup
• Chamoy + Tajin Rim
• Garnish: Watermelon wedge & mint sprig

The mint syrup is more than just a simple splash of flavor. It’s house-made from a vibrant blend of sugar, water, and fresh mint, blended to a smooth finish and bottled for the bar’s signature drizzle.

Mint Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 oz fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. In a small pot, combine water and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Once cooled, blend with fresh mint for 15 seconds until smooth. Transfer to a squeeze bottle.

As if the cocktail alone weren’t reason enough to visit, Escalante’s just launched an all-new happy hour available not just at the bar but also throughout the dining room and patio. Running Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., it features festive drink specials and elevated apps, making this the perfect time to experience one of Houston’s most beloved upscale Mexican restaurants.

Whether you’re escaping the Houston heat or looking for a picture-perfect cocktail to elevate your evening, the Watermelon Mint Margarita at Escalante’s is the bold, juicy refresher your summer needs.