When I just want an incredibly easy summer cocktail with no fuss and just 2 ingredients, I make a watermelon vodka and Sprite. This watermelon crush requires no fancy equipment, most times I just eyeball the measurements, and it’s ready in just minutes. It’s a perfect mixed drink for a warm summer night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few ingredients. This easy cocktail comes together in just minutes with minimal prep, with only 2-3 ingredients needed (depending on what you use)
- Light and refreshing. Sweet watermelon vodka and bubbly lemon-lime soda make the perfect warm-weather drink!
- Perfect for summer. It’s a great choice for cookouts, pool parties, picnics, casual happy hours, and backyard get togethers
- Easy to customize. Add fresh watermelon, lime juice, or mint to make it your own!
- Sweet without being complicated. The simple ingredient list lets the fruity flavors shine
- Great for entertaining. It’s easy to make one drink at a time or mix up a pitcher for a crowd
- Beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh watermelon for a colorful cocktail everyone will notice
- A fun twist on a classic vodka soda. The watermelon flavor adds a fruity upgrade without extra effort
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounce watermelon vodka
- 4-6 ounces Sprite (or a similar lemon-lime soda)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Common brands of watermelon vodka include Western Son, Smirnoff, Absolut, and Ciroc. If you don’t have a watermelon-flavored vodka, use plain or citron flavor and add 2 ounces of watermelon juice (a prepared option like Simply Watermelon, or blend and strain a watermelon for fresh juice), and reduce the soda to 2-4 ounces
- Instead of Sprite, other good options to mix with watermelon vodka include: ginger ale, watermelon soda (such as Slice, Crush, or Jarritos), Sprite Chill berry flavors (like cherry lime or strawberry kiwi), or similar berry-forward sodas. For a less-sweet alternative, use club soda or an unsweetened sparkling water (watermelon, lemon, or lime flavors are good)!
- Optional additions: You can add ½ ounce of fresh lemon or lime juice to add a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness, or ½ ounce of a fruity liqueur like triple sec (orange) or peach schnapps to add a more tropical vibe
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill your favorite cocktail glass with ice (cubes or crushed). A highball or rocks glass both work well
- Add 2 ounces watermelon vodka to the glass (or both the plain vodka and watermelon juice if you’re going that route)
- Top with Sprite (or other soda of choice). You can adjust the exact amount used based on the size of your glass and ice cubes, as well as strength preferences
- Gently stir if desired (a straw works great for this). Garnish with a fresh watermelon wedge, a slice of lemon or lime, and/or a sprig of fresh mint if desired (all optional). Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Watermelon vodka and Sprite is sweet, bubbly, fruity, and refreshing, making it a perfect companion for light appetizers, grilled favorites, and summery desserts.
Appetizers
- Goat cheese crostini: Creamy, tangy cheese complements the watermelon flavor
- Caprese skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are always a winning combination
- Bruschetta: Bright tomatoes and herbs pair well with the light cocktail
- Shrimp cocktail: A refreshing seafood appetizer that won’t overpower the drink
- Charcuterie board: Include mild cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, and cured meats
Cookout Favorites
- Burgers: A classic pairing for a casual summer meal
- Grilled chicken: Lemon or herb-marinated chicken works especially well
- Hot dogs and brats: Easy favorites for barbecues and parties. Try any of my delicious Air Fryer Hot Dog Recipes!
- Pulled pork sandwiches: Sweet watermelon balances smoky barbecue flavors
- Grilled shrimp skewers: Light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather!
Summer Sides
- Watermelon feta salad: A natural pairing that doubles down on the watermelon theme
- Pasta salad: A picnic staple that’s great for entertaining
- Cucumber salad: Cool, crisp, and refreshing
- Fresh fruit platter: Watermelon, berries, pineapple, grapes, and cantaloupe all pair beautifully!
- Coleslaw: A crunchy side that complements grilled foods
Fresh Bites
- Fish tacos: Lime and watermelon are a perfect match
- Chicken tacos: Fresh toppings make this an easy pairing
- Grilled chicken wraps: Light enough to let the cocktail shine
- Turkey sandwiches: A simple lunch pairing
- Flatbread pizza: Especially varieties with prosciutto, mozzarella, or fresh vegetables
Desserts
- Watermelon sorbet: Cool and refreshing on a hot day
- Lemon bars: Bright citrus flavors complement the Sprite
- Strawberry shortcake: Sweet berries make a natural pairing. Try my Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake!
- Fruit pizza: A colorful dessert that’s perfect for parties. My Air Fryer Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza is a great choice!
- Angel food cake with fresh berries: Light, airy, and ideal for summer!
When to Serve
This watermelon vodka and Sprite cocktail is perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, beach days, brunches, picnics, Fourth of July celebrations, and casual happy hours. Its light, fizzy flavor makes it an easy crowd-pleaser for almost any warm-weather gathering!
Recipe FAQs
Is Watermelon Vodka And Sprite Good?
Yes! Watermelon vodka and Sprite make a light, fruity, and refreshing cocktail that’s easy to enjoy. The lemon-lime soda enhances the watermelon flavor while adding plenty of bubbly fizz.
What Do You Mix Absolut Watermelon Vodka With?
Absolut Watermelon pairs well with Sprite, club soda, lemonade, ginger ale, ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice, and sparkling water. Fresh watermelon, mint, and citrus garnishes also complement its fruity flavor.
What Is A Vodka And Sprite Called?
A simple mix of vodka and Sprite doesn’t have one universally recognized name, but it’s often referred to as a Vodka Sprite, Vodka Soda, or Vodka Lemon-Lime.
If you add watermelon vodka or fresh watermelon, it becomes a Watermelon Crush cocktail, offering an even fruitier and more refreshing twist.
Tips For the Best Watermelon Crush Cocktail
- You can make a frozen slushy version by adding the vodka to a blender or food processor with about 1 cup of ice, blending until it reaches a slushie consistency, then topping with the Sprite!
- Freeze watermelon cubes in advance to replace some or all of the ice. This adds extra flavor, dilutes less, and they’re fun to eat too!
- For a stronger drink, add more vodka or reduce the ratio of the soda (and for a weaker drink, reduce vodka or add more soda)
- This drink is on the sweet side because of the soda and fruit combination. To reduce sweetness, add fresh lemon or lime juice, or use an unsweetened sparkling water instead of some or all of the soda. Diet soda is fine too!
Serving Tips
- Serve well chilled. This cocktail is at its most refreshing when served ice cold
- Add a lime wedge. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness
- Top with Sprite just before serving. This keeps the drink nice and fizzy!
- Stir gently. A quick stir combines the ingredients without knocking out too much carbonation
- Watermelon Jello Shots
Final Thoughts
This watermelon crush is such an easy mixed drink to make, with just watermelon vodka and Sprite. It’s refreshing, sweet, and perfect for summer, plus super convenient for entertaining since it takes no fancy tools and just minutes to throw together.
Of course, you can customize it just to your liking, by swapping in different carbonated elements, adding citrus, or finishing with fresh herbs to tailor it just to your liking. It brings all the flavors of summer in an easy to sip cocktail!
Katie’s tip
For more great options to kick back and relax this season, check out all of my Watermelon Vodka Drinks for more inspiration for any occasion!
Watermelon Crush Cocktail (Vodka & Sprite)
Equipment
- Highball glass (or similar)
- Stirrer (or straw)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces watermelon vodka (or plain and watermelon juice – see notes)
- 4-6 ounces Sprite (or a similar lemon-lime soda)
- Ice (crushed or cubes)
Instructions
- Fill your favorite cocktail glass with iceIce
- Add vodka to the glass (or both the plain vodka and watermelon juice if you’re going that route)2 ounces watermelon vodka
- Top with Sprite (or other soda of choice). You can adjust the actual amount used based on the size of your glass and ice cubes, as well as strength preferences4-6 ounces Sprite
- Gently stir if desired (a straw or stirrer works great for this). Garnish with a fresh watermelon wedge, a slice of lemon or lime, and/or a sprig of mint if desired (all optional). Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have a watermelon-flavored vodka, use plain or citron flavor and add 2 ounces of watermelon juice (a prepared option like Simply Watermelon, or blend and strain a fresh watermelon), and reduce the soda to 2-4 ounces
- Instead of Sprite, other good options to mix with watermelon vodka include: ginger ale, watermelon soda (such as Slice, Crush, or Jarritos), Sprite Chill berry flavors (like cherry lime or strawberry kiwi), or similar berry-forward sodas. For a less-sweet alternative (this is a sweet mixed drink), use club soda or an unsweetened sparkling water (watermelon, lemon, or lime flavors are good)!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
