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When it comes to cocktails, the situation dictates the drink. If you’re having a swanky steak dinner, then that’s a martini sort of meal.
Headed to a picnic and Shakespeare in the Park? That begs for the boozy Pomegranate Paloma, swigged from a flask. (Assuming you’re seeing a comedy. If it’s a tragedy, go with something bitter, such as a Dark and Stormy.)
But if the weather is sporting triple digits and I’m floating on a raft in the pool, then it’s time to go for something juicier and far more thirst quenching. Enter the watermelon margarita.
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For the most part, this is a classic margarita with a skosh more tequila and a lot of fresh watermelon. The resulting cocktail is fruiter than the original and its strength will sneak up on you, but in this case I’ll call that a good thing.
- Want to know the best tequila to buy? Check out our Tequila Guide!
This is also a margarita that I encourage you to have with salt, even if you normally don’t care for it. It adds a necessary bit of balance to all the sweetness.
More Summery Cocktails!
Watermelon Pitcher Margaritas
Buy tequila that has been aged for two months and is marked "100% de agave.” Tequilas that aren’t labeled with this are usually cut with fermented cane juice, resulting in a lower quality tequila. (Check out our Tequila Guide for more info.)
VARIATIONS:
- Swap out tequila for mezcal, tequila’s smokier, wilder cousin.
- For a frosty, thicker treat, freeze the watermelon before throwing it in the blender and skip the strainer.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups tequila blanco (also called plato or silver tequila)
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1/2 cup orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Cointreau
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1/2 cup lime juice
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4 cups chopped seedless watermelon
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Simple syrup or agave nectar, if needed to sweeten
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Kosher or other high quality salt, for garnish
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Lime wedges, for garnish
Method
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Blend the ingredients:
Place tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and seedless watermelon in a blender and give ’em a good whirl. (You may have to do it in two batches depending on the size of your blender.)
Note: If you happen have a juicer, simply juice the watermelon and stir it with the other ingredients in a pitcher.
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Strain out the watermelon solids:
Pour the ingredients through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing the solids to get as much liquid out as you can.
Leela Cyd Ross -
Prep the glasses:
Assuming you imbibe with flair, take a small plate or bowl and fill it with the salt. Next, rub the rim of a cocktail or coupe glass (or a canning jar) with a wedge of a wedge of lime. Dip the glass into the salt and give it a small turn or two.
Leela Cyd Ross -
Serve and garnish:
Pour the cocktail into the prepared glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
Leela Cyd Ross
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
219 | Calories |
0g | Fat |
21g | Carbs |
1g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 5 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 219 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 0g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 100mg | 4% |
Total Carbohydrate 21g | 8% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Total Sugars 16g | |
Protein 1g | |
Vitamin C 22mg | 109% |
Calcium 17mg | 1% |
Iron 0mg | 2% |
Potassium 162mg | 3% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |