If you ask me, there are some drinks that are only meant for warm weather. I love my Aperol spritzes, but trying to enjoy one when it's not sunny outside is pretty tough. Same goes for white sangria. And these margaritas.
As much as I love spicy food, I'm not usually one to like the same type of heat in drinks--there's something about the acidity that never seems quite right to me--but the peppers really work here. I think it's because they're a perfect contrast to the sweetness of ripe summer watermelon. I thought the drinks were great with just one pepper included, but if you really want to spice it up, go for both. Because the purée is made ahead of time, these really are perfect for a summertime crowd. From Cinco de Mayo to Labor Day, everyone is sure to enjoy them!
Watermelon-Jalapeño Margaritas
from Coastal Living, June 2013
Ingredients:
8 c. cubed watermelon, large black seeds removed
1 1/2 c. white tequila
1/2 c. orange liqueur
1/4 c. simple syrup (less if you get a really sweet melon)
1/2 c. fresh lime juice
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
small, thin watermelon wedges or jalapeño slices, for garnish
Directions:
1. Purée watermelon (you may need to work in two batches) in a blender or food processor. Pour purée through a fine mesh strainer, pressing with the back of a spoon or spatula to extract all the juice. Discard remaining pulp and seeds.
2. In a large pitcher, combine watermelon purée, tequila, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice. Cover and chill at least one hour, depending on how strong you want the pepper flavor to be.
3. To serve, pour over ice and garnish as desired.
Yields: 8 drinks
As much as I love spicy food, I'm not usually one to like the same type of heat in drinks--there's something about the acidity that never seems quite right to me--but the peppers really work here. I think it's because they're a perfect contrast to the sweetness of ripe summer watermelon. I thought the drinks were great with just one pepper included, but if you really want to spice it up, go for both. Because the purée is made ahead of time, these really are perfect for a summertime crowd. From Cinco de Mayo to Labor Day, everyone is sure to enjoy them!
Watermelon-Jalapeño Margaritas
from Coastal Living, June 2013
Ingredients:
8 c. cubed watermelon, large black seeds removed
1 1/2 c. white tequila
1/2 c. orange liqueur
1/4 c. simple syrup (less if you get a really sweet melon)
1/2 c. fresh lime juice
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
small, thin watermelon wedges or jalapeño slices, for garnish
Directions:
1. Purée watermelon (you may need to work in two batches) in a blender or food processor. Pour purée through a fine mesh strainer, pressing with the back of a spoon or spatula to extract all the juice. Discard remaining pulp and seeds.
2. In a large pitcher, combine watermelon purée, tequila, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice. Cover and chill at least one hour, depending on how strong you want the pepper flavor to be.
3. To serve, pour over ice and garnish as desired.
Yields: 8 drinks