Happy Margarita Monday! Rough start to your week? Nothing some watermelon margaritas can’t fix! These refreshing summer sippers will get the fiesta (or siesta) started in no time. To add the watermelon flavor to a classic margarita, I used the seasonal fruit to create a flavored simple syrup and the watermelon puree. It’s a fun twist and adds just enough flavor, but does not overpower the traditional drink. This recipe yields two drinks, but next time I might try to make a larger batch to serve in a pitcher at a backyard barbecue. Hope you enjoy this tasty treat to beat the heat.
Watermelon Margaritas
Ingredients
For the margarita:
- 1/4 cup watermelon simple syrup (recipe below)
- 1/3 cup fresh watermelon puree (made from 1/2 cup watermelon chunks)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces Grand Marnier
- 3 ounces tequila
- margarita salt
- lime wedge
For the watermelon simple syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh watermelon chunks
How to:
- To make the watermelon simple syrup, place sugar, water and watermelon chunks in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes. Once sugar is fully dissolved, strain through cheesecloth into a small bowl. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- For the watermelon puree, add 1/2 cup of watermelon chunks to a blender and puree on high until smooth.
- To make the drink, combine ice, syrup, puree, lime juice and liquor in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled, ice-filled glass with salted rim. Garnish with a slice of lime.