1ounceorange liqueursuch as Triple Sec or Cointreau
½ouncesimple syrup(optional)
Instructions
To make watermelon juice:
Place watermelon cubes in the jar of a blender. Process until smooth.
Strain watermelon puree through a fine mesh sieve, pushing pulp against sieve with a spatula or back of a large spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard pulp.
Stir in salt, if desired, and refrigerate if not using immediately. Makes approximately 3 cups of watermelon juice. Drink it plain, as the base for mocktails (see ideas below) or use it to make 8 watermelon margaritas.
Rim margarita glass:
Place a small amount of kosher salt on a shallow plate.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass.
Dip the rim in the salt, rotating the glass as needed to cover the entire rim.
To make one margarita:
Fill cocktail shaker and prepared glass with ice.
Add all ingredients to the cocktail shaker (except simple syrup if you have a very sweet melon), cover and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
Pour margarita into prepared glass.
Notes
Simple syrup is optional. Omit the simple syrup until you shake up your margarita and taste it. Most in-season watermelons are sweet enough on their own that you don't need the added sugar. Add the simple syrup only if you discover your melon is not as sweet as you thought and you need a touch of syrup to round out the flavor of the cocktail. Making margaritas for a crowd? Simply multiply the recipe by the number of drinks needed. Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher and refrigerate. Give the pitcher a good stir before setting out with an ice bucket and a salt rimming station for guests to build their own cocktail.Non alcoholic watermelon margarita: Offer fresh watermelon juice with any number of mix-ins, including lemon lime soda, watermelon or lime flavored seltzer water or even club soda.Make ahead instructions: Prepare the watermelon juice and refrigerate up to three days in advance. When ready to make a margarita, dump ingredients into shaker and shake for at least 20 seconds before straining into an ice-filled glass. Have leftover watermelon juice? Sip it by itself with a squeeze of lime juice for an amazingly refreshing non-alcoholic drink. It's the perfect thirst-quencher after a long, hot summer day!