Smoky Watermelon Margarita

SMOKY WATERMELON MARGARITA😍

Hellooooo long weekend, we’ve been waiting for you! And what better way to spend the holiday weekend than with a welcome departure from the super sugary drinks you normally see at 4th of July parties for this smoky watermelon mezcalarita ;) Such a refreshing drink and it couldn’t be easier to whip up. You’re gonna love this one! 

All Things Watermelon:

• As a watermelon snob, I figured I’d share my tips on how to pick a good watermelon, my favorite way to pick a watermelon, and how to make homemade watermelon juice.

• How to Pick a Good Watermelon: 

• Color: I like to look for ones with deeper green stripes and sort of pale yellow stripes. I also like to pick ones that have a large yellow spot and some scratching/vein like lines on the surface to show they are ripe

• Vibration: this one may sound weird, but it hasn’t failed me since childhood. Give the watermelons a good slap and feel for vibration. The stronger the vibration usually means the watermelon has more water content, vs a dull lack of vibration usually means the watermelon is quite dense and won’t be as juicy.

• How to cut a watermelon: 

1. Start by cutting ½ inch off one of the ends to use as a stable base.

2. With the cut side facing down, and using the rind up top as a base, cut down the shape of the watermelon, carefully taking the rind off. Continue around the watermelon, slicing off any areas you missed.

3. Slice off the top remaining rind.

4. Cut the watermelon in 1” slices one direction, then turn and slice again into 1” slices for watermelon sticks. 

5. For cubes, slice the sticks into 1” cubes.

6. You can then blend, freeze, or store in an air tight container!

• How to Make Watermelon Juice:

1. Add watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.

2. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher and pour the watermelon juice into a strainer. If it’s quite cloudy, you may need to double strain it.

3. Store in a pitcher or mason jar in the fridge until ready to use.

Serves 1.

Ingredients:

For the Smoky Watermelon Margarita:

• 2 oz watermelon juice

• 2 oz mezcal (or silver tequila)

• 1.5 oz fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp agave

• Lime wedges

• Ice 

• Salt, tajin, or lime salt for the rim

Directions:

For the Watermelon Mezcal Margarita:

• Add salt, tajin, or lime zest and salt to a plate. Run your lime wedges along the rim of your cocktail glass and coat in salt, tajin, or lime salt.

• Add the watermelon juice, mezcal, lime juice, and agave to a cocktail shaker and shake to mix the agave in. Add ice and shake until very cold.

• Add more ice to your cocktail glass and strain your cocktail in it. Serve with a watermelon wedge or lime wedge and enjoy!