Watermelon Margaritas

Big brothers are great.

Early in life? Not so much.

They steal your gameboy.  They lock you out of their room when they are shooting sweet music videos with the home camcorder (I just wanted to be a background dancer).  They make up fake rules when they are teaching you how to play ping pong. They leave your joint bathroom a nasty mess.

Later in life?  Fantastic.

They pick you up from the airport.  They give you advice about boys.  They share new music with you.  They marry someone great so you can have the sister you never had.   They understand your teen problems because they have the same crazy parents you do.  They have kids so you can have the greatest nephew ever.

And most importantly, they might introduce you to the best summer drink ever created.

Watermelon margaritas.  Ah, I feel refreshed just talking about them.  They take one of the best fruits of the summer and add a boozy kick for a refreshingly wonderful cocktail.


They are the perfect cocktail to serve when friends come in town.  Thanks for visiting Linds!

Cheers to big brothers.  Love you, Shua.

From my little kitchen to yours... Enjoy.

Watermelon Margaritas
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse
Recipe Notes
There are a few steps of prep work to this recipe so I've broken it up into three parts.  Steps you need to make ahead, steps you can make ahead, and steps for when you are ready to have these.   But make sure you freeze the watermelon at 3 hours ahead of time.
Ingredients

2 teaspoon lime zest

1 cup water

1  cup sugar

1 seedless watermelon 

8 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 cup premium 100 percent agave tequila

2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier or triple sec)

1 cup ice
lime wedges for garnish

Step by Step
Must be made at least 3 hours ahead of time...
Cut up watermelon into 1 to 2 inch chunks. Spread out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Freeze for at least 3 hours until frozen through.  If you only have room for one baking sheet and you have more watermelon than allowed, place a piece of parchment paper on top of watermelon chunks and add another layer (see picture below).

Can be made ahead of time...

In a medium saucepan, combine the lime zest, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature (Keep in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use.)

Chill margarita glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes. 

When ready to make margaritas...

In a blender, combine 5 cups of frozen watermelon, 8 tablespoons of the cooled lime syrup with the lime juice, tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, and ice. Blend until smooth.  

Makes 4 drinks.

My solution for not being able to fit two trays of watermelon in my freezer... 

a layer of parchment paper.