This is not a cocktail actually but watermelon that has been steeped in a mixture of ingredients normally used to make a margarita. Try these Margarita Watermelon Slices and you'll know why we love them so much!
Something old is new again! Yes, I'm re-posting a dish that I first shared a years ago! The photos were awful and this is so wonderful; it was simply time. No confusion either, this is Margarita Watermelon Slices...not a Watermelon Margarita (although I've made that too!).
I HAD to share this again after having it the other night when I reminded myself of how much I love preparing watermelon like this. If you're a new reader or if you're not and either forgot it or never saw it I have to tell you, this Margarita Watermelon is SO good. Sort of a reverse cocktail. The fruit is not pulverized and combined with other cocktail ingredients, no...it's left whole and infused with them.
Almost to a person when I mention Margarita Watermelon I hear, 'You mean a watermelon margarita?' I love those too (see below) but this is something more unique and so special. I like to serve it as a dessert for a summer barbecue. It's light and refreshing but definitely has a bit of a kick. Just watch the kids; they need their own separate melon!
Yes, you're seeing that right...and made for a much more difficult shoot than it should have. Several of them were tempted by this treat; my left hand was waving the air over the watermelon while my right was pressing the camera button. I tired to card them but they were quick little devils! The photo is not my best but at least I got him in focus! I was not destined to be a bee wrangler. 🙂
This is such a light and lovely summer dessert but definitely with a kick. The one thing I made a point of modifying this time around? I served them on a plate last time...and friends gave me a look that said it all; wondering how to handle all of that luscious juice that was leftover. Why yes, we all did sip that magical leftover elixir from the plate. So I made it easier and served the slices in a glass this time around!
Super easy to make; it's simply a combination of tequila, orange liqueur and simple syrup and the watermelon is soaked for a couple of hours in the fridge. Served with a slice of lime to squeeze over the slices and a dose of Maldon salt, they might be too easy to eat. When served in a glass, that leftover liquid is like gold at the end of the tunnel; it's amazing!
When I first posted this it was in conjunction with a series that I was doing with a The Food Network weekly event. When the week was watermelon and I had an adorable little, sweet, baby watermelon on the counter that I had just picked up at a Farmer's Market, how could I not make it the star? It helped that this was simply the best watermelon I've had in a long time. Since then I usually save my watermelon moments for the end of July through the end of the season in September, I like ripe, red, juicy watermelons.
I just love this grown-up version of a favorite summer fruit with margarita fixings though my mantra remains the same - use the same quality ingredients that are in the margaritas I love. As always, I used Reposado Tequila and Orange Liqueur to infuse the watermelon slices. Equally if not even more important as good booze? Get a great watermelon. They should be coming into markets now and have a rich, red fruit and be so sweet.
The longer the watermelon soaks, the more flavorful it becomes. Serve it in a glass like mine or a bowl with a spoon, anything to not waste that liquid...it gets poured over the slices in the glass or the bowl before they are finished with lime juice and salt. Be sure there are napkins or bibs available.
I love using watermelon in cocktails and I've included a couple of others you might enjoy. Both the Watermelon Martini and the Watermelon Margarita are wonderful additions to your cocktail lineup. I say 'try them all!'
PIN 'Margarita Watermelon Slices'
Join my friends as we celebrate the best of summer with The Food Network and their #SummerSoiree. Each week a group of us will share a favorite dish using the theme of the week. This week it's all about Watermelon. Perfect timing too because now is when local melons should be coming into market all juicy and sweet. I could seriously eat them with every meal! Be sure to check out the wonderful assortment of watermelon favorites from my friends!
Weelicious: Watermelon Cinnamon Granita
Homemade Delish: Refreshing Watermelon Salsa
Healthy Eats: Pretty in Pink: 6 Dishes Made Better with Watermelon
Creative Culinary: Margarita Watermelon Slices (You're Here!)
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Watermelon and Peach Salsa
Dishin & Dishes: Watermelon Jalapeno Agua Fresca
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Watermelon Salsa
Red or Green: Watermelon, Corn & Jalapeno Salad
The Mom 100: Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie
Taste with the Eyes: Unique Watermelon Salad - Pomegranate Syrup, Feta, Cucumber
FN Dish: 6 Party-Ready Ways to Take Watermelon Off the Rind
