Watermelon and Tequila Frescas
Here, fresh fruit pureed with a little ice and spiked with tequila is a colorful alternative to the usual margarita. The watermelon can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. To ensure that drinks stay cold, place the glasses in the freezer or refrigerator for several hours before using. Or, for a quick chill, fill the glasses with ice and water, let them sit for a few minutes, and then dump them out just before pouring in the drink.
Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon, about 2 1/2 lb., flesh removed from rind and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 3 to 4 limes)
- 1 1/2 cups tequila
- 16 fresh mint leaves
Directions
Select 8 tumblers or old-fashioned glasses. Set aside 8 watermelon cubes for garnish.
In a blender, combine half each of the remaining watermelon, the ice, lime juice and tequila. Puree until smooth. Pour into 4 of the glasses. Repeat to make 4 more drinks.
To garnish, sandwich a reserved watermelon cube between 2 mint leaves on a cocktail pick and balance it on the rim of each glass. Serve immediately. Serves 8.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Entertaining with the Seasons (Free Press, 2010).