Hot weather and quarantine have not mixed well for me. I am thankful, though, for the safe haven that is my air-conditioned living room. When the heat becomes too much to bear, I sometimes take stock of our current situation by dreaming up a nice, cold margarita. As the bar is merely a few feet away these days, my margarita fantasies often materialize and soon melt away my stay-at-home woes.
As one of Sacramento’s hottest months, this July in California needed a margarita with aplomb. Seeking out a drink that is as soothing as it is intoxicating, I turned to one of the produce industry’s biggest summertime categories: melons!
Watermelon is a veritable beacon of relaxation in the summer sun and creates the perfect base for this seasonal margarita. Because there’s no such thing as too much fresh produce, my July-time libation is complemented by an energizing twist of mint and a zesty spritz of lime.
Whether you’re scoping out the best summertime merchandising opportunities, or kicking up your feet after a long week of work, don’t underestimate the magic made when fresh produce and tequila collide!
INGREDIENTS
½ cup white granulated sugar
½ cup water
6 fresh mint leaves
2 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
¾ cup white tequila
¼ cup lime juice
2 cups crushed ice
Sugar and lime for garnish
Prep Time: 15 min
Servings: 4
DIRECTIONS
1. Make simple syrup by placing sugar and water in a saucepan with mint leaves to taste and bring to a simmer. Once sugar dissolves, remove from heat. Set aside.
2. Place watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely puréed.
3. Combine watermelon purée, simple syrup, tequila, and lime juice in a pitcher.
4. Garnish the rims of four glasses with lime and sugar and fill to the brim with ice. Pour margarita mix into each glass and enjoy!
