Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Watermelon-Cucumber Margarita
While I do enjoy a really good classic Margarita, I also love to try out unique and fruity variations found on some bar menus, or mix up something interesting at home. Tonight I'm hoping to toast Cinco de Mayo with one of these Watermelon-Cucumber Margaritas, featured in the July 2007 issue of Bon Appétit. Olé!
Watermelon-Cucumber Margaritas
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups 1-inch chunks of watermelon (without rind)
6 (1/8-inch-thick) slices English hothouse cucumber
15 large fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup 100% blue agave silver tequila
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Simple Syrup (see note below)
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided
2 small watermelon triangles, each skewered with 1 cucumber round (for garnish)
2 fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Place first three ingredients in a medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with a muddler or the back of wooden spoon until mashed. Mix in tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Stir to blend well.
2. Strain into a large glass measuring cup. Divide remaining ice between two tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over. Garnish with watermelon skewers and mint sprigs.
Serves 2.
Note: To make your own Simple Syrup, stir together one cup sugar and one cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about three minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using.
--KitchenMaus
Sous-chef on the Run on June 03, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Although I didn't have any cucumber around, I made this last weekend without. FANTASTIC! Thanks KitchenMaus.