Refreshing and light, these watermelon margaritas are made for hot summer days and nights. Strained watermelon gives these melon margaritas a crisper flavor and crushed ice makes them super cold.
Dip the rim of the glass in a shallow dish of agave or simple syrup. For more control, you can use a pastry brush (or even a dedicated small artists paint brush) to lightly brush the rims with it. (You can also add a deeper brush stroke on the side of the glass with the pastry brush).
Dip the rim (and/or side) into your chosen rim garnish.
FOR INDIVIDUAL WATERMELON MARGARITAS:
Puree the watermelon chunks in a blender. Set a funnel over a bowl or glass pitcher and set the fine mesh sieve inside the funnel. Pour the watermelon puree through the sieve and strain the juice into the pitcher. Discard the pulpy solids.
For each cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker with ice add ½ cup of strained watermelon juice. Add tequila and lime juice. If your watermelon isn't very sweet, add the simple syrup. Place the lid on the shaker and shake well until the outside of the shaker is icy cold.
Fill the margarita glass with crushed ice and strain the watermelon cocktail into the glass. Garnish with lime or watermelon slice (or both).
FOR A PITCHER OF MARGARITAS:
In a 64 ounce pitcher, combine fresh watermelon juice, fresh lime juice, tequila and simple syrup or agave (if using).
Stir well and refrigerate until very cold, 4 hours or more. Watermelon juice will settle on the bottom of the pitcher. Stir to blend just before serving.
Rim glasses with agave and your favorite salt or spice blend. Fill the glasses with crushed or clear ice and pour the margaritas into the glasses. Garnish with wedges of lime or watermelon to serve.