Besides inhaling this sweet juicy summertime melon by the slice, I've been whipping up everything from margaritas to martinis to the classic watermelon feta salad.
I even dropped a watermelon cube in a glass of Prosecco which naturally deserved an instagram shot and sparked lots of interest on Twitter. Just a little flare to sweeten the bubbly!
I made a gigantic batch of Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas for the Fourth of July boating excursion and they were a huge hit! Prior to preparing a full fledged beach worthy batch I had to do a little taste testing and made a smaller version of one for myself - straight up martini style because my zig zag martini glasses make for a much more fun presentation than those margarita glasses not yet in my repertoire of glassware. And really, what's not to love about a versatile cocktail?
Since I am pretty sure you'll want an entire pitcher on hand, the recipe for the crowd sized version unveiled....
Watermelon Jalapeno Margaritas
-1/2 a watermelon - roughly chopped into small pieces
- 12 limes
- 2 jalapenos - seeds removed and diced
- 2 cups tequila
- 1 cup triple sec
1) Add the watermelon, the juice of 12 limes and the jalapenos to a blender.
If your blender is not large enough, work to puree in batches.
2) Strain the mixture into a pitcher through a fine sieve to avoid any excess watermelon or jalapeno seeds. 3) Stir in Tequila and Triple Sec
4) Serve over ice (even thought I didn't in the glamor shots, I did at the beach) and garnish with a watermelon and jalapeno slice. (And vise versa, the beach saw no fancy garnish.)
Note: If you are only preparing one or two drinks simply forgoe the route of the blender and instead muddle and pour the ingredients directly into a shaker. 
Note: If you are only preparing one or two drinks simply forgoe the route of the blender and instead muddle and pour the ingredients directly into a shaker. 
This produces some deceivingly potent margaritas (or was that just the effects of drinking in the sun?) All the elements play nicely together - the watermelon juices effortlessly mask the taste of the tequila while the lime and jalapeno temper the sweetness of the watermelon. The kick of the jalapeno is subtle but present. Not to mention, the cocktail itself lends a beautiful shade of bubble gum pink!
I'm pretty sure you could substitute a host of other summer fruits and this marg-tini would still be a winner. Raspberry, Mango, Strawberry, Peach.....endless summer combination are to be had! Cheers!
For our 4th of July dinner I paired a juicy Watermelon Feta Salad with scallops wrapped in bacon, roasted broccoli and some Near East Rice Pilaf. 
My friend Gretchen made this salad last Labor Day Weekend (it also goes great with corn on the cob and lobster.)
My friend Gretchen made this salad last Labor Day Weekend (it also goes great with corn on the cob and lobster.)
Watermelon Feta Salad
-1/2 a watermelon, seeded & cubed
-3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
-1/4 cup sliced basil
-2 tsp olive oil
-1 tsp balsamic vinegar
-salt and pepper to taste
1) Toss the watermelon, feta and basil in a large bowl.
2) Whisk the vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper
3) Pour over salad and toss. Serve immediately.
Watermelon and Feta make quite a pair; this salad is quick and easy not to mention a super satisfying and refreshing accompaniment to a summer meal.
How have you been enjoying the fruits of summer? What else can I make with watermelon?
How have you been enjoying the fruits of summer? What else can I make with watermelon?
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