Aaaaah, summer is finally here.
We’re hard-pressed to find a better situation than lounging in the sun (with SPF), reading our favorite book, and sipping on a bright, crisp cocktail… and maybe a hotdog or two. Margaritas and piña coladas are fine and dandy summer drinks, but we like to mix it up. Yet again, Food52 is here to save the day with this zippy and tart cocktail chock full of our favorite summer flavors. Plus, tequila.
To kick off the summer season, this installment of our Blueprint + Food52 newsletter is here to offer plenty of summer inspiration. This cocktail in particular is sure to please everyone, and can easily be increased into a batch cocktail. Have any non-alcohol drinkers on your summer party guest list? Replace the tequila and Lillet Blanc with a sparkling limeade or your favorite flavored bubbly water for an alcohol-free, delicious mocktail.
Call yourself a mixologist because this drink is next-level, and we and the folks at Food52 know you’re going to crush it. Pair this cocktail with our favorite Food52 summer and outdoor entertaining essentials and your first summer get together as newlyweds will be an absolute hit!
Hello Summer Cocktail
Ingredients
5 sprigs cilantro
1/2 ounce lime juice
2 ounces watermelon juice
1 1/2 ounces tequila (100% agave)
1 ounce Lillet Blanc
1/4 ounce agave nectar
Dash of salt
Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chili powder for the rims
Additional cilantro for garnish
Method
1. For the watermelon juice, use a seedless watermelon or remove any seeds before processing. Simply purée watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender until smooth. The juice will be textured and will naturally separate. I prefer the texture, but you can strain out the solids if desired. Make a quart or two of watermelon juice to keep in the refrigerator for agua frescas. Use the juice within a few days or freeze for future drinks.
2. Find your favorite rocks glass or any kind of small tumbler. Wet the rim of your glass with water (or lime juice) and then salt the rim by dipping it into a small plate of salt sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper and chili powder. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
3. Place cilantro sprigs and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the cilantro to release the oils then add watermelon juice, tequila, Lillet Blanc, agave nectar, and a dash of salt. Add a scoop of ice, then shake the cocktail vigorously for at least a minute. Strain into your prepared glass and garnish with a sprig of cilantro.
4. You can add a dash of salt to balance out the cocktail and spice up the salted rim with a little more chili powder and black pepper.
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This recipe was originally published on Food52.