As a cocktail enthusiast, I often find myself drawn back to the classics. The allure of rediscovering the timeless and familiar never fades. While I appreciate the artistry of complex infusions, intricate fermentations on the kitchen counter, and elaborate multi-ingredient concoctions, I can’t help but return to the comforting embrace of the basics.
But how many times can one savor a classic like a mojito before it loses its charm? For me, the answer is many times—countless, really. So, when tasked with creating cocktail slushies for a local microbrewery, I confronted my unwavering devotion to subtle variations on classic cocktails. It was akin to visiting a furniture store for apartment decor and leaving with yet another bed for my dog (in my defense, it was a Ratan chaise this time, not just any bed). I had to ponder whether my cocktail repertoire was becoming a revolving door of increasingly less adorable dog beds.
I knew it was my duty to introduce a frozen margarita at some point, but I hesitated. This summer had been relentless and hectic, partly due to external factors and partly because I’m remarkably inept at navigating life efficiently. To put it vividly, picture a sloth laboring on a bustling factory line, struggling to keep pace. Meanwhile, the watermelons I’d purchased in the spirit of the season were met with a tragic fate—they seemed to disintegrate from the inside out, leaving me with nothing but disappointment. On top of that, I often returned home from work exhausted and in dire need of a drink. I also have a knack for neglecting my hydration needs.
Enter the watermelon margarita—a familiar friend and my ultimate go-to cocktail. You see, my cocktail creation process often follows a straightforward equation: the avoidance of waste + a craving for a drink + a desire for familiarity + a versatile twist equals a watermelon margarita, in this case. As I indulged in these delightful concoctions, a thought crossed my mind: could this classic be too boring? Too predictable? Why did it matter, anyway? That’s when my dear friend Carlin came into play.
Carlin has a knack for crafting extraordinary creations, like a cassis jelly that once brought tears to my eyes. She also has a remarkable talent for providing brutally honest feedback, as evidenced by her recent assessment of the new IKEA rug I’d purchased—”just okay.” I cherish her candor. So, when I saw Carlin post a frozen watermelon margarita for her own post-work relaxation, I knew I had the green light I needed. If Carlin, who possesses an uncanny ability to work magic at home, found delight in this idea, then that was validation enough for me. Everyone should have a Carlin in their life.
Now, let’s dive into crafting these refreshing watermelon margaritas in two delightful ways: the lazy girl summer way and the hot girl summer Carlin way.
The Lazy Girl Summer Watermelon Margarita:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 ripe but not mealy watermelon pieces (about 1″ cubes)
- 2 sugar cubes (or 3/4 oz simple syrup, but let’s keep it lazy)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz tequila (blanco works splendidly)
Instructions:
- Muddle the watermelon and sugar cubes in a shaker.
- Add the fresh lime juice and tequila to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 6-8 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Optional: For an extra kick, rim your serving glass with a blend of Tajin and salt. Rub a spent lime half around the rim before dipping it into the seasoning. Twist the glass for a heavier seasoning effect.
- Pour your margarita and savor.
The Hot Girl Summer Carlin Way:
Carlin offers a brilliant twist to elevate your watermelon margarita game:
Ingredients:
- 4-5 frozen watermelon pieces
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
Instructions:
- Ahead of time, cut up a very ripe watermelon (keep the rind for a cordial) and freeze the pieces.
- Skip the ice—your frozen watermelon will provide the necessary dilution and chill factor while delivering a delightful slushy consistency.
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend to your desired consistency.
- Pour the frosty goodness into a chilled glass and savor the taste of summer.
Whether you opt for the lazy girl summer approach or the Carlin way, these watermelon margaritas are bound to refresh your spirit and elevate your summer vibes. So, gather your ingredients, blend up a batch, and toast to the joys of summer with this delightful classic. Cheers!