Let’s talk about watermelon, shall we?
Summer’s favourite sidekick, watermelon is juicy, refreshing, and full of naturally sweet, vibrant flavour and nutrients.
Like tomatoes, watermelon is mighty high in lycopene–a phytonutrient that helps mitigate inflammatory processes, optimizes cardiovascular health, and, as a notable antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals wherever it goes. Paired with capsaicin, the anti-inflammatory compound found in jalapeños (found in all chilli peppers, actually), this margarita kicks inflammation’s you know what!
Be sure to choose a ripe watermelon, as the lycopene content of watermelons increases the riper the watermelon gets!
Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita
- 5 oz watermelon juice (see below)
- 1 oz tequila
- ½ Cointreau
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz jalapeño simple syrup (see below)
- Watermelon slices for garnishing, optional
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the watermelon juice, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and jalapeño simple syrup. Stir to combine and chill the mixture. Strain into a chilled margarita or martini glass. Garnish with a watermelon slice, if using.
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
- 1 Jalapeño, roughly chopped
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup organic sugar or agave
Bring jalapeño, water, and sugar/agave to a boil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 more minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and chill in the refrigerator. You’ll have extra syrup left over.
Watermelon Juice
- 2.5 cups cubed, fresh watermelon flesh
- Pinch pink Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
Blend the watermelon in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, add a pinch of salt and set aside to chill in the refrigerator.
