Watermelon Basil Margarita

Serves 10

Incredibly refreshing and packed with the flavors of summer, this margarita is perfect for those long warm nights on the front porch. Each component can be prepared in advance, making it easy to serve up for a crowd. Tajin is a popular Mexican condiment often served with both watermelon and margaritas. Don’t skip it—it’s punchy and delicious and is available at most grocery stores. 

4 cups cubed seedless watermelon

1 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed basil leaves

2 tablespoons coarse salt

½ tablespoon Tajin

Margarita (1 serving)

3 ounces watermelon juice

1 ounce lime juice

2 ounces silver tequila

1 ounce orange liqueur

½ ounce basil simple syrup

Seasoned rim salt

Lime slices and basil leaves for garnish, optional

Watermelon juice: Place the cubed watermelon in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the watermelon juice through a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Press the solids to obtain as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and store the watermelon juice, covered, in the refrigerator.

Basil simple syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar and 1 cup packed basil leaves to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. Strain out the basil leaves and reserve the syrup. Let the syrup cool and then pour it into a jar and store, covered, in the refrigerator.

Seasoned rim salt: Chop the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil, salt and Tajin together on a cutting board. Chop until the basil is minced and infused evenly into the salt and Tajin. Place the mixture into a shallow bowl and set aside.

Assembly: Wet the rim of a large margarita glass and press it into the salt mixture. Fill the rimmed glass with ice. Gently stir the watermelon juice, which may have separated. In a cocktail shaker, place the watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur and basil simple syrup. Add a large scoop of ice and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Pour into the prepared glass and enjoy!