Adult Margarita Watermelon Wedges

Happy summer. It's hot and getting hotter. We're always looking for ways to stay cool and chill during the summer. This recipe is specifically for the adults at your next pool party or cookout. {Sorry, kiddos.} Combining the refreshing aspect of ice cold watermelon with the components of a margarita couldn't be easier. You do most of the prep ahead of time. And, you can bet that everyone will hover around when you bring out a tray of these babies.

To make these, you'll be slicing up half of a watermelon into small wedges and inserting popsicle sticks {or something similar} into the rind ends. Follow those easy steps up by drizzling on some tequila, triple sec and freshly-squeezed lime juice. Store in the fridge until you're ready to serve. {I even like to pop the tray of wedges into the freezer for about thirty minutes prior to service so that the wedges are super duper cold.} Right before serving, garnish the fruit with the salt/sugar/lime zest combo. That's it.

Yields about 20 wedges


Ingredients:

1/2 large seedless watermelon, cut into small triangle wedges
1/4 cup triple sec
1/2 cup tequila
3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice
Coarse salt, for garnish
Coarse sugar, for garnish
Lime zest, for garnish

Directions:

Insert popsicle sticks into the rind ends of wedges. {Poking a small sharp knife into the rind first is helpful so that the sticks insert easily.}

In a high-rimmed baking dish or tray, lay out watermelon wedges. Evenly pour over triple sec, tequila and lime juice.

Refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours. {Place in freezer during the last thirty minutes prior to serving for especially cold fruit.}

Meanwhile, combine salt, sugar and zest - about equal parts of each - in a small bowl. {You don't need much - maybe 1 - 2 tablespoons of each.}

At time of service, garnish fruit with the salt, sugar and zest mixture. {Just the tips can be garnished for a strong burst of flavor at first bite or the whole wedge can be lightly sprinkled with the mixture for a more-distributed flavor.}

Serve immediately.



NOTE:  Please ensure children are supervised and do not consume this alcohol-infused watermelon.