Cooking Lesson #913: End-Of-Summer Grilled Watermelon Margarita

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

photo credit: threeolivesbrand.com

How you doin’?  Even though the dog days of summer might still be here, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. This is a Labor Day cocktail that will make you wish summer wasn’t coming to an end at all. My End of Summer Grilled Watermelon Margarita will keep those good vibrations going for just a little while longer.
 
Since watermelon is a classic summer food, why not take that watermelon off the table, put it on the grill and then in a cocktail glass? This uniquely summer cocktail blends high heat with cool melon for the ultimate refreshing summer libation.
 
Prep and cook time:  45 minutes (takes a little time, but I’s well worth it)
Yield:  8 servings
 
Ingredients 
1-1/2 pounds peeled and cubed seedless watermelon
11 limes
1 medium red grapefruit
16 ounces tequila reposado
4 ounces orange liqueur such as Jalisco 1562 Orange Liqueur or Patron Citronge
Tajín Clásico or other chili lime seasoning, for the garnish
 
Directions

1. Use a melon baller to scoop out 8-16 balls from the watermelon; chill to use for the garnish.
2. Using a chef knife, slice the remaining watermelon into 2-inch chunks.
3. Heat a BBQ grill to medium-high until hot, 5-10 minutes.
4. Place the watermelon pieces on the grill and char lightly, turning occasionally, until caramelized, 4-6 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let watermelon cool to room temperature.
6. When cool blend the grilled watermelon in a blender until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
7. Cut 1 lime into 8 wedges.
8. Cut the remaining limes and grapefruit in half and juice, keeping the juices separate. Chill until ready to use.
9. Pour 1 ounce of lime juice onto a small plate.
10. Place 3 tablespoons of Tajín on to another small plate.
11. Dip the rims of the glasses into the lime juice, rotating so the outer rim of the glass is coated in lime juice. Then dip into the Tajín to coat the outer rim.
12. Combine 2 ounces of the tequila reposado, 1 ounce watermelon juice, 1 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce  grapefruit juice and 1/2 ounce orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice.
13. Shake vigorously like you mean it to combine.
14. Pour in the cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Drop a watermelon ball(s) into the glass or place 2-3 on a cocktail pick and place on the rim.
15. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a total of 8 cocktails.

ChefSecret:  If you don’t have a melon baller, cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes.

Quip of the Day:  Q. Why is there a ring of salt around the rim of a margarita glass?  A. To keep the spirits from escaping.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.

#Cocktail #HappyHour #EndOfSummerGrilledWatermelonMargarita #Tequila #PatronCitronge #Tajin #Watermelon #SummertimeHappyHour #Cheers #2024Recipes #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
 
                                                                            ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

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