Thirstday

 

Courtesy Southern Living.

Today's drink is the Spicy Watermelon Refresher.

Ingredients

• 1/4 batch Simple Syrup

• 1/2 seeded and chopped serrano chile (about 1 Tbsp.)

• 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 2 lb.)

• 3/4 cup (6 oz.) tequila reposado

• 1 (12 oz.) can watermelon-flavored or plain seltzer water

• Garnish: salt for rim, chile slices, and watermelon wedges

Directions

1. Prepare ¼ batch of Simple Syrup; remove from heat. Stir in seeded and chopped serrano chile. Cover and steep 30 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl; discard solids. Cool to room temperature, 1 hour.

2. While syrup cools, process cubed seedless watermelon in a blender until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Working in batches, pour watermelon puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl; discard solids.

3. Pour watermelon juice into a 2- to 3-qt. pitcher. Stir in tequila reposado, watermelon-flavored or plain seltzer water, and cooled syrup. Salt the rims of 8 Collins glasses, and fill with ice. Pour cocktail evenly into glasses; garnish with chile slices and watermelon wedges.