CUCUMBER WATERMELON MARGARITAS

This cocktail recipe is a little labor intensive (slicing, juicing, and straining the watermelon and cucumber) but totally worth it. It gives a fresh spin to a traditional margarita by adding the quintessential flavors of sweet summertime.

8 cups seedless watermelon chunks, plus wedges for garnish

½ English cucumber, coarsely chopped

Zest of 1 lime, plus juice of ½ lime and wedges for rimming glasses

¼ cup kosher salt

1 ounce agave syrup or honey

3 ounces white tequila

Mint sprigs for garnish

Makes 1 margarita, plus additional watermelon-cucumber juice

1. Liquefy the watermelon and cucumber in a blender, and then strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher. Refrigerate the pitcher until you are ready to make the margaritas. You will not need all the watermelon and cucumber juice.

2. Mix the lime zest and salt on a small plate.

3. When it’s time to serve, mix ½ cup watermelon-cucumber juice with the lime juice, agave, and tequila in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well to chill.

4. Rub the rim of a Mason jar with a lime wedge, and dip it into the lime zest mixture.

5. Pour the margarita into the salt-rimmed Mason jar, and garnish it with a watermelon wedge and mint sprig.

MAKE IT AHEAD: You can make the watermelon-cucumber juice up to a day in advance, and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just be sure to shake well before using.