Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita Food

JALAPENO MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Pulse the lime juice, confectioners' sugar, celery leaves and jalapeno in a blender. Mix with the tequila and orange liqueur in a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
• To serve, put some kosher salt on a small plate. Rub the rims of 8 cocktail glasses with the lime wedge and dip the rims in the salt. Add ice to the glasses and pour in the margarita.

WATERMELON MARGARITA

Steps:

• Prepare the salted rim, if using: In a small shallow bowl or plate, combine the sea salt and Tajín. Set aside.
• In a shaker filled with ice, combine the watermelon juice, tequila, Cointreau (if using), lime juice and jalapeño (if using). Shake to combine. (Note: The watermelon flavor shines brighter without the Cointreau, but the liqueur takes the drink into more traditional margarita territory. If you'd like to compare, first try the mixture without, the liqueur, then add 1 ounce of it per serving.)
• Using one of the squeezed lime halves, run it along the rim of two rocks glasses, then dip the rims into the salt mixture. Fill the glasses with ice, then strain the margaritas into the glasses and enjoy immediately.

WATERMELON-JALAPENO COOLER

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes. Add the jalapeno and thyme and let it infuse for 5 minutes. Remove the jalapeno and thyme and set aside.
• Pour the simple syrup and chopped watermelon into a blender. Blend until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Serve cold over ice and garnish with the sugary sprigs of thyme.

JALAPENO MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Pierce the jalapeno pepper in 8 to 10 places with the tip of a sharp paring knife and cut it in half lengthwise, leaving the seeds and the ribs. Place the pepper in a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, pour in the tequila, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
• Discard the jalapeno and pour the tequila into a pitcher through a sieve to remove the seeds. Add the Triple Sec, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, and salt and stir. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
• When ready to serve, fill 6 margarita glasses with ice and pour over the margarita mixture; or fill a cocktail shaker with ice and some of the mixture, shake vigorously for 30 seconds, and pour into glasses. Serve ice cold.

WATERMELON-JALAPEñO MARGARITA

Steps:

• Blend ingredients in blender until smooth.
• Pour through fine-mesh strainer into pitcher to serve. Discard strained solids.
• Serve over ice.