Watermelon Margarita With Espelette Salt Food

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.

SPICY STRAWBERRY MARGARITA

Steps:

• Dip half of the rim of 4 margarita glasses in the simple syrup, then dip in the coarse salt. Set aside.
• In a blender, combine the ice, halved strawberries, watermelon, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup and Fresno chile. Blend until frothy. Pour into your prepared margarita glasses, garnish each with a thinly sliced strawberry if desired and enjoy immediately!

SALTY WATERMELON MARGARITA SALAD

Steps:

• Place the chopped watermelon in a large bowl and chill for 1 hour or up to overnight.
• Meanwhile, for the quick-pickle cucumbers: Combine 1/2 cup of the red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste into a medium bowl, then whisk until the salt is fully dissolved. Add the chopped cucumbers and let sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• For the vinaigrette: Combine the olive oil, lime zest and juice, orange zest and juice, remaining 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste in a small bowl, then whisk until emulsified.
• To assemble: Combine the watermelon, cucumbers, basil, feta and dressing in a serving bowl and toss until mixed well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

FROZEN WATERMELON MARGARITA

Steps:

• Put the watermelon pieces in a freezerproof container and freeze overnight until solid. The next day, prepare the garnish for the rim of each glass. Combine the sea salt flakes, sugar, chilli flakes and lime zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
• When you want to serve, put the frozen watermelon, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and honey in a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth. Run a lime wedge around the rims of four glasses, then dip in the garnish mix. Pour the drink into the glasses. Serve immediately.