SPICY WATERMELON MARGARITA

1 serving

A zippy take on the classic margarita. Adjust both the pepper and the sugar to your liking — serranos are likely to be hotter, and the lesser amount of sugar will give you a drink that’s closer to the classic tart margarita. You can do a classic salt rim, but this cocktail is nice rimmed with Tajín, a Mexican spice blend of chiles, lime and salt that’s widely available at Latin American markets.

Ingredients

Salt or Tajín (optional), for rimming the glass 1 wedge lime (optional), for rimming the glass 1 to 2 thin slices jalapeño or serrano pepper 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Ice

2 ounces fresh watermelon juice

1-1/2 ounces blanco tequila

1 ounce fresh lime juice

Steps

Chill a cocktail glass.

If you want a salted rim: On a cutting board, make a small mound of salt/Tajín. Take the lime and run the pulpy part of the fruit around the exterior rim of the cocktail glass, then gently roll the rim over the mound of salt so that the salt sticks to the lime-moistened edge. Set the glass aside.

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the slices of pepper in the sugar. Fill the shaker with ice, then add the watermelon juice, tequila and lime juice. Shake hard for 30 seconds, then double-strain into the cocktail glass.