Frozen Watermelon Margarita With Tarragon-Salt Rim

My summers are synonymous with watermelon. I remember sticky fingers, juice running down my chin, and that unmistakable sweet, slightly grassy aroma filling the air. One sweltering August afternoon, staring at a mountain of leftover watermelon, I decided it needed to evolve beyond a simple slice. The result was this margarita – a vibrant, herbaceous twist on a classic, perfectly capturing the essence of summer in every icy sip. The tarragon-salt rim elevates the experience, adding a surprising and sophisticated counterpoint to the sweet watermelon.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 1 blenderful
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh watermelon juice (see instructions below)
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup (recipe below)
• 2 ounces tequila, blanca
• 1 ounce orange liqueur (Patron Citronge is excellent)
• 1 lime
• 3 cups crushed ice

Equipment Needed

• Blender
• Mortar and pestle (optional)
• Small saucepan
• Two medium-sized glasses

Instructions

1. Prepare the watermelon juice: Chop a watermelon into chunks, removing the rind and seeds. Whirl in a blender until pureed. A 5-pound melon should yield about 1 quart of juice. Strain if desired for a smoother consistency, but the pulp adds to the overall texture.

2. Make the tarragon salt: Muddle together the dried tarragon leaves and salt. Use a mortar and pestle if you have one, rather than a food processor. The mixture comes together better and avoids becoming overly pulverized. A gentle crush is all you need to release the tarragon’s aroma.

3. Prepare the simple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together 1 cup water and 1 1/2 cups sugar until dissolved. Cook for two minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely. This will yield more simple syrup than needed for this recipe, but it’s a handy bar staple and will keep for at least a month in the refrigerator.

4. Blend the margarita: Place the watermelon juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and 2 tablespoons simple syrup into a blender.

5. Add lime juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture in the blender, but save the rind – you’ll need it to rim the glasses!

6. Add ice and blend: Add the crushed ice to the blender. Blend until the mixture is slushy smooth. Add more ice if you prefer a thicker consistency.

7. Prepare the glass: Rub the rim of a medium glass with the saved lime rind.

8. Salt the rim: Dip the moistened rim of the glass into the tarragon salt, ensuring an even coating.

9. Pour and garnish: Pour the margarita into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge, a melon ball, or even something unexpected like a lychee nut.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tarragon intensity: Adjust the amount of tarragon in the salt rim to your liking. For a more pronounced herbal flavor, use slightly more than 1 teaspoon.
• Sweetness control: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to control the sweetness of the margarita. Taste and add more as needed, especially if your watermelon isn’t very sweet.
• Freezing watermelon: For an even frostier margarita, freeze the watermelon chunks before juicing.
• Infused tequila: For a more complex flavor, try using a tequila infused with herbs like mint or basil.
• Salt rim adhesion: For better adhesion of the tarragon salt to the rim, consider lightly brushing the rim with simple syrup before applying the salt. This works particularly well in humid environments.
• Homemade simple syrup: Feel free to experiment with flavoring your simple syrup. Adding a sprig of rosemary or a chili pepper while it simmers can add another layer of complexity to the cocktail. Be sure to remove the additions before storing.
• Blender motor preservation: When blending frozen drinks, pulse the blender in short bursts to prevent the motor from overheating.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Frozen Watermelon Margarita immediately after preparing to enjoy its icy texture. Garnish with a lime wedge or a melon ball for a visually appealing presentation.

If you have any leftover margarita mixture, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will likely become quite solid, but you can re-blend it with a little extra watermelon juice or water to restore its slushy consistency. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two, as the flavors may begin to diminish over time.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1500mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	18g
Protein	0g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Virgin Watermelon Margarita: Replace the tequila and orange liqueur with pineapple juice for a refreshing alcohol-free option.
• Spicy Watermelon Margarita: Add a small piece of jalapeño pepper to the blender for a spicy kick. Start with a small amount (1/4 inch) and adjust to your preference.
• Mint Watermelon Margarita: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves with the watermelon before blending for a cooling variation.
• Basil Watermelon Margarita: Substitute the tarragon in the salt rim with fresh basil, finely chopped.
• Different Liqueurs: Experiment with other orange liqueurs besides Patron Citronge, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Each will lend a slightly different flavor profile to the margarita.
• Agave Nectar: Substitute simple syrup with agave nectar for a lower glycemic index sweetener. Use slightly less agave nectar, as it is sweeter than sugar.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought watermelon juice?
A: While fresh watermelon juice is ideal for the best flavor, store-bought watermelon juice can be used in a pinch. Look for 100% watermelon juice without added sugars.

Q: How do I prevent the margarita from separating?
A: Separation can occur if the margarita sits for too long. Blend it again before serving, or add a small amount of xantham gum (1/8 teaspoon) to the blender for a smoother, more stable texture.

Q: Can I make this margarita ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the watermelon juice, simple syrup, and tarragon salt ahead of time. However, the margarita itself is best made fresh and served immediately.

Q: What tequila is best for this recipe?
A: Blanco tequila, also known as silver tequila, is recommended for its clean and crisp flavor. Look for a tequila that is 100% agave for the best quality.

Q: How can I make a larger batch of simple syrup?
A: Simply increase the water and sugar proportionally, maintaining the ratio of 1 part water to 1.5 parts sugar. Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Final Thoughts

This Frozen Watermelon Margarita with Tarragon-Salt Rim is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. The sweet watermelon, the herbal salt, and the zing of lime come together to create a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your own unique garnishes or variations. Let me know what you think – and happy sipping!