Need a fun cool drink for the upcoming holidays? This watermelon margarita is unsurpassed with in season watermelon and in slushy style to cool you down. This bright red, elongated sweet fruit paired with tequila and fresh lime juice, make the perfect summery beverage. I included a recipe for making a simple syrup, which is a sweetener made with equal parts water and granulated sugar. It can sweeten many recipes without the grit of the sugar. Make a large amount of this syrup and store it in a glass jar in your refrigerator for up to a month. The addition of a simple syrup is optional in this margarita depending on your preference for sweetness. Happy July 4th!

Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.

Margarita:

• 3 1/2 cups watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 2 (generous) tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Triple Sec
• I cup ice cubes (if you have not frozen the cubes of watermelon)
• Garnish: Kosher salt, lime slices

Freeze the cubes of watermelon by spreading them on a sheet tray or placing in a ziplock plastic bag, for up to 3 hours or overnight in the freezer. Combine the frozen cubes of watermelon, tequila, triple sec and lime juice in a blender. Add ice if you have not had the chance to freeze the watermelon cubes. Puree until smooth. Add water if too thick, taste to adjust flavors and add the simple syrup, if using. Pulse to blend in syrup.

Wet the rim of your glasses with some lime juice and dip the rims in salt to coat. Serve your cocktail with a lime slice. Serve 4.