Sunday, May 1, 2011

Watermelon Mint Cucumber Margaritas: This is for Shannon

Lately, I have been working out.  I know, I know...this doesn't sound like the Shelby you know (and love).  However, it appears time is catching up, and my metabolism seems to be slowing down.  In fact, if you were to conjure up a mental picture, "My Age" would be sprinting down a track, strong and steady, and "My Metabolism" would be the little, scrawny kid chasing after it (in vain), sweating and gasping for air.  I digress.
Anyway, I found that having workout buddies significantly increases my chance of getting my rear-end out of the kitchen and off of the couch.  There are four of us (plus or minus 1 or 2 depending on the day) that meet to do interval and circuit training.  I feel strong, empowered and in a constant state of soreness since we started.  And even though it might be wrong, after all my hard work, I feel the need to reward myself every once in a while.  One of my workout buddies, Shannon, shares my love of gardening.  We chit chat about our various herbs and veggies and their progress.  We got together the other night and Shannon made a killer mojito with her home-grown mint.  Let's be honest, is there a better way to honor that lovely herb than to put it in a tasty cocktail?  I think not.  After our mojito night, I was inspired to use some of my herbs in a cocktail.  After a long run on Saturday afternoon, I found this amazing recipe for a Watermelon Mint and Cucumber Margarita.  Oh dear.  Oh dear, oh dear.  It was scrumptious.  It was bright, refreshing and a lovely pink in color.  I dressed it with a sprig of mint and slice of watermelon, which Bo promptly removed (but he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy this fruity piece of heaven...he had three.)  Here is the recipe, modified from a Bon Appetit recipe.



Watermelon Mint Cucumber Margarita

1 1/2 cups 1-inch chunks rindless watermelon
6 (1/8-inch-thick) slices English hothouse cucumber (I grated the cucumber for a more intense flavor)
15 large fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup tequila (silver or gold)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Simple Syrup
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)

Place first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. (I squeezed it between my fingers...and it was fun). Strain liquid into a cocktail shaker. Pour in tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and Cointreau, then add a bit of ice. Shake gently to blend. Pour into preferred glasses that have been filled with ice.  Garnish with watermelon skewers and mint sprigs. Enjoy!!!

1 comment:

J Gutwein said...

I want to be in that picture :)...