I’m usually a classic Lime Margarita kinda girl.  But with the warmer climes and abundance of watermelons, this may be my new summer favorite!

Recipe makes 4 delicious Margaritas.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 wide strips orange zest
12 ounces watermelon cubes (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup white or silver tequila
Lime wedges

Directions

To create salted or sugared glasses for these Watermelon Margaritas (either works really well), place two tablespoons of course salt or sugar on a saucer, rub the rim of each glass with lime and then dip them in the salt or sugar to coat.

In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, and orange zest to a boil over high. Reduce to a simmer and cook until sugar dissolves, 3 minutes. Let syrup cool in a bowl. In a blender, puree watermelon cubes until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids, into a pitcher (you should have about 1 cup juice). Stir in syrup, lime juice, and tequila. Fill glasses with ice, then pour margarita mixture over top and enjoy!

Recipe from www.foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

2 cups frozen cranberries, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 bottle Champagne

Directions

Add cranberries, orange juice, zest and sugar to a large pan and set over medium heat until berries break-down slightly and liquid is syrupy, 12 to 15 minutes. *Pour into a blender and process, be careful of the hot liquid expanding when you blend – use a towel over the top of the blender.

Strain and discard any solids then set aside and cool.

Pour 2 tablespoons of cranberry-orange syrup into the bottoms of 4 chilled champagne glasses. Add a few cranberries to each glass and gently top off each glass with Champagne.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.