We are having a major heatwave at the moment. The temperature is about 5 degrees over bearable. In an east-facing apartment, it is like living on a hot plate. Can’t cook, can’t sleep, can’t work, can’t write. Thank god for towels from the freezer and a fan. And no, we do not have AC’s here since this only ever happens every few years and is never this hot. So, this watermelon paloma, made in the dead of the night, is the perfect way to cool down.
I am actually not the biggest fan of watermelon, I enjoy regular melon, cantaloupe, or honeydew more. But in cocktails like this watermelon cocktail, it works really well. The added acidity from the lime and the tequila pair really well.
Watermelon has such high moisture content, that it is super easy to get juice. Any blender, food processor, or even a shaker will work. You could also just squeeze it and press it with a fork, and push it through a sieve, to get juice.
Just like a margarita, this watermelon paloma pairs really well with a salt rim on the glass. Mix flakey salt flakes with some fresh herbs and you got yourself a herb salt. Watermelon also pairs with salt.
I like all kinds of tequila and Jose Cuervo tequila was my house tequila at my bar. It was the tequila we put in cocktails and the tequila we drank in shots. Jose Cuervo silver works really well in cocktails with lots of other flavors, so they don’t overpower each other.
To make this cocktail you will need to mix the watermelon juice with tequila, lime juice and serve over ice. For a fresh and sparkly finish, top off with sparkling water or seltzer.
Jose Cuervo paloma would traditionally be made with grapefruit, but it is a variable that anyone can change. Basically, it is a long drink that anyone can easily make to their own liking.
This watermelon paloma will quench your thirst and cool you at the same time. You can easily skip the tequila or swap it for mezcal if that is your thing. This can be made entirely in a blender and served in a pitcher. It is a summery drink, perfect for a BBQ or a summer cookout. Goes down easily and probably will bring you down after a few too.
Watermelon paloma
Equipment
- Blender or a food processor, cocktail shaker
Ingredients
Watermelon paloma x2
- 500 g fresh watermelon
- 120 ml jose Cuervo silver tequila
- 50 ml lime juice
- Sparkling water to top up
Herb salt for the rim
- Margarita kosher or other flaky salt
- Fresh herbs like basil coriander, parsley etc.
Instructions
- Start by removing the rinds off the watermelon and as much seeds as possible and adding it to a blender or food processor
- Blend until you have a juice, this will be really fast
- Strain trough a fine strainer
- Make the herb salt by chopping your herb of choice and mixing in the salt using your fingers
- Rim the glass with the herb salt and add ice
- Build your cocktail by adding the tequila, fresh lime juice, watermelon juice and topping with sparkling water