Margarita Watermelon Bites
June 7, 2016 By Cathy — 12 CommentsSalty, spicy, boozy…these margarita watermelon bites are summer treats for the over 21 crowd.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that there are two things I’ve been obsessed with lately: summer and tequila. I love the bright, fresh flavors of summer produce, easy grilling recipes and of course, tequila-based cocktails and marinades. Tequila was my muse with margarita grilled shrimp and also inspired a spicy, smoky jalapeño paloma.
Today I’ve basically deconstructed a watermelon margarita and put a savory spin on it. Tequila, orange liquor and lime simple syrup are blended together to make a margarita marinade for watermelon rounds. After a good, long soak in this boozy blend, the watermelon rounds are topped with crumbled cojita cheese and candied jalapeño slices. This result is a grown up appetizer that is sweet, tangy, spicy and just right for your next party.
I served these watermelon bites at the event I co-hosted with artist Tara O’Leary this past weekend in Maplewood, NJ. Several guests joined us to view Tara’s new collection of vibrant artwork and taste a sampling of recipes featured on this blog. It was a pleasure to meet readers face to face and share more than just pictures and words. I enjoyed interacting with our guests and seeing firsthand which recipes were the biggest crowd-pleasers.
The sweet and spicy combination of this appetizer made it a definite favorite at the party. The platter was empty in no time and I was left with just a container of marinade in the frig. But definitely don’t pour that liquid gold down the drain. Grab a handful of watermelon cubes, a couple cups of ice and blend it with the marinade for a frosty watermelon margarita. Top it with a couple of slices of candied jalapeno for the perfect garnish.
It’s clear that these bites will be a summer favorite in our house for entertaining. And of course anything that can be made in advance takes the pressure off when you’re hosting a gathering, large or small. And since this appetizer is all about bright flavors, low-stress and advance prep, I’m sure you’ll be serving it at your summer parties too. (And a big glug of tequila doesn’t hurt either!)
- 1 medium seedless watermelon
- Lime simple syrup (recipe follows)
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced into rounds
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups tequila
- ¾ cup orange flavored liquor (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
- 8 oz cojita or feta cheese, crumbled
- Lime zest for garnish
- Lime Simple Syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- ½ cup lime juice
- *1½ inch round cookie cutter
- *bamboo knot skewers
- Cut the watermelon into one inch slices. Using the cookie cutter, cut out rounds from each slice and place into a large, flat container and set aside.
- Lime simple syrup: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and then remove from the heat. Chill.
- In a separate small saucepan combine sugar, water and jalapeño slices and set over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes and remove from the heat.
- Place jalapeños and the cooking syrup into an airtight container and chill.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the lime simple syrup, tequila and orange liquor and pour over the watermelon rounds. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours.
- To serve: Remove watermelon from margarita marinade and place in a single layer on a platter. Scatter cojita cheese over the watermelon. Place one candied jalapeño slice on top of each watermelon round and skewer.
- Garnish with lime zest and serve.
Adorable, boozy, summery. I’m hooked.
Thanks! Nothing more summery than spiked watermelon!
Now this recipe is exactly why I love summer! Hello boozy watermelon bites.
Ditto Nicole!
As soon as I saw these on instagram all I could think was, “OMG… NEEEEEED!” LOVE these, Cathy!! Talk about the perfect summer adult bite! These are genius and I will totally be making these happen in my house! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
Thanks Cheyanne. I definitely love these a little more than I should!!
Truly effing perfect! always inspired by your stuff…… thanks!
Thanks Drew! Definitely gets the party started!
This recipe has all of my favorite things about summer! YUM! Cannot wait to try it — thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Candice! Can’t go wrong with watermelon and tequila!!
There is nothing better than a snack that gets you tipsy! Got to try these!
Absolutely Grace. Agreed!