Headed to a picnic and Shakespeare in the Park? That begs for the boozy Pomegranate Paloma, swigged from a flask. (Assuming you’re seeing a comedy. If it’s a tragedy, go with something bitter, such as a Dark and Stormy.) But if the weather is sporting triple digits and I’m floating on a raft in the pool, then it’s time to go for something juicier and far more thirst quenching. Enter the watermelon margarita. For the most part, this is a classic margarita with a skosh more tequila and a lot of fresh watermelon. The resulting cocktail is fruiter than the original and its strength will sneak up on you, but in this case I’ll call that a good thing.

Want to know the best tequila to buy? Check out our Tequila Guide!

This is also a margarita that I encourage you to have with salt, even if you normally don’t care for it. It adds a necessary bit of balance to all the sweetness.

More Summery Cocktails!

Classic Margarita Blueberry Pitcher Margaritas Frozen Strawberry Daiquri Mixed Berry Sangria Mint and Lime Mojito

VARIATIONS:

Swap out tequila for mezcal, tequila’s smokier, wilder cousin.For a frosty, thicker treat, freeze the watermelon before throwing it in the blender and skip the strainer.

Note: If you happen have a juicer, simply juice the watermelon and stir it with the other ingredients in a pitcher.