Put down the Corona - In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, here is a sweet & spicy (like me) drink you can celebrate with. It is inspired by the Mexican Paloma and has a tangy twist making it an irresistible refresher for those warmer days ahead. Generally palomas are: always topped off with club soda, less sweet than a margarita, and calls for minimal ingredients. Accessorize with Tajin rimmed glasses, to experience a salty, sweet, and citrus blend with every sip. This contrast adds a delicious kick of heat that I always crave and helps to balance out any sweetness. I recommend some homemade fresh guac and to make it a perfect pairing.
Ingredients:
2-3 cups cubed watermelon and strawberry (you can use only one or combine both fruits like I did)
2 ounces tequila (preferably silver)
juice from 1/2 a lime
1/4 cup sparkling water for topping
4 ounces sparkling or flat Rosè wine, chilled
Chili Lime Salt
1/4 cup flaky sea salt
1 pinch granulated sugar
zest from 1 lime
2 teaspoons Tajin or 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions:
To make the watermelon and strawberry juice, cut both and blend in blender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or skip this step if you do not mind the texture with the fruit. This will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To make your chili lime salt. Rim the glass with lime juice. Combine all chili lime salt ingredients in a small plate. Rim your glasses in salt.
To glass, add 1/4 cup watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and Rosè then stir to combine. Add some ice, then top off with a splash of sparkling water. Garnish as desired with lime, watermelon, or strawberry. Enjoy!