Jake Slagle's Watermelon Margarita

That's Caren on Mrs. Yi's and deck, hailing in March the prospect of warmer weather getting ready to sip a watermelon margarita. The temperature that day was 64 degrees in the shade, just warm enough for complete bliss from the sun's late afternoon rays. Not a single day during the two weeks that followed has brought weather conditions nearly as pleasant. Just as auspicious was Mrs. Yi's whimsical purchase a couple days earlier of a pre-season watermelon. My intention had been to follow a favorite recipe from the 1998 Atomic Cocktails: Mixed Drinks for Modern Times. However, after pouring the tequila, I discovered we were out of some of the called-for liquor, not to mention limes. The creative efforts that followed paid off.

Notice the layering effect in the picture. This is what happens when a substantial amount of fresh watermelon is committed to the blender along with other ingredients. Of course, it's all about the way the ingredients settle, leaving mostly watermelon fiber and ice on top. Nowhere near as foamy as it looks, this layering makes the drink taste even better. Here's how I made it:

Jake Slagle's Watermelon Margarita

2 1/2 ounces silver tequila

1/2 ounce mescal

1/2 ounce cointreau

2 ounces lemon juice

1 1/2 ounces melon liqueur

2 cups seeded watermelon

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

1 ounce orange juice

1 1/2 cups crushed ice

Sugar for the rim: We used Stirrings' Watermelon Rimmer

Sugar the rims of whatever glasses you choose to use by moistening with lemon, then dipping in sugar. Combine all other ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is between slushy and chunky. Pour and serve.