A spicy salad of pork belly and watermelon pickle at New York City's Fatty Crab restaurant inspired bartender Philip Ward of Mayahuel to invent a liquid riff on the dish. If you're a Margarita fan, you'll love this drink, which is made with mezcal, tequila's smoky cousin. Don't mess around with the cheap stuff; look for bottles in the Del Maguey line of mezcals, including Vida de San Luis del Rio.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Scrape stems, seeds, and veins from jalapeño into a small jar (reserve green flesh for another use). Add tequila; cover and let infuse for 15 minutes. Set a strainer over a small bowl. Pour tequila through strainer and discard solids.
Step 2
Place watermelon cubes in a large pitcher. Using a muddler or potato masher, coarsely crush watermelon. Stir in lime juice, Simple Syrup, mezcal, and jalapeño tequila. Stir in 2 cups ice. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
Step 3
Fill Old Fashioned glasses with ice. Divide cocktail among glasses and serve.
