Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco and Tequila

One way to get through the dog days of summer is with great summer cocktails. This year, my summer cocktail of choice is this Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco and Tequila. It’s a great twist on a typical tequila drink. And it’s ideal for summer entertaining. Somewhere between a margarita and sangria, this will wow any backyard BBQ or summer get together. And for those who want to keep cool without the alcohol, you can even turn this into a great mocktail.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 chilled seedless watermelon (15 pounds), rind discarded and watermelon cubed (20 cups)

• 3/4 cup tequila blanco

• 6 limes, thinly sliced

• 3 mint sprigs, plus mint leaves for garnish

• Ice

• 1 bottle chilled Prosecco

Let’s Make The Drink!

In a saucepan, make a simple syrup with the water and sugar. Be careful to not let the mixture boil over, and make sure the sugar is dissolved completely. Let cool.

Get out the blender and let’s blend up all that great watermelon. When smooth, strain into a large serving pitcher. After that, add the simple syrup, lime slices, mint and at least a 1/2 cup water. Stir in the tequila, and add the whole bottle of Prosecco. Yum!

Feel free to adjust with a bit more lime or tequila. Be careful though, this drink can pack a punch. You can even make another pitcher with sparkling water, more lime, and just a little more sugar for a great mocktail. The watermelon is so refreshing in the summer.

There’s more great ideas like this recipe at Food & Wine.