Watermelon cocktails for an outdoor fiesta

 

I found a good sized watermelon and hibuscus flowers at the Green City Market today and this is what I'm doing with them! You can also omit the tequila for a family friendly version.

 

 

Watermelon Agua Fuerte

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes 
Total Time: 20 minutes

• INGREDIENTS
8 cups diced seedless watermelon
1½ tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
1½ cups water
3 cups tequila blanco
1 cup agave simple syrup (1 part nectar to 1 part water, boiled until nectar dissolves)
2 cups club soda
Ice
Watermelon balls, for garnish

• DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, purée the watermelon until smooth. Pass the watermelon juice through a fine sieve over a large bowl, discarding any solids. You should have about 3 cups of juice.
2. To make the hibiscus tea, bring the flowers and water to a boil and remove from heat. Let steep for 10 to 12 minutes and strain through a fine sieve. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
3. When ready to serve, combine the watermelon juice, tequila, hibiscus tea and agave syrup over ice in a large pitcher. Using a wooden spoon, mix until well chilled. Top with club soda and garnish with watermelon balls.