Karpoúzi Margarita

Oh hi, summer! We are in the full swing of summer right now and this margarita is one of my all time summer favs.

Earlier this summer I traveled to Greece. Total spur of the moment girls trip. If you’ve never been, go! It’s amazing. Everything about it. The food, the people, the water, the ocean, and even the cocktails. The first thing my mom told me before we went was, “eat the Karpoúzi (watermelon in Greek), it’s the best in the world.” She was right. It’s amazing and I’m not even really sure why. My theory though, the sun. The sun is different in Greece, and I’m not just saying that because I’m Greek and I think everything is better in Greece. It’s because it’s true. We were there for 9 days, one day we were on a boat for 10 hours, not once did I put on sunscreen (don’t tell my mom), and I never burned! Not even a little. I didn’t even have tan lines and yes, I was wearing a swimsuit. I just got this super deep golden tan. So, back to the watermelons, I think the sun must bake them at a steady temperature making them super sweet and amazing.

We were lucky enough to stay with some friends at this amazing villa resort called Porto Zante in Zakynthos. The staff here was beyond gracious and accommodating. By our 7th day in Greece we started missing a little bit of home, we wanted margaritas and guacamole. And of course, your wish is their command at this place. I knew this recipe would be easy to share with them even with the language barrier (yes I’m Greek, but I only know the bad words). I gave our server the list of 4 ingredients and bam!.. Watermelon (Karpoúzi) Margaritas. You can make these summertime favorites anywhere, even in Greece!

I always like a little spice so I make mine with a jalapeno simple syrup but it isn’t necessary. You can even throw in one slice of a jalapeno into your mixing glass and shake it up with the rest of the ingredients for a smidge of spice. The watermelon puree is literally just watermelon blended. I like to use the watermelon juice when its freshly blended because it gives the margarita a nice foam at the top.

Recipe below! Enjoy and tag me in your photos!

Karpoúzi Margarita Recipe

Patron Silver Tequila, simple syrup, fresh lime, watermelon puree, chimayo chile salt for rim and margarita, jalapeno (optional).

1.5 oz Patron

.25 simple syrup

1 oz watermelon puree (watermelon slices blended in a blender, that’s it).

1 oz fresh lime

1 slice of a jalapeno

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour over fresh ice and a chile salt rimmed glass. Dip a piece of watermelon in the chile salt for garnish.