The Candid Appetite

Where Cooking Meets Photography

margarita

Watermelon Texas Margarita

I’m a sucker for a beer cocktail. I’ll never say no to any cocktail, let’s be honest, but for the sake of this post, I’m a sucker for beer cocktails in particular. I’m also a sucker for watermelon flavored anything. It’s my favorite fruit, so when they’re in season I find ways to incorporate it into everything. Sometimes it works out and other times, not so much. I’m still trying desperately to make watermelon doughnuts work because if those two of my favorite things come together I’ll probably die from the excitement. Die. I wouldn’t make it past one doughnut. Maybe it’s a good thing I haven’t come up with a good recipe yet. Either way, I know that it’ll happen and when it does it’ll be the greatest day of my life. It’ll be magical. 

My all time favorite beer is from 21st Amendment Brewery in San Fransisco. They have a seasonal watermelon beer and it’s only available for a short few months out of the year. They serve it with a fresh watermelon slice. Talk about genius. It’s out of this world. Like summer in a glass, but a million times better. Like trips to the beach on a perfectly warm day, but not even close. If you’re not a fan of beer at all, that Hell or High Watermelon Wheat beer in particular would make you change your mind. It would make you a beer believer. You know what’s even better though? This cocktail will make you change your mind as well, and you don’t even have to travel to San Fransisco to get it. You can make and drink it in the comfort of your own home. Drink in your pajamas if you want. Who’s going to know? That sounds tempting, right? Probably don’t drink in your pajamas though because someone might see you through your window and think you’re crazy or weird and you wouldn’t want that.

The watermelon beer from 21st Amendment isn’t in season at the moment so I couldn’t get a hold of any, but if I did, it would’ve definitely gone into this cocktail making it even better than it already is. Instead, I had to settle for fresh watermelon juice spiked with vodka and orange liqueur and then topped off with Pabst Blue Ribbon. I like this beer for this cocktail because it isn’t heavy or strong in flavor. It pairs well with the other ingredients, allowing the fresh watermelon juice to really shine. I had to garnish it with a watermelon wedge as well because that’s what you do. Get the weekend started with a big batch of these and don’t forget about the snacks! Mushroom and Chorizo Queso Fundido is the perfect companion (hint hint). 

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Good Morning Margaritas

Down in New Orleans, there’s a place called Elizabeth’s and if you ever find yourself in the Bywater area and are looking for a great breakfast/brunch restaurant, then you have to pay Elizabeth’s a visit and try it for yourself. Get one of everything on the menu. There’s fried catfish with grits that are to die for. Although, fried catfish is always a yes in my book. Biscuits the size of your head that could also double as pillows, that’s how fluffy and soft they are. Oh, did I mention they make praline bacon. Candied praline bacon. For real. You’ll probably want to order that by the dozen. You would think that out of all the things Julian and I tried there, one of the food dishes would probably be what stands out the most to me. That isn’t the case. In fact, my favorite thing was the cocktail I had. They offer a “Morning Margarita” that is incredible. I know this because I had about twenty, and I still dream about them. Always a good sign. So of course, that’s where the inspiration for this breakfast margarita came from. 

I know what you’re thinking though, “A cocktail for breakfast?!?” Well, yes, I can’t say anything other than yes. I’m not suggesting you have this drink and only this drink for breakfast though. I’m suggesting this cocktail to you to go alongside some potatoes and eggs, or some pancakes. You have to eat some solid foods first thing in the morning, I know that. Maybe you’re like me though, and LOVE eating breakfast for dinner. (I do that all of the time, especially when I don’t feel like cooking after a long day of cooking, which is often). So the next time you’re having an omelette or a breakfast burrito in the evening for supper, remember this margarita. It’s sure going to remember you. It’ll tempt you and wave at you until you decide to include it on your brunch menu. You better listen to it. 

It has all of the flavors I love in margaritas, especially that salt rim on the edge of the glass. You can serve it on the rocks, like I did, or go crazy and blend up a big batch of it to make frozen margaritas. Breakfast margarita party! There’s no right or wrong, there’s just give me and give me more. 

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