When BerryBaby turned to the Hotline recently to share a picture of a hot pink watermelon with a pretty pattern and ask, “What have you combined to make watermelon even better than it already is?”—we expected to hear about pairings with feta, mint, and sea salt. And we did (for good reason: They’re all great matches for melon!).
Plus, Rachel even shared a touching story for the sea salt and watermelon combo:
My grandfather used to take me out on motorcycle rides when I was a kid, sometimes, we'd only take a quick spin on the highway, and other times we'd go 50 miles just to go have an ice cream. No matter what though, we would always cut a big slice of watermelon to eat at my grandma's kitchen table afterward (usually with iced tea). He always put salt on his slice, but I just couldn't do it... had to be plain and ice cold.
What we weren’t expecting were so many combinations that involved freezers, blenders, and yes, alcohol. Bottoms up:
Nancy: Make a slushy. And, some even poke a hole in the rind, add an immersion blender to liquefy the contents, add vodka, and serve at picnics, etc.
PHIL: Nancy, was going to suggest that but I talk about vodka too much already. And I think I would use tequila—watermelon margarita!
Niknud: I second the tequila suggestion! I recommend that you cube and freeze the watermelon (no ice! more booze!), then blend with lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. After two, you may want to stand up and judge your level of inebriation before you reach for the third. They go down oh-so-smooth but pack a hell of a punch.
Valhalla: I’ve been enjoying pureed watermelon with Leopold Bros. Aperitivo (similar to Campari but without the red dye).
Ready to join the watermelon party? Sip on one of these:
We want to hear about your favorite ways to eat watermelon: Continue the conversation on the Hotline post or tell us in the comments below!
See what other Food52 readers are saying.