Beat the heat by making a Sandia Smash! This straightforward recipe uses Tequila Blanco, watermelon, and more for an ideal summer cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 2 oz Tequila Blanco
- 1 cup fresh watermelon cubes
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- Ice cubes
- Watermelon slice or mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Cocktail Shaker
Strainer & Fine-strainer
Measuring Jigger
Muddler
Rocks Glass
Prep Glass: Chill a rocks glass with some ice cubes.
Muddle Watermelon: Place 1 cup fresh watermelon cubes in a cocktail shaker and muddle them until they release their juice.
Add Agave Nectar: Pour in ½ oz agave nectar for sweetness.
Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz lime juice to the mix.
Add Elderflower Liqueur: Measure and add ½ oz elderflower liqueur.
Add Tequila: Pour 2 oz Tequila Blanco into the shaker.
Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake well until chilled.
Strain into Glass: Fine strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish: Garnish with a watermelon slice or mint sprig if desired.
Substitutes:
- Tequila Blanco: If you don't have tequila Blanco, try using mezcal for a different twist on the flavor profile. I've also used white rum for a sweeter touch.
- Elderflower Liqueur: You can substitute with a splash of floral syrup if you want to keep it non-alcoholic but still floral.
- Agave Nectar: Honey or simple syrup works well if agave nectar is unavailable, though honey will add a distinct flavor.
- Lime Juice: In a pinch, lemon juice can work, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile
Making a Pitcher of Sandia Smash:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. Use 16 oz of tequila, 4 cups of watermelon, etc.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, muddle the watermelon, then add tequila, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Strain into individual ice-filled rocks glasses and garnish as desired.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics tequila's flavor profile; these are becoming more available in stores.
- Elderflower Liqueur Substitute: Opt for an elderflower cordial or syrup to maintain the floral notes without alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes for a refreshing, non-alcoholic version.