An Adult Watermelon For a Summer's Day

It is time to graduate to an adult watermelon, one that goes perfectly with a Mexican-style barbecue with family and friends. Word of warning, because this watermelon is strictly for adults, you better buy another for the chiquitos en la familia. If the teenagers try to get to this spiked watermelon, make sure you slap their grasping little hands.

The Margarita Watermelon

1 1/3 cup good quality tequila

1/3 cup orange liqueur

5 tablespoons cane sugar

1/4 cup lime juice

1 tablespoon grated lime peel

1 large watermelon, cut in half lengthwise
coarse sea salt, or "margarita" salt (optional)

Stir first five ingredients in a measuring cup until the sugar is completely dissolved. Place each watermelon half on a roasting pan or cookie sheet, cut side up. Pierce the flesh of the watermelon all over with a bamboo skewer. Gradually pour 1/4 cup tequila mixture over the surface of each watermelon and chill. Repeat over 24 hours or so until the mixture is absorbed. Some mixture will remain. Slice into wedges and serve with the sea salt on the side so your guests can sprinkle some over theirs. Buen provecho!