“When one has tasted it [watermelon], he knows what the angels eat." – Mark Twain

A watermelon slice is one of the most iconic symbols of summertime in the South. Whether you get yours from a grocery store or a roadside produce stand—or better, that farmer who sells them from the back of his pickup—the juicy fruit is a summer staple for picnics, cookouts, or just hydrating in the parching Dallas heat.

However, there’s very little about watermelon that’s southern. The melon, comprised of 92 percent water, dates back 5000 years to southern Africa. According to the University of Missouri, this is where watermelon's hearty, drought-tolerant ancestors thrived.

It found its way to Egypt. Explorers discovered paintings of watermelons in Egyptian tombs more than 4,000 years old, as reported in the university’s research.

It didn’t take the Greeks and Romans long to get on the watermelon bandwagon, and they considered it to have medicinal properties. By the 17th century, watermelon was widely planted throughout Europe. It thrived in Florida as early as 1576 and in Massachusetts by 1629.

One of the greatest debates surrounding watermelon isn’t about its origins, it’s that of salt: to sprinkle or not. Regardless of ardent support on either side, this is all about personal preference. The perfect solution to the debate is these watermelon cocktails.

Salt lovers can coat the rim of the glass with salt, using a touch of watermelon water, syrup, or lime to adhere it. Using pretty vintage glasses takes the juicy fruit from the picnic table to the dining room table. Garnish with melon balls or wedges, or lime slices.

Whether it’s in the Daiquiri’s sass, bold Summer Slide’s smoothness, or Margarita’s refreshing sparkle, watermelon proves it’s always been the fruit of summer. With or without salt.

Ingredients

Add rum, lime juice, agave syrup, and 3 tablespoons watermelon juice to a cocktail shaker filled three-fourths of the way with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Ingredients

Add tequila, wine, watermelon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass; serve immediately.

Ingredients

Combine the tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds, and pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately.

Cut four cups of cold watermelon into chunks removing the rind and seeds. In a blender, process the fruit until smooth, about 30 seconds, and strain through a mesh into a medium bowl. Yields 1½ cups watermelon juice. Discard solids. Chill juice.

Combine 2 cups chopped watermelon and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the watermelon, mixing with and dissolving the sugar. Simmer for five minutes; stir frequently.

Find this and other recipes at www.CarolynTillery.com!