Sweet watermelon balances the heat of a Scotch bonnet chile pepper in this summery tequila-based drink.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-lb.) watermelon, flesh cut into 1″ cubes
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup lime juice
• 2 cups silver tequila

Procedure

1. Separate ¹⁄₄ of the watermelon cubes and freeze.
2. Purée the remaining watermelon and strain; you should have about 8 cups juice.
3. Boil sugar and ¹⁄₄ cup water in a 1-qt. saucepan until sugar is dissolved.
4. Add Scotch bonnet pepper halves and let syrup cool; strain into a pitcher.
5. Stir in watermelon juice and frozen cubes, lime juice, and tequila.