Salted Spicy Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

 

4 cups cubed watermelon

1 jalapeño, halved and seeded, if desired (optional)

2-6 tablespoons granulated sugar, using more or less to your taste

1/3 cup, plus 1 tablespoon tequila

2 tablespoon Cointreau (orange liquor) (orange liquor)

1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus 1 tablespoon lime zest

4 kiwi, peeled and chopped

2 Persian cucumbers, peeled and chopped

flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

 

In a blender, blend the watermelon, jalapeño, and sugar. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. Add the tequila, Cointreau, and 1/2 cup lime juice + lime zest, stirring to combine. Pour the mixture among 6 popsicle molds or Dixie cups. Freeze one hour. Rinse the blender out and blend the kiwi, cucumbers, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 tablespoon tequila, blend until smooth. Pour the kiwi over the watermelon layer, filling the molds to the top. Insert popsicles sticks. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. Serve with lime wedges and flaky salt…and maybe even a margarita too!