Jewel s Watermelon Margaritas

½ cup white sugar

½ cup water

3 strips orange zest

2 cups cubed seeded watermelon

¾ cup white tequila

¼ cup lime juice

1 pinch salt or sugar for rimming glasses

1 lime, cut into wedges

2 cups crushed ice, or as needed

Bring 1/2 cup sugar, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove simple syrup from heat and allow to cool completely.

Place watermelon in a blender or food processor. Pulse until pureed.

Stir watermelon puree into a large pitcher with simple syrup, tequila, and lime juice.

Place a small amount of salt or sugar into a saucer. Rub edge of margarita glasses with a lime wedge to moisten. Lightly dip the rim of the glass into the saucer to rim the glass; tap off excess salt or sugar.

Fill rimmed glasses with crushed ice; pour margarita mixture into glasses and garnish with lime wedges to serve.