Is there anything more refreshing than watermelon on a hot summer day? That’s a rhetorical question. Not only does the juicy fruit have a high water content, but it’s also soaked in nutrients. Of course, you can enjoy it by the wedge or strain it into a healthy, homemade juice — but have you tried it spiked? The sweet flesh pairs well with a range of spirits, from vodka to tequila to gin. Plus, it makes a pretty blush-pink drink. Here, four simple and oh-so-satisfying watermelon cocktails that beg to be sipped poolside.

watermelon cocktails — c/o Cleo Mediterráneo

Karpouzi

Hints of citrus balance the sweetness of watermelon for a thirst-quenching treat.

Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka
2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
1/2 ounce pamplemousse (aka grapefruit)
Splash of lime

Directions: Add ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

c/o Cleo Mediterráneo

San Baltazar Summer

The unexpected smokiness and spice create a cocktail that’s dangerously sippable.

Ingredients:

2 oz Mezcal El Silencio Espadin
3/4 oz agave
3/4 oz lime juice
1 oz watermelon juice
2 jalapeno slices
3 cilantro sprigs

Instructions: Combine all ingredients except mezcal and muddle thoroughly. Add mezcal and ice, shake, and strain into an ice-filled large rocks glass. Garnish with chile salt & cilantro sprigs.

c/o Mezcal El Silencio

Watermelon Smash

Watermelon combines with basil and bitters for a simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.

Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka
1.5 ounces fresh watermelon juice
Fernet Branca Menta
3-4 fresh basil leaves
1 ounce lime juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup
Blood orange (optional garnish)

Instructions: Chop two to three basil leaves and add to shaker. Add vodka, fresh watermelon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of Fernet Branca Menta. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and strain over ice. Garnish with a dry blood orange slice and fresh basil.

c/o Casa Tua Cucina

Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

Cucumber makes this one of the most quenching watermelon cocktails of all.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces gin
1 1/2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
2 slices cucumber
1/2 ounce simple syrup
3/4 ounce lime juice
Pinch salt
1 1/2 ounces soda water

Instructions: Muddle cucumber in mixing glass. Add gin, watermelon juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and salt. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a highball glass with ice and top with soda water to taste. Garnish with cucumber slices.

Serve and enjoy!