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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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