We’re in the final stretch of Summer with August finally here, so getting the last of those Summer cookouts and backyard parties out-of-the-way before you’re covered in 10 inches of snow might be a good idea. One of my favorite flavors to incorporate this time of year is watermelon, and I thought it was a perfect way to segue into National Watermelon Day coming August 3rd. Much like pineapple, it’s a pretty versatile fruit. Slice it and eat it fresh, throw some on the grill, or juice it. One of my favorite things to do though is add some booze to it and have fun. We’ve Spiked watermelons before, we’ve made adult popsicles that were a HUGE hit, and now I wanted to share some tasty cocktails using watermelon we tried this past week. One comes courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe and is available to order nation wide at any of their locations, or if you want to stay in and make something at home we’ve included that recipe AND we’ve got a delicious cocktail from Sauza Tequila we tried and liked. Try them both and let us know what you ended up drinking (if you can remember).
Cheers!
Watermelon Wave Press ( Courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe )
- 3 Lemon Wedges
- 2 – 3 Strawberries (depending on size), hulled & quartered
- 1 oz Watermelon Puree
To make Watermelon Puree – remove the seeds from watermelon and cut into chucks then place into a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to add sugar if the watermelon is not sweet)
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 2 oz Bacardi Dragonberry Rum
- 7 oz Lemonade (pick your favorite brand)
- 7 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
Hard Rock uses a French Coffee press to make this drink, but for making at home you can use a 20 oz glass pitcher or other container. Add fruit and puree to the pitcher, and lightly muddle fruit in bottom to release the juices before adding liquid ingredients. Add all remaining ingredients and stir. Fill serving glasses with ice, and pour. The recipe can be made several hours in advance to allow the fruit to better incorporate into the mix.
Watermelon & Basil Margarita
- 2 parts Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
- 1 part DeKuyper® Triple Sec
- Juice of one whole lime
- (4) 1” cubes of seedless watermelon
- Fresh basil leaves (2 to muddle; the rest for garnish)
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
In a mixing glass drop in the watermelon and basil leaves (tear the leaves) then muddle. Add all remaining ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Double strain the cocktail over fresh ice in a glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh basil leaves.
Disclaimer: Recipes and photos courtesy of representatives of the brands.
