Watermelon cocktails: Summer barbecue needs these refreshing libations
Watermelon cocktails are the perfect refreshing libations for your summer barbecue. Who’s ready to enjoy some tasty watermelon?
Need a refreshing summer cocktail? Watermelon cocktails combine the classic summer barbecue fruit with a delicious libation. Whether you call watermelon a fruit or a vegetable, the brightly colored, juicy food makes for a scrumptious beverage.
Often at a barbecue, a watermelon or watermelon slices are part of the food options. There is something about watermelon that is synonymous with grilling, summer and celebrations. While cutting a watermelon could be a struggle, it is still considered the most-consumed melon.
Since watermelon is mostly water, the fruit (I consider it a fruit) works well in cocktails. The flavor is sweet yet not overpowering. It can blend well with other fruit flavors as well as a variety of liquors.
Sometimes people serve a spiked watermelon as both a beverage and a snack. Slowly infusing a watermelon with liquor makes for a boozy bite, but that watermelon can be so much more. With a little planning, and maybe a blender, some refreshing watermelon cocktails are a must serve for your next summer barbecue.
Here are a few watermelon cocktails that FoodSided recommends for this summer.
Watermelon cocktails, photo provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito’s Watermelon Pop Tail
When it is sweltering hot outside, a freezing cold beverage can be the only reprieve. Turning fresh watermelon into a frozen cube is a great idea. Since the watermelon is mostly water, it freezes well in cube form. Why use ice cubes when there is a more flavorful version.
Who’s feeling a little thirsty?
"Tito’s Watermelon Pop TailIngredients•4 cups frozen cubed watermelon (preferably frozen overnight if making the sorbet version)•4 sprigs of mint•1 pinch of lime zest•3 limes•1 cup of Tito’s Handmade Vodka•2 Tbsp agave nectar, or to taste•1 cup of iceMethod•Juice the limes•Combine Tito’s Handmade Vodka, frozen watermelon, lime juice and agave nectar in glass with ice•Add lime zest•Garnish with mint"
Watermelon Paloma
A Paloma is a classic tequila cocktail. Usually made with grapefruit juice, this cocktail is often refreshing on a warm day. This version using watermelon is a little sweeter than the traditional Paloma. The plain seltzer keeps the cocktail from getting too sweet.
While this version is quite refreshing, I personally like adding a little ginger beer to the cocktail. Ginger beers adds a little warm, spicy kick to the libation. Either version is quite delicious, especially when paired with a big plate of tacos.
"Watermelon Paloma· 2 parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila· 1 part watermelon juice· ¾ part agave nectar· ¾ part fresh lime juice· 1 part seltzer· Handful cilantro· Pinch of sea saltPreparation: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass, excluding seltzer. Shake well for approximately 5 seconds. Add seltzer and double strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and rim the class with paprika sea salt."
American Sweetheart, photo provided by Tres Agaves Tequila
American Sweetheart
What’s a sweet, yet sassy cocktail for the summer? This tequila cocktail is definitely a watermelon cocktail that you won’t be able to resist. From sitting by the pool to relaxing in the backyard, this cocktail will having you celebrating the greatness of America.
"American Sweetheart1 ½ parts Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila¼ part Cointreau2 parts fresh-pressed watermelon juice (or 1 oz. of a good-quality bottled puree)½ part fresh-squeezed lime juice¼ part Tres Agaves Cocktail-Ready Agave Nectar3-4 fresh basil leaves (mint or thyme also work well)Build all ingredients, including basil leaves (do not muddle), in a mixing glass, then shake & pour over fresh ice in a Collins glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge or basil leaf, if desired."
Soaked Watermelon Slice Popsicles
Why should only kids have popsicles over the summer? Adult popsicles are a great way to cool off on these hot days. These watermelon popsicles use actual watermelon pieces. With these treats, you get a serving of fruit with your cocktail.
Who’s hungry and thirsty?
"Soaked Watermelon Slice PopsiclesIngredients:¾ cup tequila½ cup Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon¼ cup lime juice1lb watermelonDirections:Stir together tequila, Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon, and lime juice in a large bowl. Cut watermelon into wedges and soak in Sparkling Ice mixture for 15 minutes. Insert popsicle sticks into wedges then freeze on a rack-lined baking sheet for 1 hour."
Frozé Watermelon Granita
Of course, froze with watermelon is a perfect summer cocktail. This version takes a sparkling rosé and watermelon sorbet to create the refreshing libation. This recipe uses watermelon sorbet. Some people would prefer to make their own sorbet. Personally, I just buy a pint from the store. It’s not hard to make sorbet, but sometimes buying is just easier.
"Frozé Watermelon GranitaINGREDIENTS•1 bottle Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé•1 quart watermelon-rosemary sorbet (store bought or make your own)•2 cups diced, seedless watermelonDIRECTIONSSpoon a scoop of sorbet into the bottom of a chilled glass and top with a tablespoon or so of the watermelon cubes. Pour the Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé over the sorbet and melon. Garnish with mint. Serve immediately with a silver spoon."
Next: Cocktail cupcakes are the perfect summer dessert
At your next summer barbecue think about serving some watermelon cocktails. It is the flavor of the season just served in a more festive form. Cheers!