Watermelon cocktails: Sweet, flavorful refreshment in every sip

Watermelon cocktails offer refreshment in every sip.

While watermelon has a prime spot on the summer table, watermelon cocktails are the flavorful refreshment for every occasion. Since watermelon, itself, is often hydrating on a hot summer day, that watermelon flavor makes these cocktails a satisfying sip. Whether you like tequila, vodka or even some Johnnie Walker, there is a cocktail that is calling your name.

Watermelon is a very versatile flavor. From savory recipes to using the watermelon itself as a serving vessel, there are so many reasons to always have a watermelon in the house. Since it works with a variety of flavors, it makes watermelon cocktails a fun way to shake up some tasty libations.

While many people celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3, enjoying these watermelon beverages isn’t limited to just that food holiday. These cocktails can be enjoyed for any reason.

And, since watermelon is available all year round, you could even shake up one of these cocktails during the winter. It might be the taste of summer that you crave on a blistery cold day.

Here are some of FoodSided’s favorite watermelon cocktails:

Fruta Fresca

Created by mixologist Gabe Orta

Ingredients:

• 1.5oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 4oz Fresh Watermelon Juice
• 1oz Ginger Ale
• Fresh Watermelon Dusted with Tajin for Garnish
• Glassware: Rocks
• Garnish: Fresh watermelon dusted with tajin and lime juice

Preparation:

• Blend 6 to 8 watermelon chunks in a blender.
• Add the juice and Black Label into a frozen rocks glass
• Stir for 2 seconds
• Add ginger ale
• Squeezed half of lime over the garnish

The key to this watermelon cocktail is the watermelon dusted with the tajin. That Mexican spice brings out the sweetness in the watermelon. Plus, the touch of spice acts like a cooling agent on a hot day.

Also, this cocktail is a nice change of pace thanks to the Johnnie Walker Black Label. In a way, it is more sophisticated than traditional beach-vibe.

No Me Olvides

Created by Mixologist Julio Xoxocotla of The Wayland, NYC

This is a large format recipe. It yields about 17 cocktails:

Ingredients:

• One 750 ml Bottle of Tequila Don Julio Blanco
• 12 oz Watermelon Juice
• 8 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 7 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• 7 oz ml Agave Syrup (1:1)

Preparation:

• In a large pitcher or bowl combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, watermelon juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup. Stir well.
• To store, pour contents into mason jars or any other clean glass container. This mix could last up to 3-4 days refrigerated.
• Suggestion: If you freeze it, you’ll be getting a slushy-like delicious drink.
• To make agave syrup (1:1): mix 3 ½ oz Agave Nectar (Amber) to 3 ½ oz of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved and cool down before mixing it with juices.

When it comes to summer gatherings, larger cocktails are always a great choice. Even if the gathering is more socially distant, the larger quantity can be portioned into smaller sizes.

By making one big batch of cocktails, it is just easier. No one wants to spend the whole day behind the bar. You want to sit, relax and sip on that watermelon cocktail.

Absolut Watermelon Limeade

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz Absolut Lime
• 3 oz Watermelon Juice
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• Mint Leaf
• Ice Cubes

How to Mix:

• Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled highball glass. Garnish with mint leaf.

The combination of watermelon and mint is always refreshing. The cooling flavor of the mint balances the sweetness. This cocktail is simple yet delicious.

Also, remember to rub your mint leaf. You want the natural oils to be released, but don’t spank it too hard. You don’t want to bruise the mint.

D’USSE Watermelon Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts D’USSE VSOP
• 0.5 part Aperol
• 2 parts fresh watermelon juice
• 0.5 part simple syrup
• 0.5 part fresh lemon juice
• 1 part Sparkling Wine
• Garnish:
• Watermelon ball skewer & orange peel

Method:

• Add D’USSE, Aperol, watermelon juice, simple syrup and lemon juice into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into an ice filled wine glass. Top with Sparkling Wine. Garnish with a watermelon ball skewer and orange peel.

During the summer, everyone seems to have at least one bottle of Aperol in the house. This version of a spritz makes for a great apertif.

Plus, it has sparkling wine. Who doesn’t love a sparkling wine floater?

JAJA Pink Panther

Ingredients:

• 2 parts JAJA Tequila Blanco
• 3.5 parts Watermelon Juice (or 3 chunks of muddled watermelon)
• 1 small slice of Jalapeño (can be omitted)
• 0.5 part Simple Syrup
• Garnish:  Slice of watermelon & lime

Method:

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake hard. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and garnish with a slice of watermelon and a lime.

If you have leftover watermelon, this watermelon cocktail puts it to good use. Whether you use watermelon juice or muddled watermelon, the cocktail is quite tasty.

Also, you can freeze a few pieces of watermelon to use as ice garnishes. Why not use a flavorful ice cube to keep that cocktail from becoming too watered down.

1800 Silver Summer Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 oz 1800 Silver
• 3 oz rosé
• .25 oz fresh lime juice
• .5 oz simple syrup
• 3 cubes watermelon

Method:

• Muddle watermelon, shake and strain over ice cubes in a stemless wine glass. Top with rosé and stir gently to combine. Garnish with cucumber-wrapped inner glass and watermelon slice.

During the summer, who doesn’t have a bottle of rosé in the house? This watermelon cocktail is colorful and flavorful. After a few sips you will definitely feel tickled pink.

These watermelon cocktails are just a few of the many ways to incorporate watermelon into your cocktail glass. Whether you like it sweet or spicy, there is always room for more watermelon.

What is your favorite way to enjoy watermelon? Share a picture of your favorite watermelon cocktail with #FoodSided.