Zesty summery sweet watermelon cocktails to sip all day long

While the classic fruit can be transformed in many ways, summertime and watermelon go hand in hand. These sweet watermelon cocktails make it easy to enjoy a satisfying simmer in the sunshine. Ready to get shaking?

Watermelon flavor can adapt to many flavors. Similar to pairing watermelon with other foods, it can contrast with salty flavors or embrace a little sweetness with honey. That versatility makes it successful in a cocktail setting.

One idea from the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf-Astoria resort, is to use watermelon ice cubes. In The Despacito features watermelon fresno ice cubes. That option keeps the cocktail cold, yet never waters down the flavor. This Maui-inspired option could have anyone feeling that tropical vibe.

For a more straightforward cocktail, Milagro Silver is shaking up its Watermelon Patch. The addition of oregano and pink peppercorn strays slightly into the savory cocktail realm, but it is perfectly refreshing on a warm day.

Watermelon Patch

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Milagro Silver
• 1 Part Fresh Lime Juice
• 3/4 Part Oregano Simple Syrup*
• 4 Chunks Watermelon
• 1 Oregano Sprig
• Pink Peppercorn
• Coarse Salt

Preparation:

• Muddle fruit and herbs in a Boston shaker. Add ice and remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh oregano sprig, pink peppercorn and coarse salt rim.

* Or Substitute with Simple Syrup.

Gin continues to have a moment Tamworth Garden Watermelon Gin combines the traditional gin flavors with a vibrant watermelon note. In this cocktail, the lambrusco brings a hint of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Melon Frizzante

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Tamworth Garden Watermelon Gin
• 3 oz. Dry Lambrusco
• .5 oz. Amaro Nonino
• 1 oz. Seltzer
• Garnish: Watermelon slice & edible flowers

Sometimes simple cocktails are the way to go. With the Watermelon cooler from Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, the combination of watermelon and mint is classic. With a little splash of bubbles, it is totally refreshing.

Watermelon Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
• 2 parts Watermelon Juice
• 4 leaves of Muddled Mint
• Lime Seltzer

Method:

• Build in a highball glass with ice, garnish with mint and a watermelon wedge.

Sometimes people prefer a cocktail to a plated dessert. The 1800 Watermelon Cooler has a splash of cream which brings a richness. Who says a sweet ending requires a fork?

1800 Watermelon Cooler

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. 1800 Silver
• 4 oz. Jarritos Watermelon
• ½ oz. fresh lime juice
• ½ oz. cream

Method

• Build all ingredients in a soda fountain glass with crushed ice, stirring gently to incorporate. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and a fresh cilantro sprig.

Sometimes it is good to switch between a cocktail and a mocktail. This mocktail from Waterloo Sparkling Water can be enjoyed both as a cocktail and a mocktail. It is the perfect sipper by the pool.

Catch Me By the Pool

Ingredients:

• Waterloo Watermelon Sparkling Water
• ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 3 Fresh Strawberries
• 5 Mint Leaves
• Watermelon Slice
• Fresh Mint Sprig

Directions:

• In a shaker, muddle strawberries, mint and with lemon juice and then add ice. Shake well and strain over crushed ice. Top with Waterloo Watermelon and garnish with fresh watermelon slice and a mint sprig.
• For a cocktail, add 2 oz gin.

Ready to sip on some sweet watermelon cocktails? What is your summer sipper?