Watermelon is such a great summer cocktail ingredient. Not only is it juicy and delicious as all get out, it tends to pretty much go with any spirit you can throw it into. And just because it’s good to have a little ice-breaker (you know, other than a blender) bits for cocktail party conversation, here’s some fun watermelon facts from the National Watermelon Promotion Board, the Orlando, FL-based organization formed in 1989 to represent U.S. growers, shippers and importers of the lovely summer treat:
- Watermelon comes from the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds — the same as cucumbers, squash and pumpkins
- It’s a fruit but… it’s also a vegetable. Botanically, it’s in the fruit family but because of its classification, it can also fall in the veggie realm. Confused? Us too. But either way, it’s delicious.
- Watermelon are not genetically modified. They are cross-bred, and that’s how you get different varieties.
- They are 92% water — talk about saturating!
- To pick a good, ripe one, turn it over and look for a creamy-yellow colored circular spot where its vine was once attached. If you see that, you’re good to go.
Our friends over at Sí Sí and EHP Resort & Marina in Springs were kind enough to share this very excellent recipe for one of their popular summer quenchers, the Watermelon High. If the fresh watermelon weren’t enough, we love the use of cardamom bitters (a big fave here!) and fresh basil. Give it a shot this weekend… or, maybe all summer long.
Sí Sí’s Watermelon High
Ingredients
- 2 oz Haku vodka
- 1 1/2 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 basil leaf
- 3 dashes cardamom bitters
- 1 watermelon slice
Directions
- Add all ingredients except the watermelon slice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a fresh, slender slice of watermelon. Cheers!
