Midweek Libations!

In the sweltering heat of mid-summer, a cool and refreshing cocktail is needed to cool you down after a sultry subway ride home. This week’s libation is the Watermelon Martini and is guaranteed to chill you to the core.

The Watermelon Martini is not really a Martini in the original sense – a true Martini being a combination of chilled gin and vermouth – more a watermelon cocktail. The drink has no real history to report on but has found great prominence on cocktail bar menus over the past decade or so. Despite its youth and humble origins, it is a wonderfully colorful and delicious summer cocktail to help you unwind and relax after a hard day’s work. Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A!

The main ingredient in this drink is fresh watermelon juice or puree. At this time of year there is an abundance of wonderful fresh fruit available at farmers markets and quality supermarkets so make the most of it. This is best made from scratch and can be simply produced by pureeing several chunks of seedless watermelon in a blender or food processor with a splash of water. Strain the juice into a pitcher and store in the refrigerator.

Fill a clean cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Pour in 2 measures of your fresh watermelon puree, 2 measures of good quality vodka (Citrus or Watermelon flavored vodka may also be used if you wish), 2 teaspoons of melon liqueur, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until icy condensation forms on the outside of the shaker from the cold, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Some people like to rim the edge of the glass with a mixture of sugar and salt, much like a margarita, and garnish with a slice of lemon. I find this unnecessary and instead prefer to keep it simple, garnishing with two thin wedges of watermelon. Enjoy!

Thank you RJH for another wonderful cocktail! See all the past Midweek Libations HERE!