Well, I’m finally home in Minnesota, back from Georgia and my daughter’s wedding. I’ll post more on that later, when the photos are in~but I was looking forward, after weeks of 90 plus degree weather down south, to more reasonable temps. Guess what? It was 88 degrees back home. And while I might be jumping the gun just a little, I’m loving these Watermelon Cooler Cocktails. They’re a little sweet, a little tart and they taste fabulous! Perfect for a hot summer evening.
You might want to buy stock in a watermelon farm because I plan on making these, again and again, this summer, especially if it stays as hot as it’s been because the combo of the chilled watermelon and lime is so refreshing.
About Watermelon Cooler Cocktails:
If you follow me (and if not, I’d love it if you would) you gotta know I don’t post out a lot of cocktails. I’m not that much of a drinker, and I’m kind of a lightweight, and my taste isn’t very sophisticated, I’m afraid. I just want something that tastes good. These Watermelon Cooler Cocktails def deliver in the taste department and all without being an over the top extravaganza.
And you know how sometimes you might have a fruity drink that’s deceptively strong and kind of knocks you back? You don’t have to worry, if you follow the proportions on this one. It’s a standard “Jigger” (1 1/2 ounces) for each serving. I used vodka for mine, but I’m thinking tequila would be great, too.
Watermelon Cooler Cocktail
Making Watermelon Cooler Cocktails:
These Watermelon Cooler Cocktails are super easy to make, but I gotta admit, they’re a little messy. I think the easiest thing to do would be to prep the watermelon ahead of time; it has to be cut up, blended and then strained and it’s going to make the best cocktail if it’s already chilled when the time comes. If you have one of those juicers that separates the pulp from the juice, it might just be time to break it out.
You gotta know, too, that the measurements are hard to get exact for a cocktail like this. I’d err on the safe side and go for a melon that’s just a bit larger, just in case you get on that isn’t quite as juicy. You just never know for sure (although my buying tips, below, will help you out) and most people don’t mind a little extra watermelon. At least I don’t.
Watermelon Cooler Cocktail
Saving Money on Watermelon Cooler Cocktails:
When you buy a watermelon, look for them on sale during the peak of the season and pick one that seems heavy for its size. That’s more important than color or minor blemishes. Turn the melon over. The blotch on the bottom (where the watermelon rested on the ground) should be creamy colored not an anemic white. Give it a thump. The watermelon should sound hollow.
You can hone your skills by comparing the sound of the watermelon you’ve picked with several others, especially if you’ve spotted one with a white, rather than creamy splotch. When you cut watermelon, use a clean knife and a clean counter or board and it will last longer in the fridge. A large rubber band will easily hold any plastic wrap in place.
Watermelon Cooler Cocktail
Watermelon Cooler Cocktails
- 1 watermelon, about 3 pounds, rind and seeds discarded
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup Triple Sec
- 3 limes, 2 juiced for the cooler, one sliced for garnish with the rest juiced into a shallow container to rim the glasses
- 1/4 cup sugar or salt, to rim glasses
In a blender purée the watermelon pieces and then strain the purée through a very fine sieve set over a pitcher, discarding the solids. (There should be about 2-1/3 cups juice). Stir in the vodka, the Triple Sec, and the lime juice.
Place the juice of one lime on a small plate, set sugar or salt on another. Dip the top rim of each glass into the lime juice, then the sugar or salt. Add ice cubes, fill with the cooler and garnish with a slice of lime. (Any excess lime juice may be added to the cooler.)
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I’ll be sharing Watermelon Cooler Cocktails at Fiesta Friday number 279, hosted this week by Liz @ Spades, Spatulas & Spoons and Jenny @ Apply To Face Blog.
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