In the summertime, it’s fun to branch out of your normal glass of wine routine and make a summery cocktail. And it is hard to get more summery than watermelon, which is in season, and mint, which grows like a weed in Jackson. So I wanted to make a cocktail that combines the two and will serve a crowd.
I also learned a trick on a recent trip to Maine from a great restaurant at the Tides Beach Club. Fruit-flavored vodka is amazing, but if you have tried to make it before, the fruit can sometimes clog the spout of the container you muddle and soak it in. So to make pouring easier, first get a large mason jar-type glass container with a spout on it, then fill it with glass pebbles to above the spout before you add the fruit and vodka. The rest, is pretty simple: pour over ice, garnish and enjoy.
The one detail to keep in mind with this recipe is that the vodka needs to soak in the fruit for about a week, so plan ahead. This recipe proportion makes a strong, and only slightly sweetened drink. Adjust the sugar and/or the soda water portions to suit your desired tastes.
Ingredients
- Special equipment needed: a large glass jar with a lid and pouring spout. Glass pebbles to put in the bottom of the jar up to the spout (I found these at the Dollar Store).
- 1 gallon of quality vodka (I used Tito’s)
- 1 medium size watermelon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 20 mint leaves
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 2 gallons of soda water
- watermelon pieces
- mint leaves
Instructions
- Cut the rind of the watermelon and cut the fruit into 2 inch pieces that will fit in your jar. Add to the jar along with the vodka and let soak for at least 5 and up to 8 days.
- Make a mint simple syrup by heating the sugar, water and mint leaves over a medium heat until the sugar has melted and the syrup smells fragrant of mint. Discard the mint leaves and let cool. Add to the jar with the vodka and watermelon.
- To make a drink, add ice to a tall glass. Fill 2/3 full with the vodka mixture. Top with soda water, lemon slices, mint leaves and watermelon pieces. Stir to combine.
