Summer Watermelon

Picking the right watermelon is Not a skill of mine 

but this guide takes All the guesswork out! 

Two reasons this is important: 1) Who Doesn't enjoy a crisp refreshing slice of this quintessential summer fruit?! Especially Today, National Watermelon Day! and 2) You Have to pick the right one for the base to these easy and delicious summer cocktails.

1. Pour the wine into ice cube trays and freeze them until firm. At least 6 hours (they will still be a bit icy|slushy).
2. Cube your watermelon and freeze on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan (or bowl) until firm. At least 4 hours.
3. When the wine and watermelon cubes are frozen and you'rez ready to serve, transfer both the frozen wine and watermelon to a blender and blend until smooth. [you can transfer all frozen cubes to a plastic bag and freeze for up to a month if you want to have or serve it at a later date]
4. Optional: Add agave or simple syrup into the blender a bit at a time, tasting as you go. Depending on the natural sweetness of the wine and fruit, you may just need a little or none at all.
5. Pour and garnish with a mint leaf and Enjoy!

• 2 Cups of Diced Watermelon (about 1 cup juiced)
• 1/2 Cup of Tightly Packed Mint Leaves
• 2 Cups of Seltzer (or club soda)
• 1/2 Cup of Vodka
• Ice
  [Optional // Simple Syrup or Agave]

This makes about 4 cocktails

1. Place the watermelon cubes in a sieve|strainer over a large bowl. Using the back of a spoon or a muddler, press the watermelon through to extract the juice. You might have to do a handful at a time, continue until you’ve used all watermelon.
   [discard pulp]
2. Add in your vodka (and simple syrup or agave, if using it) to the bowl with watermelon juice + stir to combine.
3. Place 5-6 mint leaves in the bottom of each glass.
4. Begin by pouring in approximately 1 Tablespoon of the cocktail mix on top and muddle together.
5. Finally, add 1/2 a cup of the cocktail mix to the glasses. Add ice and top it off with 1/2 cup seltzer, and stir.
6. Add additional mint leaves to garnish, as well as frozen watermelon cubes if desired.

You can easily change the ratio of alcohol to 'cocktail mix'/watermelon in each of these drinks if you’d like, depends on your taste preference. Summer 2020 is about to be in the rearview mirror, some would say "Thankfully!" but with one of these delicious drinks in hand, you'll happily soak in the sun. So, whether you're chillin on your porch, lounging in your backyard, or sitting on your NYC fire escape, I hope you’re enjoying every last bit + sip of it!