Sometimes I just want a cool and refreshing drink. And with the First Day of Summer just around the corner I thought about a Melon Cooler. Every time I am in Mexico, I am always drawn to the fresh fruit drinks available on every buffet I see. But I must admit; very often it is the morning I have these juices because the night before I over did everything in the bar….LOL! Always when in Mexico I feel so pretty….well at night, at the Disco anyway…LOL! So this cocktail was born from my love for the Melon Juice I so often overdose on it in the afternoon as I tend to add a spirit to it after lunch while on a Yucatan Beach!
You will need a watermelon, about half depending on how many drinks you plan to enjoy! This recipe will make 2 blender full, so about 8 drinks. I cube the fruit and place it in the blender hit puree and get the juice ready for the spirit….my choice for this cocktail is the new "Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka". I have tried many flavored spirits, and I think these are some of the best on the market today. They are also very affordable! You will next fill the Blender with Ice as the juice will be only half full in the blender after you puree it down To this add 6-oz. of the Vodka, and 8-oz of the simple syrup*. Blend till you have a smooth slush, and serve in a highball or Collins glass, and garnish with a Basil leaf. So Refreshing!
- Simple syrup is nothing more than sugar water. In a sauce pan put 1+1/2 cups Sugar and 1 qt water bring to a boil for 2 min. and cool.
- For the watermelon drink I add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 lemon squeezed just drop the whole thing in as the heat will extract the oil from the peel, and 8 large basil leaves to the pan boil the mixture, and remove after it cools. The Basil, Lemon and Spice can be added to the syrup for "Winter Pear Martinis" as well, I use it mixed with Pear flavored Vodka about 1 oz to 4 oz Vodka. Do not blend this drink with ice just shake to chill and strain it up in a Martini glass.
This is a fantastic cocktail, and you will find others listed below, try them all as they are great theme drinks for a party. Remember by having a special cocktail for a group you save money when entertaining! Your guest will feel so special, and you will be able to mix many of them ahead then just add ice and blend….Fantastic!
- Peach Cobbler Ala Mode:
5 peeled and seeded very ripe fresh Peaches pureed in blender. To this add 4 shots of Cinnamon Schnapps, a pinch of Nutmeg, 4 oz Vanilla flavored Vodka, 4 oz Hazelnut Liquor, and Vanilla Ice cream. Blend till smooth and enjoy as a dessert drink after any Bar BQ Party!
- Blueberry Vodka Slush:
1 package of fresh Blueberries, 6 oz "Smirnoff Blueberry flavored Vodka", 8 oz simple syrup [plain], 3 oz "Grand Marnier", add ice and blend. This is a refreshing and cool drink everyone will love any time by the pool.
- Raspberry and Lime Slush:
In a blender place 1 package fresh Raspberries, 1 small can frozen Limeade, 8 oz Vodka or Light Rum, 4 oz water, 4 oz "Grand Marnier", fill with ice and blend. A Beautiful cocktail it should be served in a stemmed glass and garnished with a fresh raspberry, and a sprig of mint. This tasty drink packs a powerful punch so watch it! I serve it in the summer and at Christmas, people love the combination!
