This summer in Los Angeles has been decidedly cool. In fact, despite a few days of heat last month, it was the coolest July on record. I happen to love cool weather so it's been great for me, but that all changed about two weeks ago. All of a sudden it got super hot and the heat didn't let up until this past weekend. I've been miserable with the AC cranked high and trying to avoid contact with the outside world. Luckily, there are some delicious ways to cool off in this city. I recently discovered Pinkberry's new watermelon flavor and I'm obsessed. I also totally love the way they serve it with watermelon chunks, watermelon puree and diced cucumber. It's fresh and fantastic. The first time I tried the combination, I knew I wanted to make a drink based on it. This cocktail is so refreshing and a perfect antidote to the heat. I plan on making this often...especially when the heat gets really intense in September and October with the Santa Ana winds.
PS, If someone can help me come up with a catchy name for this drink, I will totally invite you over for a cocktail!
Watermelon Cucumber Cocktail
(By Esi)
*Note, I prefer drinks on the tart side. You'll probably get much more juice from the watermelon than the amount listed below so feel free to play around with the quantities. Also, if you're not a drinker, leave the vodka out. This drink is great even without the alcohol!
Makes 4+ drinks
1 small, seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into chunks
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup simple syrup (recipe below)
1 cup seltzer water
6 ounces vodka
Ice cubes
Diced cucumber
Place the watermelon chunks in a blender. Blitz until liquefied. Place a strainer over a bowl and add the watermelon puree. Strain the juice and reserve 2 1/2 cups of the juice.
In a large pitcher, mix the watermelon juice with the lime juice. Fill each glass with a couple of ice cubes and a small handful of cucumber pieces. Add 1/4 cup of the watermelon and lime mixture, 1/4 cup of the seltzer, and 1 1/2 ounces of vodka to each glass. Serve immediately.
Printable Recipe
Simple Syrup
Makes 1/4 cup
In a small saucepan, dissolve 1/4 cup of sugar in 1/4 cup of water over low heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
24 comments:
This looks gorgeous. Glad to hear your blog is back from the brink. I have to admit when it comes to watermelon, I am usually super boring. Plain watermelon juice is what does it for me.
It looks and sounds great! Watermelon Delight Cocktail?
so pretty, refreshing and healthy (right?). It's high 90ies in DC and I loath the heat. I could use this drink right now :)
Since you did not like my Blushing Russian name, how about Pretty in Pink & Green?
Refreshing beverage! Love it!
Loves agua fresca! I wanted to add Gin to mine, but this looks delish as well.
Becca
I'm terrible at naming cocktails, but this does look perfect for the heat of summer. And, I shouldn't complain, last summer was much hotter here. But, still, it's been really hot!
Mmmmm, I not only want to drink this, but I want to swim in it as well. Now for a name... Green on the outside, cool on the inside, Watermelon paint job? lol. I'll stop now.
I do love the Pinkberry watermelon flavor....it's just so refreshing! Love the drink form of it. I could see this being served at a summer party!
You are lucky you had such cool weather last week. We roasted up here! The colors remind me of all the shabby chic colors but I am not sure if that really sounds appetizing! You could go 80's and do the Pretty in Pink route, lol. Whatever you end up calling it...it looks fabulous.
water melon cocktail I would love to have this.sounds very intersting.
So that's the drink you've been tweeting up a storm about! Looks delish!
I'm so glad our little heavy wave is over. My apartment was so hot!
Watermelon yogurt? YUM! Sounds fantastic. This is a really pretty drink- so summery. I'm a heat addict...I just love it.
Hey everyone! It's great to be back.
Kelly, plain watermelon juice is so good. Not boring!
Olga, I'm like you with the heat. Cannot handle it at all.
Anna, LOL
Bridge, it didn't cool down until Friday, but I'm enjoying it now. Not looking forward to the mini heatwave predicted for this week though...
Erica, the watermelon pinkberry is so so good.
What? Water melon and cucumber?! I never heard of that before! How did you ever dream up such an unusual and completely original cocktail like that?!
You're a genius!
Sounds so ladylike yet with the ability to make you drunk. I like it!
Refreshing and sweet. The colors look great together in the glass too.
I love watermelon and cucumber cocktails...so very refreshing. I serve mine with a twist of mint AND lime...just to add to the tartness...and cooling factor!
As for a name besides aqua fresca? How about cumbermelon? Hard to name this one....
Ooh yeah, I'm so going to make this when summer comes around. Sounds like a drink the kids would like too (minus the vodka of course). How about The Pink Watercooler for a name?
Glad to see you back in blogland again :)
looks so good! i am now imagining myself in a sundress and sunglasses with this drink rather than... pjs and glasses in my bedroom. haha!
you finally manged to name this delicious creation, no? Watermelon vodka gimlet???
I love the combination of fresh cucumber and watermelon!!!
Esi, I am so happy we were away during that heat wave. I am no fan of scorching days either. Give me crisp, cool air and I am the happiest...with this lovely Palm Beach Watermelon cocktail in hand :) xo
oh that sounds delicious!! i was just craving watermelon as we're in another heat wave... i'm not really good at creative names, sorry!
I love how the light green cucumber cubes float in a sea of pink watermelon juice. Heavenly...how about Santa Ana Breeze?
These sound so good and refreshing that I would have had way more than ONE too many!
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