The last category in our What About Watermelon Recipe Contest is for beverages. These refreshing and simple recipes are all worth a close look. After you’ve reviewed them, don’t forget to stop by the blog tomorrow to vote for your favorite!
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Whistling Watermelon Drink
SUBMITTED BY: Laurie H. of Plant City, FL
WATERMELON GUY SAYS: Yes, this one has vodka, schnapps and pop rocks in it. For those who want to cut the alcohol, a kid-friendly option is also available. Whichever option you choose, this drink is just plain fun, which is something we should have more of whenever we can.
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. watermelon vodka
1 oz. watermelon schnapps
3 oz. fresh pureed watermelon juice
1 oz. Sprite
1 tsp. watermelon pop rocks
1 watermelon wedge for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Combine all liquid ingredients in a wide-mouth cocktail glass and serve over ice cubes (not crushed). Place watermelon garnish on side of glass. Pour watermelon pop rocks on top of drink and enjoy the show and listen to it talk to you the entire time you are drinking the drink. For kids, follow the similar recipe but replace the vodka and schnapps with Sprite! They have to be able to enjoy the fun, too!
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Watermelon Punch
SUBMITTED BY: Barbara B. of Los Gatos, CA
WATERMELON GUY SAYS: Sometimes easier is better. Okay, most of the time easier is better. That’s what makes this recipe so good. Just five ingredients and two of them are water (one liquid, one frozen). Oh, and one whole watermelon. That’s always a good thing.
INGREDIENTS
1 whole watermelon, about 8 lbs.
8 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh lime juice
ice and a large beverage serving jar, at least 1-gallon size
DIRECTIONS
Cut rind off of watermelon and discard. Cut watermelon flesh into chunks and remove any black seeds, if not using a seedless watermelon. Set aside 2 cups of the chunks. Working in batches using a blender, puree the rest of the watermelon until smooth. Pour the puree into serving jar. Add the water to the jar along with the sugar and lime juice. Coarsely crush the remaining 2 cups of watermelon chunks and add to serving jar. Stir well until all of the sugar is dissolved. To serve, pour over ice in tall glasses
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Berry Mint Watermelon Slushies
SUBMITTED BY: Carolyn N. of Winter Garden, FL
WATERMELON GUY SAYS: Here’s another five-ingredient recipe, four if you don’t count the garnish. What’s great about this drink is that it’s a slushie, which makes infinitely more refreshing on those hot, 90-degree summer days.
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup cranberry pomegranate juice
1/2 cup raw sugar
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh mint leaves
4 cups watermelon pieces, seeded
Garnish: mint sprigs, pomegranate seeds
DIRECTIONS
In a small saucepan, heat juice and sugar over medium high heat to a boil. Cool and freeze in an ice cube tray until solid. Place cubes in a blender or food processor with chopped mint. Blend, adding watermelon pieces until mixture is slushy. Serve slushies into 4 chilled glasses. Garnish with mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds, if desired.