No lie. August 3rd really is “National Watermelon Day.” We at GLR can’t even begin to find the history for this one, but HolidayInsights.com speculates a summer holiday celebrating a summer fruit — possibly the summer fruit — was “originated by an agricultural organization, or perhaps a wild and crazy watermelon fan.” It takes all kinds. Alas, Macy’s doesn’t have a sale for it, Hallmark doesn’t have a card for it, and Congress hasn’t passed anything remotely close to official recognition of it. But wouldn’t you just love to get something 75% off on a National Watermelon Day sale? Just sayin’.
Sparkling Watermelon Cocktail
2 to 3 oz. fresh watermelon juice (for an easy shortcut, muddle watermelon in a cocktail tin and strain it into a glass)
Sparkling wine
Mint sprig, for garnish
Pour the watermelon juice into a flute. Top with chilled sparkling wine. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Combining tequila with summery fruits and veggies makes for one refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Margarita.
8 oz. tequila
4 oz. fresh watermelon juice
4 oz. cucumber juice (from about 1 cucumber peeled, diced and seeded)
1 tsp. salt
4-6 tsp. agave syrup
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup Cointreau
Tools: pitcher, wooden spoon
Glass: 4 salt-rimmed highballs or Mason jars
Garnish: fresh cucumber wheels
Rim glasses with kosher salt. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher with ice and stir to combine. Divide between the 4 ice-filled, salt-rimmed glasses and garnish.
Salty Watermelon Frosty
2 parts UV Salty Watermelon
1 part triple sec
1 splash of lime juice
Blend with ice and serve.
