Brian and I always look forward to the Fourth of July. Aside from the fortunate tradition we have of spending some time in The Hamptons with my family, it is also special to us because it is our one true annual vacation. We do go on overnights here and there throughout the year, but over the Fourth of July Holiday we usually spend close to a week at the beach. And true to form, one of the first things we do to commemorate our trip is shake up a summer cocktail.
I love cocktails that are so fresh they almost taste like a garden. When I think of summer I think of aromas of fresh fruit and herbs, and this cocktail balances both elements beautifully. When you sip it you can taste every single ingredient, but they blend together melodiously.
This delicious summer drink consists of sweet watermelon and coconut, and that sweetness is cut with some citrusy lime. The finishing touch is a sprig of mint which makes the cocktail smell herbaceously (I think I made that word up) amazing as you sip it! I also decided to name this cocktail, “The Revolution”. I normally don’t name my drinks since I don’t think I’m quite near mixologist level yet, but what the hey. If I saw a fruity, herby cocktail at a restaurant or bar called The Revolution, I’d order it.
I encourage you to give this one a try this Fourth of July Weekend! I truly hope it helps brighten your day and you find it tastes as lovely as we did! Happy Independence Day, Everyone!
The Revolution (A Watermelon, Coconut and Lime Cocktail) (recipe makes 1 cocktail)
Ingredients-
Simple Syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
Cocktail:
5 chunks (approximately 1 slice) seedless watermelon
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz vodka (I used my favorite Bison Grass Vodka (Żubrówka) because I love it’s fresh flavor. If you haven’t tried it, TRUST ME, this stuff is awesome! But you can use any vodka you like!)
2 oz coconut water
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions-
1. To make simple syrup, stir sugar and water in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Turn off heat and allow to cool to room temperature. (Extra simple syrup can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month).
2. Add watermelon, simple syrup and vodka to cocktail shaker and muddle well. Add ice, coconut water and lime juice then shake well. Strain into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint sprig. Cheers!
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