Minty Watermelon Lemonade with Vodka

Just in time for August’s dog days: Minty Watermelon Lemonade with Vodka is perfect for slow sipping while you wait for the hibachi coals to turn white.

Fresh crushed watermelon gives this tall drink its distinctive melony flavor and pretty pink color. The drink starts off uber sweet, but mellows as the ice melts.

Serve Minty Watermelon Lemonade with Vodka in Mason jars for that touch of Bushwick.

Now you’d better go check the coals…

Minty Watermelon Lemonade with Vodka

For each drink you’ll need:

A handful of fresh mint leaves, washed and de-stemmed
1/2 cup fresh watermelon, cubed and seeded
Juice of one lemon
1 ounce Simple Syrup—see recipe below
1 jigger (1 1/2 ounces) vodka
Seltzer
Round of lemon for garnish

1. Put the mint leaves in a Mason jar or tall glass and bruise the leaves with a wooden pestle or spoon.
2. In a medium bowl, crush the watermelon with a potato masher or stiff whisk. Strain and pour the watermelon juice over the mint leaves.
3. Add lemon juice, simple syrup and vodka to the mint and watermelon juice, stirring to blend.
4. Fill glass with ice—use large, whole cubes for slower melting—and fill with seltzer. Stir gently, add lemon round and serve.

Simple Syrup Recipe
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

1. Combine sugar and water in a medium sauce pan.
2. Bring syrup to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Turn off flame and let syrup cool to room temperature.
3. Pour into airtight container and store in refrigerator.