Time for a little word association game. If I say, “Summertime,” what do you think of? Asking a few of my colleagues, their responses were swimming, beaches, and cookouts.
For me, summertime conjures thoughts of watermelon. This fruit is a favorite among the ages. What is more fun for a child than eating watermelon off the rind, allowing the juice to drip down your chin, and getting to spit the seeds?
As an adult, I still enjoy the taste of watermelon. With watermelon season coming to an end, I purchased one to savor the waning tastes of summer. There were a few slices left after the meal, which I could have saved them for the next day’s lunch. However, I decided to transform this kid-favorite fruit into an adult’s only beverage.
Combining the watermelon with vodka, I made my own infusion. When we had friends for dinner, this vodka became the base of a delicious martini. This drink can be made with purchased infused-vodka, though that version is sweeter.
Watermelon-infused Vodka
2 cups watermelon, cut into ½” cubes
4 cups vodka
Place watermelon cubes in the bottom of a clean, glass jar. Add vodka. Seal jar with lid, and place in a cool dark place for 1 week.
Using a fine mesh strainer, pour vodka into a bottle for storage. Can be used in mixed drinks or the following martini recipe.
Watermelon Martini
2 oz. watermelon-infused vodka
1 oz. cranberry juice
Splash lemon-lime soda
Fill a martini shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add vodka and cranberry juice. Shake well. Pour into a martini glass, and add soda. Stir gently, and serve with a small watermelon chunk as a garnish.
Great site! Very informative and interesting.
Cheers!