Hello Foodie Friends,
Did you know that today is National Watermelon Day? That’s right, August 3rd is the day to celebrate this juicy and refreshing fruit that we all love. Whether you enjoy it sliced, diced, blended, or even grilled, watermelon is the perfect summer treat. But do you know where it came from and how it evolved over time? If not, let me share some watermelon history with you:
The earliest evidence of watermelon cultivation dates back to about 5,000 years ago in Egypt, where watermelon seeds and paintings of watermelons were found in ancient tombs. Watermelon was valued for its high-water content and sweet taste and was often offered as a gift to the pharaohs.
Watermelon was introduced to other continents by various traders and explorers over time. For example, watermelon reached India and China by the 10th century CE, Europe by the 13th century CE, and the Americas by the 16th century CE.
They quickly became popular in the New World, and today watermelons are grown in all 50 states. The United States is the world’s leading producer of watermelons, followed by China, Turkey, and Iran.
Today, there are hundreds of varieties of watermelon, ranging from small to large, round to oblong, green to yellow, red to white, and seeded to seedless.
Watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can eat it fresh, chilled, or frozen. You can make watermelon juice, smoothies, cocktails, salads, salsas, jams, pickles, or desserts.
Today I share with you the recipes for the 5 best cocktails made with Watermelon:
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
In a shaker, combine the watermelon juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup.
Add ice cubes and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a watermelon slice or lime wedge.
Watermelon Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
Fill the glass with ice and add the rum and watermelon juice.
Stir well and top off with club soda.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a watermelon wedge.
Watermelon Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz watermelon schnapps
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Watermelon slice (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the vodka, watermelon schnapps, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice cubes and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a small watermelon slice on the rim.
Watermelon Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
In a shaker, combine the watermelon juice, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice cubes and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a chilled daiquiri glass.
Optionally, garnish with a small watermelon wedge or lime wheel.
Watermelon Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a blender, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
In a shaker, combine the watermelon juice, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice cubes and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top off with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a watermelon slice or lemon wheel.
So, go grab a watermelon, prepare your favorite Watermelon cocktail, and celebrate National Watermelon Day with your friends and family.
I hope you enjoy these watermelon cocktails as much as I do!
Until we drink again…
I send you Delicious Wishes, xo
Denise
