Spirited Virginia Q3 2022 - 16

O
h, the joy of biting into a luscious,
juicy watermelon! Besides the softly
crunchy texture and delightful play on the
palate, it summons thoughts of summer,
childhood, lightning bugs and picnics. A bite
of this aptly named fruit is as much sweet,
watery juice as lightly crunchy melon. In
fact, the typical watermelon is 92% water!
There are as many ways to eat the treat as
there are wedges in each big orb. You might
eat your watermelon cut into neat cubes,
or you may dig in with a spoon. You may
grab a wedge and simply dive in. You might
eat the flesh as is, or you may sprinkle on
a little salt, black pepper or chili powder.
You might place the seeds discreetly into a
napkin or use them as playful projectiles.
That big green melon with vibrant red
flesh is so beloved that it has even played a
supporting role in movies. In " Dirty Dancing, "
Baby discovered a whole new world
when she carried a watermelon. A kids'
movie got into the action when the " Ice
Age " dodos stole a watermelon from the
wooly mammoth.
And once you come of age, the watermelon
offers a whole new way to enjoy its summertime
essence: in cocktails, shooters and
punches and-pure and simple-spiked.
Watermelon in Cocktails
The bright sweetness of watermelon can contribute
to a cocktail's summertime essence.
The fruit plays especially well with rum,
tequila, moonshine and, of course, vodka.
The summery flavor can come from the fruit
itself or from a watermelon-infused spirit.
Once you've chosen your favorite watermelon
cocktails, you can enhance them
with watermelon garnishes. Shape the flesh
with miniature cookie cutters or craft it by
hand with a paring knife. Freeze chunks
of flesh or juice for watermelon ice cubes.
You can even batch up a drink and serve it
in a hollowed-out watermelon. Now that's
the spirit!
By keeping some of these watermelon-flavored
spirits and ready-to-drink
cocktails on hand, you can enjoy the summer
spirit even when you can't make it to
market. Each one makes a nice sipper, over
a few ice cubes, or mixed in with a simple
cocktail.
Watermelon-Flavored Spirits
* Cîroc Summer Watermelon. This fine
Ole Smoky Watermelon Cooler
From OleSmoky.com
▷ 1½ OZ. OLE SMOKY® SALTY
WATERMELON WHISKEY
▷ 1½ OZ. SOUR MIX
▷ 1 OZ. CRANBERRY JUICE
▷ ¼ OZ. LEMON-LIME SODA
Pour first three ingredients
into an ice-filled shaker.
Pour in glass over ice, top
with lemon-lime soda and
stir.
spirit starts with five-times-distilled vodka
from fine French grapes, finished in a
tailormade copper pot still in Southern
France. The vodka is infused with a blend
of summer watermelons and other natural
flavors.
* Grey Goose Essences Watermelon
& Basil. Rich, juicy rosé melon and garden-picked
peppery basil meet for a taste
Watermelon Margarita
From Love and Lemons
▷ ½ CUP TEQUILA
▷ 1 SMALL JALAPEÑO, THINLY SLICED (OPTIONAL)
▷ 5 CUPS CUT WATERMELON
▷ ½ CUP LIME JUICE
▷ 4 SLICED LIME ROUNDS FOR GARNISH
▷ SEA SALT FOR GLASS RIMS
Combine the tequila and half of the jalapeño slices. Set
aside for 15 to 30 minutes to infuse (the longer you infuse,
the spicier it will be). If you're not using the jalapeño, skip
this step and proceed with the recipe.
In a blender, combine the watermelon with lime juice and
a handful of ice. Blend until smooth. Salt the rim of 4 coupe
glasses, if desired, and fill each with ice. Pour the watermelon
lime juice into the glasses and stir 2 tablespoons of
tequila into each glass. Garnish.
16 SPIRITED VIRGINIA
http://www.OleSmoky.com
Spirited Virginia Q3 2022

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