It's very hot and humid in North Carolina these days. There's no escaping it, unless a thunderstorm pops up and cools it down temporarily. It's the type of heat you don't really want to do anything in. I've lived in NC all my life, but the heat still gets to me. These days I cool down with bowls of gazpacho (recipe next week!) and watermelon.
This recipe happened because we found ourselves with two watermelons. Not the enormous oblong variety where you need two hands to hold it, but more the size of soccer balls. I decided to puree half of one of the watermelons, straining out the seeds and flesh, to make juice. From there I topped it with ice, soda, and limes. Cold and refreshing. No additional sugar needed. I let the natural sugars of the watermelon play the sweetener in this drink.
And if you're having friends over or in the mood for a cocktail, this Watermelon Gin Fizz is the perfect drink for these hot summer nights.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Serves one
4 oz watermelon juice
2 oz club soda
2 lime wedges
Pour watermelon juice and soda over ice. Squeeze one lime wedge into the glass and use the other for garnish. Mix well.
Watermelon Gin Fizz
Serves one
3 oz watermelon juice
1-2 oz gin
1 oz club soda
2 lime wedges
Pour watermelon juice and gin over ice. Top with soda. Squeeze one lime wedge into the glass and use the other for garnish. Mix well before enjoying.
