Saturday, July 10, 2010

Watermelon and Cucumber Tonics: A Thirst-Quenching Cocktail & Simple Saturday Sipper

Looking for a thirst-quenching cocktail for your next event? This week's Simple Saturday Sipper, these Watermelon and Cucumber Tonics are a great way to go--they practically scream summer! They are from July's Sunset magazine--part of a drool-worthy feature with five delicious looking summer cocktail-appetizer pairings. (These were matched with Honey Sesame Grilled Chicken Wings.) Having some fresh, local watermelon and cucumber on hand, and a bottle of gin in the pantry, these were easy to throw together.


Sunset says,"Serve any remaining juice mixture over ice for guests who prefer a nonalcoholic drink--or make extra so guests can have both."


Watermelon and Cucumber Tonics
Julianna Grimes, Sunset Magazine, July 2010
(Serves 8 / 25 Minutes)

6 cups cubed, seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 English cucumber, peeled and cut in chunks
2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled
1 1/4 cups gin

Combine half each of watermelon, mint, juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor; whirl until smooth.

Line a fine strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth, letting cheesecloth extend over edges, and set over a bowl. Strain watermelon mixture. Gather edges of cheesecloth and squeeze out remaining juice. Discard solids. Repeat (from step 1) with remaining watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber.

Stir 2 1/2 cups juice mixture, tonic, and gin in a pitcher. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Serve any extra juice as is.

Per Serving: 135 cal; 0% from fat; 0.5g protein; 0g fat; 14g carbs; (0.7g fiber); 7mg sodium, 0mg chol.


Notes/Results: Pretty in pink and perfectly refreshing and delicious. I like the fact that these don't have extra sugar added to them--the watermelon adds enough sweetness. The gin works well here, but if you aren't a fan I imagine rum, vodka or even tequila would be fine. A big pitcher of these on a hot day would be great with something spicy or something from the grill. I definitely will make them again.

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Happy Weekend!

12 comments:

  1. Cucumber is such a refreshing flavor to add to a drink. This is definitely perfect for an after work bbq when you just want something to get the edge off!

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  2. what an interesting combination! It must be so cool and refreshing, with this heat it is the perfect drink for the summer!

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  3. Admittedly the gin sounds interesting in this cocktail. The cool cuke and watermelon probably take the edge off the liquor. Sounds great for summer!

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  4. The colors of your sippers are always wonderful. This one is no exception. It looks delicious and cooling. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  5. oh looks so refreshing enjoy your weekend Deb

    Rebecca

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  6. refreshing sipper & delicious brownies...mmm!

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  7. Pretty in pink!! These sound very cooling...something we totally need here in Tropical Indiana. No really...it's like a sauna here...I could down a few in no time ;)!

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  8. What a beautiful color of the cooler !!!

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  9. I've been seeing quite a few tantalizing watermelon concoctions, and I can't wait to try them myself. This looks just great.

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  10. This sounds so great! I just had a cucumber margarita the other day, but I never would have thought of adding watermelon with cucumber. That has to be amazing. Double the refreshement!

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  11. I have never tried tonic water and I'm pretty curious about it. This looks like a gorgeous sipper. Bet it would make for a tasty popsicle!

    Glad to hear you bought more onopops at the market. All of their flavors sound unique and fun.

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  12. Oh yummy, I love anything made with gin! I can't wait to try this one out. Whoever heard of cucumber combined with watermelon, and who would have thought of that flavor combo to start with. The more I think about it, the more I love it!

    jessyburke88@gmail.com

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