On the Sauce: Jalapeño-Watermelon Cocktail

I'm really excited to bring you this week's drink. It took a few tries to get the right balance of sweet and spicy, but the recipe is, no doubt, a keeper.



To complement the fresh juice in the cocktail, a crisp concoction with a subtle kick at the end, I chose Farmer's Organic Gin. The spirit also has hints of elderflower, which I'm all about right now.



Give this one a try. It'll cool you off during these last few weeks of summer.






Jalapeño-Watermelon Cocktail

Makes 1



Jalapeño Simple Syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 jalapeño, sliced



Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced jalapeño (remove the inner flesh and seeds for less spice). Bring to a gentle boil until sugar is dissolved, then simmer on low for 15 minutes. Store refrigerated and covered for up to a month.



Watermelon Juice:
1 half seedless watermelon, sliced



Puree watermelon in a blender until smooth. Pour into a fine strainer, using a spoon to help the juice through.



Cocktail:

1 ounce jalapeño simple syrup

1.5 ounces gin 

4 ounces watermelon juice

1 lime wedge



Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add in syrup, gin and juice. Transfer to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Pour back into glass and squeeze in juice from the wedge. Garnish with another wedge if desired.



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