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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This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2015.
