Cooking Lesson #343: Watermelon-Vodka-Basil & Soda

…from the Happy Hour Bar

credit: Grey Goose

How you doin’? Cool refreshing cocktails are perfect as we go into the Labor Day weekend.  There is nothing better than “cool” cocktails made with the essence of summer fruit. In my restaurant bars, we would make our own special vodka… peach, watermelon and strawberry vodkas (check our Blog Recipe #78 on our website).
 
Well, now the makers of Grey Goose Vodka have come out with a line of vodkas infused with fruit and herbs. These make amazingly exotic and refreshing end-of-summer cocktails.  These flavored vodkas include Watermelon-Basil, Strawberry-Lemongrass and White Peach-Rosemary. You can make vodka cocktails without the bother and mess of trying to make your own infused vodkas. Another great benefit is they are consistent in flavor and don’t depend on the ripeness (or lack thereof) and flavors of seasonal fruits.
 
To my taste, refreshing watermelon is one of the best cocktail mixers you can try, so please give this easy-to-make, low-calorie cocktail (only 73 calories)—Watermelon-Vodka-Basil & Soda a try. It’s perfect as an aperitif, for brunch or just any warm weather season.
  
Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients
1-1/2 ounces Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil
4-1/2 ounces soda water
Garnish with fresh basil, a small wedge of fresh watermelon and a lime twist
 
Directions

1. Fill a chilled wine glass with cubed ice and add the flavored vodka.
2. Top with the soda water.
3. Garnish with fresh basil, watermelon and a lime twist.

ChefSecret:  If you’re out in the backyard or near the pool use plastic cocktail glassware!

Quip of the Day:  The best new word of 2021 “Airgasm—the intense pleasure of leaving a public space and removing your mask.”
-------------------------------------------
Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide. 
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong and positive, stay well and safe and be kind to others. If you have a little extra in your pockets to share with others at this difficult time, please consider donating to Feeding America. Thanks for reading.

                                             ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, Inc., 2021

---