Cooking Lesson #777: “Pinky” Watermelon Daiquiri

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? Summertime is watermelon time, and this daiquiri is the epitome of seasonal sophistication. It’s got fresh, silky-smooth watermelon juice, zippy lime juice, vanilla-forward white rum and caramelly agave nectar. Shake it all up, and you get a strong, boozy sip that’s also super refreshing and delightfully fruity. We just love how the hint of lime brightens the watermelon’s juicy, sweet summer flavor.
 
Classic daiquiris are chic but also playful. This one especially so because of its blush bright pink color, exaggerated salt rim, and teeny watermelon-slice garnish. It’s the sort of cocktail that pairs well with a linen jumpsuit, a bucket hat, and a sunny spot on the patio amid convivial company. Here’s to summer!!
 
Prep time:  10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
 
Ingredients 
4 cups diced, seedless sweet watermelon—about a pound
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2-1/2 ounces white rum
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 ounce agave nectar
Ice
1 small watermelon wedge for garnish
 
Directions

1. Transfer the diced watermelon to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
2. Line a fine-mesh strainer with two layers of cheesecloth and place it over a Mason jar.
3. Strain the watermelon juice into the jar, using a spoon to help press the juice through the strainer. Discard the pulp.
4. Seal the jar and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Note: The watermelon juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It may separate a bit—shake to combine before using.

​To make one cocktail

1. Chill a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
2. Fill a shallow plate with the salt.
3. Using a wet clean sponge, dampen half of the rim of the coupe glass, and dip it in salt.
4. In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, 1-1/2 ounces of watermelon juice, lime juice and agave nectar.
5. Add ice to the cocktail shaker 3/4 full. Shake it like you mean it until well combined; about 15 seconds.
6. Double strain the daiquiri into the frozen coupe glass.
7. Garnish with the watermelon wedge and enjoy.

ChefSecret:  We all know that watermelon is grown in favorable climates from tropical to temperate regions worldwide for its large edible fruit. But did you know that a watermelon is actually a berry with a hard rind and no internal divisions, botanically called a pepo. The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many black seeds, although seedless varieties exist. The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled, and the rind is edible after cooking. It may also be consumed as a juice or an ingredient in mixed beverages.

Quip of the Day:  They asked how the watermelon farmer felt after winning the lottery. The clever bugger said he felt like a melon bucks.
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#Cocktail #HappyHour #WatermelonDaiquiri #Watermelon #WhiteRum #AgaveNextar #LimeJuice #MemorialDay #Cheers #2024Recipes #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
 
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