Seeking vacation vibes at home during this unconventional pandemic summer has got me shaking, blending, muddling and mixing with the best of them (#quarantinecocktail). Matt and I have been enjoying tropically inspired cocktails at home this summer and I’ll be sharing our best concoctions here. First up is Watermelon which in my humble opinion is the unsung hero of the summer cocktail. Besides being juicy and delicious it’s one of the most refreshing juices out there since watermelon is 90% water and will help keep you hydrated. Not to mention you’ll get a boost of Vitamin C while keeping the calories low (just 46 calories per cup of watermelon vs OJ or Cranberry where both are more than double the calories).

Inspired by the Minimalist Baker’s Best Watermelon Cocktail, here’s my twist on 3 ways to punch up this simple 3 ingredient recipe. Just 3-4 ingredients and 15 minutes and that’s it! Basically blend fresh watermelon for your juice and mix in a shaker with ice (5 oz watermelon juice, 1-2 tbs of fresh lime juice, and 1.5 oz of alcohol). Serve over fresh ice and enjoy :)

1. Spicy Watermelon Margarita

   If you’re not in a rush, slice up a jalapeno and infuse with tequila for a few days up to 2 weeks. We throw 1 to 2 sliced jalapenos in a jar (keep the seeds for an extra kick) with a cup of vodka and put it in a cool cabinet. Make sure to check on it ever few days until it reaches the desired level of spice and once it does remove the peppers and seeds (just strain and put back in the jar). The first time we made this we forgot to check on it - big mistake! My resident taste tester and hubby almost spit it out as it was way too spicy!

   If you’re short on time, muddle a few slices of jalapano with tequila in a shaker and make the recipe as is (seeds optional if you want that extra kick).

   I was skeptical at first, but this has a nicely balanced sweet & spice to it!

2. Vodka Watermelon Cooler

   Make the base recipe as described by Minimalist Baker just swapping tequila for vodka. Muddle in a sprig of fresh mint and splash of lime juice in your glass and then pour in your watermelon / lime / vodka shaker on top and stir. That’s it - you’ll be on your way to enjoying one of my summer favorites.

3. Watermelon Mocktail

   Just skip the booze in the Minimalist Baker recipe and punch it up with muddled cucumber or mint to cut the sweetness and keep it light and refreshing. Add a splash or two of soda water to for a bubbly mocktail vibe.

Next step…ENJOY!