Watermelon Smash with Strawberries

Watermelon smash made with fresh strawberries and watermelon puree is like summer in a glass. It is similar to a spritzer, with the addition of vodka. Fresh mint adds a cooling note to the drink. This is a great recipe for easy entertaining. Invite a few friends over and make a pitcher.

Watermelon Smash

Watermelon Strawberry Smash

Has this ever happened to you?  You buy a watermelon, a huge watermelon (because it’s finally in season and you’ve been craving it since October), and then you realize you are going out of town in a few days?   I’m not naming any names,  but you (I) know who you (me, again) are…

Not one to let food go to waste, this was no exception.   Watermelon, meet blender.

It’s summer, people!  What do we need?!  Drinks!!!  When do we need them?!  RIGHT NOW!!!
A libation that screams summer.  A drink that makes us think of lazy days, floating in the pool or feeling the sand between our toes.  One that  we have at backyard bbqs with friends and neighbors, watching the sun drop as the firepit glows with bright orange flames dancing around skewered, melty marshmallows.  This is that drink.

Strawberry Smash

Summer, for me, is watermelon and strawberries.  I wait with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Eve for summer fruits to come into season.  I gorge myself on watermelon, berries and stone fruits, because I know that all too soon their time will pass until next year.
Chef’s Tip:

Strain the watermelon puree to get crystal clear juice.  It takes a little extra time, but it is worth the effort.  Set a fine mesh strainer over a container and pour the blended watermelon through.  Using a rubber spatula, gently work the liquid back and forth to help it drain and discard the pulp when all the juice has been strained.
To make the puree; add a splash of rosé to the blender, then slowly add in cubes of watermelon until it is all incorporated.  

Make it a mocktail: You could use flavored water or juice (like apple) instead of wine to make kid-friendly versions.

This drink is perfect for entertaining.   Make a big pitcher and let friends serve themselves!

PIN IT to your drinks board

Yield: 4

Watermelon Smash with Strawberries

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A light & fruity drink perfect for summer

Ingredients

For the Drink

• 8 oz watermelon juice
• 8 oz rosé wine
• 4 oz huckleberry vodka
• 1 bunch mint
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• Sprite/7-Up, optional

Instructions

Make watermelon juice ice cubes

1. Place sliced strawberries and chopped mint in ice cube trays. Fill with watermelon juice and freeze.

Make Drink

1. Combine wine, vodka and watermelon juice and stir to combine. Place mint leaves in a glass and gently crush to release oils (do not mash!), add in juice cubes and a few strawberries. Pour wine/vodka mixture into glass and top with soda, if desired.

Notes

If you can't find Huckleberry Vodka, use another berry flavored vodka in its place.
44 North is the brand I used, I found it at my local store.
If you ask, I'm sure it can be ordered if it isn't a regularly stocked item.