Watermelon - Cucumber Cooler

I have been a bit on the emotional side when it comes to this season nearing a close.  It's funny since Fall happens to be my most favorite time of year.  Summer is almost up so drink up I say!  It's time to enjoy those delicious drinks that exude Summer while you can.  This cooler/cocktail would be oh so perfect for a Labor Day weekend soiree or just a night out on the patio with your girl friends.  I obviously love how this drink tastes or I wouldn't share but also that it is so pretty in presentation and talk about refreshing!  I guess you could even say it's healthy sans the vodka haha.  There are so many options as far as garnish.  I went the obnoxious route and chose to use gigantic watermelon slices but you can use a simple cucumber slice or swirl.  To kick it up a notch in  the refreshing department, you can also add a bit of mint.  I first made it without the mint which was delicious.  When I added the mint as a test, I really enjoyed the minty refreshing zing but I would say without the mint it is more of a calm Zen flavor with stronger notes of melon.  Either way I promise it's very tasty.

x

Jen

Ingredients 

• 6 cups cubed watermelon (about 1/2 of a medium sized watermelon)
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and cubed
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 1/2  tablespoons of  honey
• 2/3 cup vodka
• ice
• 12 mint sprigs broken apart (optional)
• Cucumber  or Watermelon slices for garnish

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor puree the cubed watermelon. Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl or wide-mouthed pitcher. Pour the puree into the sieve over the bowl while firmly pressing downward with a wooden spoon or spatula (this will extract as much juice as possible). Repeat whole process with the cubed cucumber adding it to the watermelon juice. * If your blender is very large you can puree the watermelon and cucumber together to save time.
2.  Add lime juice to a small bowl or cup and stir in honey.  Add to bowl of watermelon and cucumber juices.
3.  Stir in vodka
4. Fill 4 glasses with ice and pour the juice mix over the ice of each glass.  Stir in mint if you choose to add it.  Add cucumber and/or watermelon slices to each glass as garnish.  Enjoy :)