There are a lot of things that are great about being in grad school. Being broke is not one of them. In lieu of buying Mom a birthday present (I usually can’t top Maggy in that department anyway), Anthony and I decided to do what we do best: show up and cook. We brought freshly baked bread, a load of produce from our refrigerator, our able hands, and a recipe for a darn good cocktail.
We all cooked together–surf and turf, ceviche, bread, corn, banoffee pie. In short, we ate like kings and queens. But sipping these refreshing cocktails along the way made the cooking more fun and the whole occasion more festive. This really is one of the best summer cocktails I’ve ever had. What better gift is there than that? Enjoy!
Watermelon Gin Punch
This cocktail is adapted from St. John Frizell's recipe over at Finecooking.com.
by: Three Many Cooks
Serves: 8
Ingredients
- One-half small round seedless watermelon (about 3-1/2 lb.), peeled and cut into large chunks
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup simple syrup
- 8 sprigs fresh mint; more for garnish
- 2 cups gin (preferable Hendrick's or Bombay Sapphire)
Instructions
- Purée the watermelon in a blender or food processor. Mix the lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint in a pitcher or a punch bowl and bruise the mint thoroughly with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add the gin, the watermelon juice, and about 4 cups of ice and stir.
- Serve in rocks glasses over ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
You’re right, Sharon. Besides my beloved gin and tonic (and I can have that any old time) Watermelon Gin Punch is one of the best summer cocktails I’ve ever had.
No better gift than the gift of yourself, so thanks to you and Tony for taking the time to research that cocktail, procure the ingredients, and take the time to make it.
I’d be happy with that very same gift next year!
I love when fruity cocktails actually have real fruit in them, especially fresh and seasonal fruit. And gin. This was an instant Anderson classic. And I loved the virgin version you made me too!
I’ve got a whole bunch of watermelon in the fridge waiting for me. Looks like it won’t have to wait much longer. ; )
This is a great way to use up the watermelon that I buy when it’s on sale…I just can’t pass it up when the price is low. Beautiful picture of this punch too!
Is it wrong that I’m hiding the rest of the watermelon from the kids so I can make this tonight?
Note to self: buy gin. This sounds delicious!
yummo, gotta figure out how to cut this down a bit, since I am the gin drinker, it might be a bit much to do the whole one for just lil ole me.
Well! We were discussing what drinks we’d have tonight in honor of our anniversary. You’ve answered that one!
Sounds like the perfct summer drink.
I made this for my husband’s birthday party (which was on a ridiculously hot day) and it was a big hit! When I made the punch I added just a little bit of sea salt, and didn’t add the gin so people could make their punch as strong or as weak as they wanted. It was so good that some of us didn’t even add the gin to it. It was light and refreshing, and the Bombay Sapphire Gin was the perfect complement to the watermelon. Thanks for the great recipe!
This sounds so YUMMM!!