Summer is all about cool drinks. From bubbles to lemonades, everyone brings out their A game to create their own versions of the best thirst-quenching, throat soothing, ice crackling jugs of flavour. Summer is also about outdoor activities, public spaces, and germs. Lots of germs. So for this recipe, I decided to fuse the ever popular Indian Nimbu Pani (sweet & salty lemonade) with a touch of health. After all, what could be better than having your lemonade and drinking health too ;)
Read MoreFrozen Watermelon Spritzer
"I sink my teeth in, spit out the seeds black
Happiness in all it's glory, oh gee summer is back!
Juice it, eat it, mix in salad or freeze for fun
All the things I can do, to beat the cruel sun.
And it's healthy, oh boy the nutrition within
The juice that drips with each bite, keeps away all sin!
Filling, refreshing, a delicious snack of choice
Love thy watermelon, says my inner voice...."
Watermelon is summer.
Crisp, juice & full of nutrition, it is not only a thirst quencher, but also an excellent cocktail mixer, hors d'oeuvre bite and 1-ingredient popsicle! Not convinced? Go ahead and try it for yourself....
Ingredients
1 medium watermelon
1 small cucumber
6-8 mint fresh leaves
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Soda water
1 bottle of a light, crisp & fruity white wine (sauvignon blanc / pinot grigio)
A pinch of rock salt
Method
Cut 1/2 the watermelon into small 2-3" cubes and freeze in an ice tray for 5-6 hours. These, in itself, makes pretty delicious popsicles, so make sure you save some for the cocktail! Cut the remaining watermelon into larger pieces and keep aside.
Slice the cucumber in half, discard the seeds and cut into smaller pieces. Blend the cucumber together with 6-8 frozen watermelon cubes, bigger watermelon pieces, mint leaves & lemon juice. Pass through a sieve to discard any solids, and season with a pinch or two of rock salt.
When ready to serve, fill your flutes 1/2 way with white wine, top with the watermelon juice and finish it off with a splash of soda. Garnish with mint leaves and a couple of watermelon cubes - this not only keeps your drink chilled for longer, but also is quite a satisfying bite in the end.
There it is, summer in your mouth!
