Being pregnant makes me way more inventive when it comes to my drink menu. I always like the idea of serving a “specialty drink” at a party, but usually it sounds like way too much of a pain to make, and I end up just setting out some beer and wine, having a few cans of soda on hand for anyone who wants something non-alcoholic, and calling it a day.
But I’m kind of sick of ginger ale and was feeling like something a little more fruity and summery, and so when I had a few friends over on Sunday afternoon I decided to make a drink (adapted from a recipe I spotted in US Weekly) that would work for equally well as a cocktail and as a mocktail (and for the kids).
Makes 1 pitcher (Serves about 8)
What You Need:
1 small seedless watermelon, flesh removed and diced (about 4 cups total)
2 limes
1 1/2 cups simple syrup (combine 3/4 cup boiling water and 3/4 cup sugar, stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved)
3 cans Fresca or 3 cups champagne (or half and half, if you’re making both cocktails and mocktails)
What You Do:
1. In a blender, puree the diced watermelon, the juice from the limes, and the simple syrup.
2. Pour into a pitcher over ice.
3. Serve by pouring 2 oz watermelon puree into a glass, filling to the top with either Fresca or champagne, and mixing lightly to combine.
Garnish with mint (I used chocolate mint, which smells incredible).
