Boozy Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
I don’t know what the weather is like where you live, but here in central North Carolina we’re projected to hit the 100 degree mark again today, and I am miserable. Summer is my least favorite season. Heat & humidity send me spiraling into a whiny, grumpy depression. On days like today I contemplate packing up and moving to Montreal.
Photo: Jennifer Causey
Luckily for me there are a few ways to beat the heat that I find eminently appropriate, one of which being the cold summer cocktail. I’ll sit out on the porch in my underwear, sip a chilled drink, and for a just a moment all is right with the world. Then I realize that my thighs have become permanently fused to the chair, that saltiness in my drink is sweat instead of actual salt, and oh dear god its only August 3rd I have two more months of this crap…and I come crashing back to reality. For that brief moment though I was able to escape, and with this Boozy Watermelon Rosemary Lemonde recipe posted by at , I’m sure you’ll find some refuge from the summer as well.
Boozy Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
Serves 6
- 3/4 c sugar
- 2 c water
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary plus more to garnish
- 1 c freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 7 c watermelon in 1″ dice (about half a medium watermelon)
- 8 oz gin
- 1 lemon, thinly slice
Phot: Jennifer Causey
- Place sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan, add rosemary sprigs. Cook over medium heat stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved remove from heat, cover saucepan and let sit for at least an hour to infuse.
- In a blender combine the lemon juice with cubed watermelon. Add the watermelon in batches, blending in between each addition.
- Add in the rosemary simple syrup 1/4 cup at a time until the mixture is at your desired sweetness. I use about a cup.
- Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and add 1 cup of cold water, the gin and fill with the watermelon mixture. Stir to combine. Serve in jars garnished with a lemon slice and half of a rosemary sprig.
Photo: piccantedolce
