It’s Labor Day! The official End of Summer! But, are you ready for summer to end? Because I. Am. Not! With Covid restrictions and travel bans, it feels like this summer never even got off the ground.
Luckily for us there is still a ton of great summer produce at your local Farmers Market – perfect for cocktail making!
This week at my Market I picked up some beautiful sunflowers, amazing tomatoes, and the stars of this cocktail – a new jar of Honey (local honey is amazing! If you haven’t given it a try yet, you need to!) and a perfect Watermelon!
This cocktail combines some of my favorite summer flavors – it is perfect for sipping in the shade on a hot July day or enjoying with friends while watching a mid-September sunset. You will need fresh juiced watermelon, blackberries, honey, lime juice, Club Soda, and the vodka of your choice. I used one of my favorites, Ohio’s own Buckeye Vodka. This is super simple and absolutely delicious – I hope you enjoy!
- *Summer Crush*
- 1.5 oz Buckeye Vodka
- .5 oz Lime Juice
- .75 oz Blackberry-Honey Simple Syrup*
- 3-4 oz Watermelon Juice*
- 2 oz Club Soda
In a 16 oz Mason Jar, fill with ice and combine Buckeye Vodka, Watermelon Juice, Lime Juice, and Blackberry-Honey Simple. Place the lid on the jar and shake to combine. Top with Club Soda and garnish with blackberries, mint leaves, lime wheel, or whatever you have on hand.
I love making cocktails in mason jars, you can build the drink and serve in the same glass – no extra dirty dishes! Plus, if you have guests coming you can prebuild the cocktail then ice and garnish just as your company arrives!
And you know that I am all about versatility! This drink is delicious with vodka – but also amazing with your favorite tequila (maybe add a salt rim, for a little extra oomph) and also delicious with rum! Remember, recipes are just guidelines, tweak to make the final product your very own masterpiece!
*Blackberry-Honey Simple Syrup – In a pot over medium heat combine 6 oz Blackberries with 6 oz of local Honey and 6 oz of water, stirring occasionally to help honey dissolve. It should come to a low simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool 15 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a sealable container and refrigerate until ready to use. (This is also amazing in ice tea or over ice cream!)
*Watermelon Juice – Load up your blender with chunks of de-rinded watermelon, and pulse until it is liquified. Pour through a fine sieve into a pitcher and refrigerate.