Ingredients (6)
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, large dice (about 2 pounds)
- 8 ounces soju
- 2 ounces ginger liqueur, such as Domaine de Canton
- 2 ounces Rich Simple Syrup (see Game Plan note)
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
A fat, juicy watermelon screams summer, but running around the backyard with a wedge in your hand and juice dripping down your chin is for youngsters. Try blending up some cubes and adding soju and ice for an adult cocktail that’s perfect to pair with spicy dishes or to cool off with on a hot night.
What to buy: Domaine de Canton is a ginger-flavored liqueur that can be found at specialty liquor stores.
Soju is a distilled liquor typically made from grain or sweet potatoes and can be found in Asian markets or specialty liquor stores. If you can’t find it, vodka or sake makes a decent substitute.
Game plan: You’ll need to make the Rich Simple Syrup before you begin.
The juice can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
The drink can also be shaken with ice and served up in a chilled cocktail glass.
This recipe was featured as part of both our Korean barbecue menu and our Picnic Recipes photo gallery.
Instructions
- 1Place half of the watermelon in a blender and blend until liquified, about 1 minute. With the blender running, add the remaining watermelon through the opening in the lid until all the cubes have been added and liquified, about 1 minute. (If the blades jam, just turn off the blender and stir the cubes up with a spoon to get things going again.)
- 2Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or large measuring cup. (You should have about 3 cups of juice. At this point you can chill the juice until ready to use.)
- 3When ready to serve, add the soju, ginger liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice to the watermelon juice and stir well. Serve in a Tom Collins glass filled with ice.