How to Make a Watermelon Martini

Watermelon is a refreshing flavor that serves as a reminder of summer. This lightly sweet fruit is the perfect complement to a martini, which is typically made with vodka. This drink can also be made to look especially festive with some simple garnishes. Follow these tips to make a watermelon martini.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh watermelon
• Vodka
• Blender or food processor
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice cubes
• Melon liqueur (optional)
• Colored sugar in pink or green (optional)
• Melon baller (optional)

Instructions

1. Puree the fresh watermelon using a blender or food processor. The mixture should be smooth and free of chunks.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Crushed ice does not work as well, because it tends to dilute the martini's flavor.

3. Add 1 1/2 parts of the watermelon puree and 1 part vodka to the cocktail shaker. Let the mixture sit for about a minute.

4. Trace the rim of a martini glass with a wet washcloth and dip the rim in pink or green sugar to give the watermelon martini extra sweetness and color.

5. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.

6. Garnish with fresh slices or balls of watermelon. These can be made with a melon baller. If the melon balls are too soft, freeze the watermelon for several minutes before scooping the melon balls out.

Tips & Warnings

• If the flavor of fresh watermelon puree is not strong enough for your liking, add 1 part of melon liqueur.

• Be sure to remove all seeds when pureeing the watermelon.

• Never drink and drive. If you are enjoying your watermelon martini away from home, always designate a sober driver in the beginning of the evening.