Classic cocktails with a watermelon twist

Watermelon Caipirinha

Designated by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) as an IBA Official Cocktail and considered Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha is a celebrated beverage. This summer add watermelon to create the perfect party sip. In this refreshing creation, the distinct flavours of lime, ginger and tarragon are beautifully complemented by the sweet taste of watermelon to create a delectable drink that is best served cold on a hot day!

1 lime
5 quarter-sized slices ginger
2 tsp (10 mL) sugar
6 chopped mint leaves
2 oz (56.8 mL) watermelon purée
2 oz (56.8 mL) cachaça
1 oz (56.8 mL) grenadine

Muddle lime, ginger, sugar and mint and transfer to a martini shaker. Add watermelon purée, grenadine, cachaça and ice. Shake. Pour into a glass and serve.

Makes one cocktail.

TIP: Vodka or rum can be used in place of cachaça.

PER SERVING:283 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 12 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrates, 0 g fibre, 0 g protein. % RDI: 0% calcium, 2% iron, 1% vitamin A, 13% vitamin C.

NEXT: Watermelon Mimosas

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Watermelon Mimosas

The watermelon juice adds a refreshing, summery taste to this classic cocktail. For a truly relaxing morning, serve it with brunch while on summer holidays.

1 cup (250 mL) watermelon juice (purée and strained)
1/2 cup (125 mL) champagne

Divide watermelon juice among 2 to 3 champagne flutes and top with champagne.

Makes 2 to 3 cocktails.

TIP: To make watermelon juice, blend cubed watermelon and strain it through a sieve.

PER SERVING (1/2 recipe):62 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 0 g fibre, 1 g protein. % RDI: 0% calcium, 1% iron, 2% vitamin A, 11% vitamin C.

NEXT: Watermelon Piña Colada

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Watermelon Piña Colada

This non-alcoholic cocktail offers a twist on the traditional piña colada. The sweet, refreshing taste of watermelon pairs perfectly with pineapple and coconut — making it an ideal cocktail for a summer get together.

2 cups (500 mL) watermelon purée
1/2 cup (125 mL) cubed pineapple
1/2 cup (125 mL) vanilla yogurt
3 cups (750 mL) ice
2 tbsp (30 mL) canned coconut milk

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until desired consistency. Divide between 4 to 5 glasses and serve.

Makes 4 to 5 cocktails.

TIP: For an alcoholic version, add 4 oz (113.6 mL) rum.

PER SERVING (1/4 recipe without rum): 78 calories, 2 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 4 mg cholesterol, 26 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrates, 1 g fibre, 2 g protein. % RDI: 6% calcium, 2% iron, 2% vitamin A, 23% vitamin C.

Recipes and images courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. For more recipe ideas, visit www.watermelon.org.

Looking for more drink ideas? Check out our previous recipe posts Fun and easy summer cocktails and Summer sippers.