Watermelon is a summertime staple and the flavors sweet goodness evoke fond memories of warm weather barbecues and cookouts. So for National Watermelon Day on August 3rd, we suggest combining two of our favorite cool downs, watermelon and frozen cocktails, with the “Summertime Vine” at Porchlight in Chelsea, NYC. Created by Nick Bennett, Head Bartender, this boozy treat is the perfect way to celebrate Watermelon Day … and bonus, it is served in the fruit rind to reduce waste and boost instagram friendliness.
Nick says about his frosty creation, “One of my favorite ways to eat fresh cut watermelon is with a little salt and a drizzle of lime juice. Oh man, the touch of sour and savory on such a juicy and sweet fruit makes it just perfect for a hot day on the beach or in a park. And if I should happen to trip and spill some tequila on it, apropos of nothing, I am pretty sure no one would be upset.”
He continues, “That flavor is where I really drew inspiration for this cocktail. I wanted a nice blend of sour and salty so using sherry as the base was the logical choice. A dry Fino keeps the sweet and juice Watermelon flavors at bay, while being light enough to not get in its way. For the watermelon, we are using a combination of fresh watermelon juice and the Cocktail & Sons Watermelon and Thai Basil Syrup out of New Orleans. This syrup is a blend of watermelon and a concentrated Thai basil and makrut lime leaf tea. The combination sherry, tequila, Thai basil, the delicate citrus flavor of makrut lime and the floral sweetness of southern grown watermelons really turns this into a wonderful sipper to celebrate National Watermelon Day.”
Summertime Vine at Porchlight
Summertime Vine Recipe
- 2250mL Fino Sherry (We are using Lustau)
- 750mL Oloroso Sherry (We are using Lustau)
- 500mL Blanco (We are using Milagro)
- 32 oz. Kelvin Citrus Mix
- 32 oz. Cocktail & Sons Watermelon and Thai Basil Syrup
- 8 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 16 oz. Fresh Watermelon Juice
- 1.5 gal Water
Served in a hollowed out Baby Watermelon, garnished with a Mint Crown and a sprinkle of Black Hawaiian Sea Salt blended in professional Frozen Machine.
For an at home, in the blender recipe, try this on for size:
- 3.5 oz. Fino Sherry
- .5oz. Blanco Tequila
- .5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz. Cocktail & Sons Watermelon and Thai Basil Syrup
- 1 inch Cube of Watermelon
- 2 Cups of Ice
Build it all in a blender and let it run until it reaches a smooth consistency. Enjoy from any glass you want to, you are home and no one is watching.
Porchlight Details
271 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
(212) 981-6188 | porchlightbar.com | @porchlightbar
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