Montauk Mules

Watermelon juice is having a moment. It seems to be on every cocktail menu I’ve seen in the Hamptons this summer- and for good reason. It’s really refreshing on the sweltering days we’ve been having lately, and it’s versatile. I’ve had delicious watermelon cocktails with vodka, tequila, gin, rum, and even champagne.

But while watermelon juice is sweet in theory, it often ends up being watery and bland, and the cocktails designed around it end up watery and bland too. They are called water-melons, after all.

These ‘Montauk’ Mules are a summer-in-the-Hamptons inspired riff on the Moscow Mule, and there is nothing bland about them. Ginger beer enhances watermelon’s natural sweetness without overpowering it and gives the drinks a little kick. Throw in some lime juice and mint – and of course, vodka- and you’ve got a perfect drink for the dog days of summer.

If you’re lucky enough to have a store near you that sells fresh watermelon juice, you’ll save yourself a lot of time. But for more bang for your buck, puree the watermelon yourself in a blender. Just don’t forget to strain it after. One watermelon will give you a lot more juice than you need, the perfect excuse to make a giant pitcher of Mules.

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Montauk Mules

Servings: 4 drinks

Ingredients

• 1⅓ cups fresh watermelon juice, from about 1 pound cubed watermelon (see note)
• 12 ounces ginger beer (1½ cups)
• ¾ cup vodka
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
• Sprigs of fresh mint and lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

• In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, combine the watermelon juice, ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice.
• Fill four glass tumblers with ice and divide the drink mixture between the glasses. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wedge and serve immediately.

  Note: To make fresh watermelon juice, place 1 pound cubed seedless watermelon (skin removed) in a food processor or blender, process on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until smooth, then pour the juice through a mesh strainer and discard the solids. Measure the watermelon after straining.

  Copyright 2016, Lidey Heuck, All Rights Reserved