Watermelon, Gin and Rosemary Cocktail

Ah summer. It really is in full force here in the Valley, and this means that I say goodbye to my winter wine and hello to my summer Gin and Tonics. I am a sucker for a good Gin and Tonic. It's light, refreshing, crisp, and perfect for summer. 

A while ago, I went out for lunch with Dani to Brio, the home of the fabulous Cucumber and Basil Gimlet. This got me thinking..... what else would be an interesting addition and make me feel all fancy without breaking the bank? Watermelon. Definitely a nice, summery watermelon. So I came up with this little gem of a drink. It's fruity but not too fruity. The rosemary enhances the gin instead of pulling focus, and the whole drink is incredibly refreshing.

Making herb syrup is really easy, and you can do it with most herbs. I highly recommend making Basil Syrup and mixing it with lemon and vodka if you ever get a chance. Drinks like this are for by the pool, or for front porches, or maybe barbecues with friends.... or just to be enjoyed while curled up on a couch, watching TV after a long hot day.

Watermelon, Gin and Rosemary Cocktail

If you aren't in the mood for rosemary with this drink, try substituting Rose's Lime Juice instead, making it more of a Gimlet but still delicious!

Rosemary Syrup

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

5 Sprigs Rosemary

Makes 1 Cup. Keeps in the Fridge for two weeks.

Cocktail

1 Part Gin

2 Parts Watermelon

1/2 Part Syrup

1 Part Tonic/Sparkling Water

1 Sprig Rosemary

To make the syrup, in a small saucepan stir together the water and sugar and heat until the sugar has all dissolved and the liquid is near boiling. Place the sprigs of rosemary in a heat proof jar. Pour the hot syrup over and let it sit to cool to room temperature. It's best for it to steep for at least a couple of hours. You could leave it in the fridge overnight if you so choose. Strain the syrup. 

To make the cocktail, use a shot glass to measure out your parts, chopping the watermelon up so it will measure easily. You can also weigh it if you so choose, but I like to just use a simple shot glass measure. Place the gin, watermelon and syrup in a blender and blend until smooth, just a few seconds. Place four or five ice cubes in a high ball glass. Pour in the gin blend and top off with either Tonic Water or Sparkling Water. Stir lightly and garnish with the Rosemary sprig. 

Makes 1 Drink

This post marks my 100th post here on Salted Spoon! Thanks for being here and hanging out with me!