Ginger Watermelon Martini

Saturday was watermelon day in the sweltering hot summer. Grandpa loaded we kids into the back of the pick-up and we rode to the corner market for watermelon. They were delivered by the truckload from local farms and covered with chipped ice and straw.

There on the lot, Gramps would carefully examine them, rapping with a thumb to listen for the telltale hollow thump. When the sound indicated ripeness he called the vendor over to cut a plug to taste. Today, you can thump all you want, but you cut it, you buy it.

Watermelon Varieties

Seedless are easier to handle, but they’re not as sweet as seeded melons. If you can, buy a Sultan watermelon, because they are the sweetest, measuring 12.3 on the brix scale. If you can’t find one, it’s okay because all watermelons are at least 8-10% sugar by liquid volume.

Juicing is a breeze by cutting the fruit off the rind and mashing to release the juice. Strain with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the seeds and pulp

Ginger Watermelon Martini

The delicate sweetness of watermelon pairs wonderfully with tart lemon and ginger spice. Using vodka allows those flavors to shine without interference, but with a little kick.