Summer Hoedown from Chow

Watermelon is an essential part of summer. Essential, I say! It’s also a surprisingly flexible ingredient, pairing well with sweet, spicy, herbal, savory, and bitter flavors. So when you’re slicing up a big old watermelon for a cookout, don’t forget to try one of these unusual watermelon cocktails while you’re at it.

The Merchant’s Wife ~ Watermelon, gin, Aperol, lemon juice, and a splash of club soda combine to make a light and sparkling watermelon cocktail that’s not too sweet.

Watermelon-Cucumber Refresher ~ This is one of the recipes from my book, tested out by the Kitchn. Fresh watermelon and cucumber are a great match to beat the summer heat … with a little boozy help from vodka. As they note, this one works great with tequila, too.

Watermelon Cooler ~ One of the fun things about watermelon is how well it goes with spices and herbs. In this case, a little black pepper and basil gives a little extra something to this gin cocktail.

Watermelon Kicker ~ Watermelon with cayenne and salt? Is there nothing that this refreshing fruit can’t do? Just a wee bit of heat and savoriness brings out the oomph of the tequila.

Summer Hoedown ~ White beer and maraschino liqueur are two more unusual partners for our friend the watermelon, in this intriguing summer drink.