Watermelon-Cucumber “Martini”

As the heat of summer hits, I start dreaming about the delicious fare served at Hamptons gatherings—dishes that are inspired by an abundance of fresh, local produce.  Foods that are nourishing, perfectly ripe and crave-worthy.  Even cocktails are influenced by what is fresh and fragrant in the nearby farms, and when watermelon is in season, it takes center stage in a variety of lemonades and cocktails.  One of my favorites is a crisp, cold Watermelon-Cucumber blend I discovered at Sebonic Golf Club.  It is summer in a glass.

A martini is a pure cocktail that consists of two main ingredients (gin or vodka and vermouth—with the option of two supporting acts, bitters, and your garnish), and there are endless variations on the theme. Sebonic served a Watermelon-Cucumber Martini that honored the classic recipe and included vermouth. It was delicious, but I enjoy simple, super clean cocktails, and I do my best to stay well hydrated in the summer, so I asked the bartender to pass on the vermouth and add more watermelon juice. She indulged me and after a few attempts we created this Martini-inspired drink.  It is fresh, cold, light and so rejuvenating—one of my favorite Saturday night summer sippers. 

When hosting gatherings at my home in the Hamptons this is my welcome drink.  There, I have access to wonderful produce, and gladly purée and strain a fresh watermelon, then chill it before adding to this blend. Any leftover juice goes into my watermelon lemonade for Sunday’s BBQ.  For this cocktail, a store-bought, cold pressed organic watermelon juice is just as delicious. 

Yield: Makes 1 Cocktail