Watermelon Chiller

It's the first day of July and it finally looks like summer is here to stay.  Today, it's 92 degrees Fahrenheit but feels like 98 degrees Fahrenheit in the sun especially with the 100% humidity. I'm going to say this today and probably a dozen times more until September...I hate summers in New York! If you're not half-naked at the beach with the cooling ocean nearby or at home with the air-conditioning blasting, summers should really just be banned from existence.

Last week, I bought a whole watermelon to use for a couple of recipes. It's the perfect summer fruit especially once refrigerated because one bite erases any complaints about summer heat.  It is so refreshing! Both Tyler and I adore chomping down on it.

There's not much of a story to this recipe except that I was hot and cranky.  So to cool down on this summer day, I made myself a delicious and refreshing watermelon chiller.  Mixed with vodka and a slight bittery tang from the grapefruit bitters and served in a mason jar, it was the perfect afternoon drink on this Sunday before the 4th of July. Isn't the vivid red from the watermelon just gorgeous? Hope everyone is finding innovative ways of staying cool and enjoying their long summer weekends!

WATERMELON CHILLER

Makes 2

INGREDIENTS
2 cups chilled watermelon including juices, rind removed
1/4 cup good quality vodka (I used Reyka vodka)
Couple dashes grapefruit bitters
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 wedges watermelon

DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, purée all ingredients on low until completely mixed together.

2.  Pour into mason jars and serve immediately with a wedge of watermelon to garnish. Add straw and sip away!