As temperatures rise and summer settles in, mixologists and enthusiasts alike find the perfect excuse to experiment with seasonal ingredients and refreshing spirits. World Cocktail Day, celebrated annually on May 13, honors the birth of the cocktail as defined in 1806 — originally a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.
Over the past two centuries, cocktails have transformed into creative expressions, embracing a wide range of ingredients and global influences. To mark the occasion this year, watermelon — a quintessential summer fruit — takes center stage in two inventive cocktail recipes curated by Manoj Bahuguna, Director of Food & Beverage at Karma Lakelands.
Murricane
This bourbon-based cocktail offers a balanced blend of sweetness and herbaceous notes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cubes of watermelon
- A few basil leaves
- Bourbon whiskey
- Watermelon juice
- Lime juice
- Elderflower syrup
Method:
Begin by muddling watermelon cubes and basil leaves in a shaker. Add bourbon, watermelon juice, lime juice, and elderflower syrup. Shake thoroughly and strain into a whiskey glass. Garnish with fresh basil and a slice of watermelon.
Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita
This spicy-sweet twist on the classic margarita delivers a kick with the cooling essence of watermelon.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of jalapeño
- 45 ml tequila
- 15 ml triple sec
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
Method:
Muddle jalapeño slices with lime juice and simple syrup. Add tequila and triple sec, then shake well. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed margarita glass. Garnish with watermelon balls for a vibrant finish.
These watermelon-infused cocktails offer a refreshing way to toast World Cocktail Day, combining summer flavors with mixological flair.
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