Boozy Watermelon Lemonade

Need a refreshing beverage that’s a little more interesting than the watered-down stuff from your neighbor’s lemonade stand? Look no further.

Warmer weather calls for tall, refreshing cocktails. This boozy lemonade incorporates fresh lemon, juicy watermelon, citrus-forward gin and a spicy ginger liqueur for a little extra zing. Rosemary simple syrup adds a subtle herbal element and the final beverage is topped off with dry lemon soda. It’s everything that lemonade should be.

Originally written for VinePair

ingredients

2 oz Citrus-forward gin

¾ oz ginger liqueur

1 oz fresh lemon juice

½ oz *Rosemary simple syrup

3-4 one-inch cubes of watermelon

Dry lemon soda

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a shaker (except for the lemon soda). Gently smoosh the watermelon cubes with a muddler or spoon. Shake well with ice, then double-strain over fresh ice in a tall glass. Top with dry lemon soda and garnish with a lemon wedge and rosemary sprig.

*Recipe for Rosemary Simple Syrup:

Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a sauce pan. Add 7-8 four-inch sprigs of fresh rosemary. Heat on medium and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, then let steep for 30 minutes.

Strain out the rosemary and store syrup in a resealable bottle in the fridge for about 2 weeks.