Thirsty Thursdays: Recycling Edition

You don't need me to tell you that green is the new black. Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose - this is a trend with legs for days. This much, we know. But, did you know that watermelon is the new strawberry?

Or, at least it is here in Divaland today. Why? Because its hot; because its summer; because its watermelon season ... and mostly because Elderflower Liqueur comes in a really BIG bottle.

The Watermelon Blossom:

• 1 1/2 oz. good quality gin
• 1 1/2 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz. of fresh watermelon puree (see below)
• a bit of plain seltzer for topping up

Place approximately 4 cups of fresh watermelon, seeded and cut into large chunks, into a blender and puree on high until smooth and liquefied. You may need to stop once or twice to push down the fruit, but it will liquify quickly.

Place some ice in a martini shaker and over it pour the gin, elderflower liqueur and watermelon puree. Shake well, until the shaker frosts, and strain into an ice filled tumbler or rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

The elderflower liqueur blends so beautifully with the fresh watermelon. Its a match made in heaven; creating a light, refreshing late summer sipper. Be forewarned, the drink is on the sweet side, due to the watermelon. If you'd like to tone it down a bit, squeeze in a wedge of lime before serving. For those desirous of a non-alcohaulic version, simply blend some of the fresh watermelon puree with a bit of plain seltzer and some mint, a dash of lemon or lime and bottom's up!

Obviously, this drink is badly in need of a spot of green. Indeed, I had every intention of throwing a handful of mint into the blender while pureeing the melon (which, by the way, I think would be outstanding) and garnishing with a sprig. The lack of contrast bothers me so much, I was sorely tempted to swap in this picture of the original gin blossom instead.

The better angels of my nature prevailed.

Sadly, when I reached into my herb drawer for the fresh mint, the once green bunch had turned a decidedly unappealing shade of ... black. Go figure.

Cheers!