One of the best things about being known by your friends as a cocktail connoisseur (is that what I am?) is that many of them send me links to great drink ideas, or let me know of an interesting concoction they’ve created.  I don’t get around to trying every recipe given to me, but my friend Mary Lou recently told me about a light summer refreshment she came up with that I just had to check out.  She calls it the Lou Lou Melon, which I think is clever.  

Mary Lou originally made it with Bacardi Grand Melon watermelon rum, but apparently Bacardi discontinued this spirit in 2017.  I searched for other brands of melon rum but had no luck, so I bought some SKYY Infusions sun-ripened watermelon vodka instead.  I also added some mint simple syrup to Mary Lou’s recipe, which I think it a delicious complement to the watermelon flavor of this drink.  This is going to be your end-of-the-summer cocktail to beat all end-of-the-summer cocktails!!  Hope you can enjoy a few of these this weekend- they’re nice and light and perfect for sipping at the pool or on the porch.

Lou Lou Melon

2 oz SKYY Infusions sun-ripened watermelon vodka

3-4 oz Lacroix watermelon sparkling water

Fresh watermelon chunks (frozen if you like)

1/2 oz mint simple syrup (I used Sonoma Syrup Co. brand, found at Total Wine)

Fill a tall glass with ice and watermelon chunks, then add the vodka, sparkling water and simple syrup. Garnish with mint leaves and lime if desired.  Enjoy the last weekend of summer!