Let’s Talk about Mixology

by Amer A. Vargas

PART 70: Watermelon Cooler

With the sun heating up and hitting us hard in the Northern hemisphere, it’s a good idea to stay cool in the shade while, of course, enjoying a refreshing cocktail!

On this occasion we suggest a non-alcoholic mix that will delight all ages throughout the year, although during the summer season it is even more pleasing.

The Watermelon Cooler is very simple to prepare, as you are about to see. These are the ingredients you will need for 2 servings:

• 600 gr (1.3 lb) of watermelon, peeled, seeds removed, chopped, and chilled
• The juice of ½ a lemon
• Fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges for garnish

The preparation is as simple as mixing the watermelon chunks and lemon juice in a blender and then serving the resulting concoction in a lowball or highball glass. Finish by garnishing with a couple of mint leaves and a lemon wedge on top of the drink itself or stuck on the rim of the glasses.

You can make colder versions by making it ahead of time and keeping it in the fridge before serving; by adding a cube of ice in each glass, or by making a frozen version by adding 4 cubes of ice to the blender.

Should your watermelon not be sweet enough, you can also add three teaspoons of sugar in the blender or 1 oz./ 3 cl. of simple syrup—be sure to adjust this to taste.

And lastly, as suggested by Ruchi Bharani in YouTube video, you can add a different touch to your cooler by using rose syrup and ½ tablespoon of chaat masala. If you can find it in your area, it can make a pleasant difference to the flavor of this mocktail.

Happy summer, and cheers!

Mr. Vargas is the Institute’s President—feel free to contact him via email, AmerVargas @ modernbutlers.com

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.