This weekend, don't forget the real meaning of Memorial Day.

Let's raise a glass to all of our veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country!

In keeping with that idea, this cocktail combines great summer flavors with a slight nod to the colors of our flag (I know, it's a stretch, and more pink than red, but it's close!)

watermelon cocktail
iStock
loading...

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. vodka, chilled (keep it especially patriotic by using an American potato vodka.)
  • 2-3 oz. sparkling (California) wine, chilled
  • 2-3 oz. fresh watermelon puree*
  • fresh mint sprig, to garnish (optional)
  • fresh blueberries, to garnish (optional)

*You can muddle a few chunks of SEEDLESS watermelon in a cocktail tin and strain it, or use as is for more texture. This is especially good if you freeze the watermelon chunks first! You can also just throw the watermelon (again, SEEDLESS) in a blender.

Combine all ingredients in a champagne flute (or rocks glass, or whatever you have handy...) Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, or a few blueberries if you want the red, white, and blue!

Switch it up:

Try a flavored vodka, like blueberry, vanilla, raspberry, or orange!
Try this on the rocks -- or use some of the whole frozen watermelon chunks!
Use rum (or maybe a little good ol' American moonshine) instead of vodka.

Enjoy your holiday weekend, and to all the vets, THANK YOU for your service!

*Please drink responsibly.*

More From 94.3 The Point