July 31, 2018 – It’s hot and steamy and you’re tired but TGIF!  Not only is it Friday but National Watermelon Day to boot.  Celebrating summer’s favorite cold, sweet, juicy fruit can cool you off just thinking about it.

Watermelon is high in Vitamin B6, Potassium, Vitamin A and Lycopene a powerful antioxidant.  Two cups diced add up to a mere 80 calories.  We checked out www.watermelon.org and found out that the rind is edible too.  It can be made into cole slaw or fries and added to stirfry.  We had no idea.  The site offers tips on cutting and serving watermelon as well as recipes.

The team at Smirnoff, the number one selling vodka and other fun concoctions, like watermelon too.  They have watermelon flavored Spiked Sparkling Seltzer and Smirnoff Ice Watermelon Mimosa.  Here are a couple of easy recipes to turn the end-of-the-week drink into a festive occasion.  And it’s OK to keep celebrating American gown watermelon on Saturday and Sunday too!

Sparkling Mint Watermelon Cooler

2 leaves fresh mint

1 teaspoon simple syrup

4 oz. Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer Watermelon

8 oz. watermelon lemonade *

Method:  In a tall glass, add the mint leaves and simple syrup and muddle to release the mint oils. Fill the glass with ice, then pour in the Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer Watermelon, followed by the watermelon lemonade. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with mint and watermelon slices.

*  There are many easy recipes for watermelon lemonade on the Internet.  This one from Genius Kitchen is really easy and can be halved to make a smaller quantity if necessary.

 Spicy Watermelon Mimosa

3 cups cubed watermelon

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1 lime

2 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

9 oz. Smirnoff Ice Watermelon Mimosa

Tajin or spicy salt, for rimming and garnish

Method:  Add the watermelon and orange juice to a blender and blend until smooth. Juice the lime and stir into the watermelon orange juice. Add the vodka and Smirnoff Ice Watermelon Mimosa and pulse a few more times to combine. Rim two tall glasses with the tajin or spicy salt.  Then, divide the watermelon mimosas between the two glasses.  Sprinkle a little extra spicy salt on top of each drink and enjoy!

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