Watermelon-Lime Cooler

By Rebekah Peppler

Published Aug. 24, 2022

Watermelon-Lime Cooler
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Rating
4(138)
Comments
Read comments

While coolers are often stretched with something sparkling, this rose-hued drink swaps in a pour of fresh watermelon juice. The inherent sweetness — and deep pink color palette — of both the juice and the Lillet Rosé is tempered with an ounce of gin and a splash of lime’s bright acidity. (If you can’t find Lillet Rosé, use Lillet Blanc or even a blanc vermouth in a pinch.)

Featured in: What’s Cooler Than Being Cool? These Cocktails.

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Ingredients

Yield:1 cocktail
  • Ice
  • 2ounces Lillet Rosé
  • 1ounce red bitter liqueur, such as Campari, Cappelletti or Contratto Bitter
  • 1ounce gin
  • ½ounce fresh lime juice
  • 4ounces fresh watermelon juice (see Tip)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

224 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 11 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 5 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In an ice-filled highball glass, combine the Lillet Rosé, red bitter, gin and lime juice. Top with the watermelon juice and stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Tip
  • Though fresh watermelon juice, which can be made in a juicer, blender or food processor, keeps for three days stored in the refrigerator, it should be used soon after making for the best, brightest in flavor cocktail. Drink any extra juice as a shot with a squeeze of lime for a bonus dose of hydration or pour into ice cube trays and freeze to use in lieu of standard ice in another day’s cooler.

Ratings

4 out of 5
138 user ratings
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Comments

Jenn

This is the quintessential summer cocktail! Easy, refreshing...simply delicious! And a real looker too. Just the thing for those tiny watermelons that are at the market now. The first time we used a red and the next time an orange and both were beautiful. The Lillet Rosé gives it a hint of herby sweetness and was balanced by just the right amount of lime. This will be a seasonal treat going forward!

Yum!

We loved using up half a watermelon to make juice and then this. Delish! More boozy than you might think.

JN

Has anyone tried this without the gin for a less boozy but refreshing summer cocktail?

cb

Ideas for your consideration: 1. Strain the watermelon juice of pulp. 2. I found the drink a little too boozy for a hot summers afternoon, so I increased the watermelon juice to 5-6 oz and lime juice to 3/4 oz or even a bit more. 3. Mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or pint glass without ice, stir, then pour into an iced pint glass for serving. 4. The beautiful reddish pink of the drink is enhanced by the bright green of a thin wedge of lime as a garnish. 5. Cheers!

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