High Noon Watermelon Recipe

Juice the watermelon

Place 1 cup (about 150 g) watermelon chunks into a blender and pulse until smooth, about 10–15 seconds. If you prefer a very clear juice, pour the blended watermelon through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract up to 3 oz of juice. You should end up with approximately 3 oz (90 ml) fresh watermelon juice.

Mix base

In a cocktail shaker (or a large jar) add the watermelon juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice and 0.25 oz simple syrup. If using alcohol, add 2 oz chilled shochu or vodka. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup cubed), cap it, and shake vigorously for 8–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold.

Assemble

Fill a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice, leaving some room at the top (about 1/2 inch). Top gently with 4 oz cold seltzer (plain or grapefruit) to add effervescence. Give a very gentle stir (1–2 turns) to combine without flattening the seltzer.

Cut a small watermelon wedge and a lime wheel. Garnish the drink with the watermelon wedge on the rim and a lime wheel on the side. Tuck a mint sprig behind the wedge or slap the mint between your palms to release aroma and place on top.

Serve immediately while the seltzer is fizzy and the drink is cold. Adjust sweetness with additional simple syrup or agave (up to 0.25 oz more) if the watermelon is underripe. For a non-alcoholic version omit the shochu/vodka and increase seltzer to 6 oz or add 1–2 oz additional watermelon juice for body.