Sugar Bowl Recipe

Blend

Place the cubed watermelon and chopped cucumber in a blender with the lime juice and simple syrup. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a bowl or pitcher, using a spatula to press out as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Add the cold water to the strained juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime as needed.

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add 3/4 cup (6 oz) of the strained watermelon-cucumber juice and 2 oz (about 1/4 of the total vodka amount) of vodka, then shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly. (This step chills individual servings; see batch option below.)

Batch Option

To prepare for a group (serves 4), combine the remaining strained juice (about 3 cups) with the remaining vodka (approx. 6 oz) in a pitcher. Add ice to the pitcher just before serving and stir briefly to chill. Alternatively, keep the mixture chilled in the refrigerator and pour over ice when ready to serve.

If rimming glasses, brush the rim with a lime wedge and dip into coarse salt or Tajín. Fill each glass with ice. Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass, or pour the batch mixture over ice.

Garnish each glass with a mint sprig, 1–2 thin cucumber slices (slotted into the glass or floated), and a small watermelon wedge or ball. Serve immediately.

Optional: For a lighter, fizzy version, top each glass with 1–2 oz club soda or sparkling water just before serving.