Things are heating up around here. I mean really heating up. Bring on the cocktails (watermelon + limeade + vodka = good!) Ask anyone who knows me well…I don’t “do” hot temperatures. In fact, the only place I can imagine sitting when it’s 95+ degrees is directly on top of the air-conditioning vent. It’s not pretty.
I eat things that require opening the fridge multiple times (cool breeze) and I turn on the oven only if someone is threatening me with something like, “Make me a pizza or your cat gets it!” Just for the record, that’s never actually happened. But yeah…I’d crank the oven to 500 degrees to save the kitty, even on a 100 degree day.
Cold drinks are a sure-fire remedy to the steamy days and this watermelon limeade cocktail, with a splash of vodka, does the trick nicely. Not only is it cold, but it takes about 5 minutes to make, from start to finish.
One of our favorite summertime cocktails is an icy Watermelon Mojito. This vodka cocktail is a riff on the mojito recipe. However, since I’m watching my sugar intake, I left out the simple syrup. I promise that you won’t miss it if you use a ripe watermelon, one with plenty of natural sweetness. Could this drink be made into a kid-friendly drink? Of course! Just leave out the vodka. Scroll down for the recipe.
TV Fun:
Thursday afternoon was a tad bit different than usual weekday afternoons around here. A producer (thanks, Jane!) and cameraman (you were great, Thompson!) from our local NBC’s affiliate (KSL) daytime show, Studio 5, came to our home to film some clips about my health and weight loss journey.
The afternoon started with Thompson filming my good friend (and running partner), Staci and I running down the street in our workout clothes. Staci then got the “up close and personal” treatment in front of the camera while she answered questions and talked about the app she introduced me to (MyFitnessPal) that got me started on this journey in the first place. You rocked it, Stace!
My husband, Steve, and both of our boys got their time in front of the camera too, giving sweet and thoughtful answers about the whole journey and the parts they played in helping me reach my goal. xoxo
Pulling their thoughts together.
The best part, however, was the family soccer game we played in the backyard, with the camera rolling as we dribbled, shot and giggled.
The segment will be airing in July or August. I’ll be sure to post a link once it’s available.
Back to the cocktail!
The recipe:
In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes, lime juice and vodka. Puree until smooth.
Fill two collins glasses with ice, pour the watermelon cocktail over top and garnish with lime slices. Serve and sip.
Other summertime cocktails:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Rum Punch with Ginger Beer & Pineapple Juice
My Man’s Belly’s Cantaloupe Cocktail
Comfort of Cooking’s Strawberry Basil Cocktail
First Look, Then Cook’s Cucumber & Mint Martini
From the kitchen of Cookin Canuck. www.cookincanuck.com
Ingredients
- 1/4 large watermelon, cut into cubes
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 oz. vodka
- Ice
- Lime slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes, lime juice and vodka.
- Puree until smooth.
- Fill two collins glass with ice and pour the watermelon cooler over top. Garnish with lime slices. Serve.
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on the feature, Dara! Hope you’ll be able to share the footage with us after it airs.
Your cocktail looks so refreshing as is I would miss the simple syrup either. This is so perfect for combating the summer heat! My husband and I have visited a friend in SLC to ride our bikes in summertime (you’ve got so many beautiful hills to ride)–this drink would be the best reward after a grueling hill ride.
How exciting to have a tv crew come and talk to you and your family about your weight loss success story!
Those drinks look like they’d help quench our thirst on these hot days recently!
I love the cocktail…umm the kids will do okay here with milk and I’ll polish off the melon
Congrats on the t.v. stardom and your awesome journey!!
Dara, so cool about the tv segment. I think it will help a lot of people to ‘see’ your story. Excited for you, but bottom line: you worked hard and it is very inspiring to see someone make a change when they decide to it. Change is hard. Keep your faithful readers in the loop!
The cocktail surely looks refreshing. Thanks for the recipe.
And by the way, congratulations!
This looks amazing! Congrats on your segment! Am I going to see you in Park City in July?
I can’t wait to see this segment. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it! Miss you friend!
That cocktail looks wonderful!
We can say we knew you when!!
Love this cocktail; I’ve got a watermelon coming in my CSA box next week; I can’t wait to make something; might be very similar but I’m thinking tequila? I’m on a journey to make a margarita for every fruit out there it seems.
This looks so refreshing!! Congrats on the feature – hope we’ll get to see the footage!
Contratulations on the weight loss, the feature, and how great you look!
All I can say about the watermelon drink is — amazing!
Congrats on the feature, Dara! Can’t wait to see you and your fam! It’s heating up here in Savannah, GA, lots of pool time! Have a great weekend!
I love it!!! So proud of you and your incredible story. I can only imagine how many people you are going to encourage and inspire!!
Love all of the pics. And this cocktail sounds SO delicious and refreshing! A perfect way to beat this crazy summer heat!!
I can’t wait to see the segment. You are an incredible inspiration and role model, Dara!
that sounds so delicious and refreshing! a prefect summer drink!
I can’t wait to see your interview!!! What fun!
And this has got to be the epitome of a summer cocktail….so refreshing and delish!
I’ve fixed this drink before. I love the watermelon flavor in it. You are right. It is hot, hot, hot…we’re in TX. And….I like it not, not, not! Fall is my friend. What a wonderful weight loss journey…we have also nixed the sugar and it has been an amazing change in our weight. Each of us has lost 10 pounds in the last 3 months. Forces us to eat lots of veggies and wrap our sandwiches in big crunchy cabbage leaves.
This looks so good & refreshing!! I have to make these at our next et together!
such a cool opportunity Dara! You look great
Congrats on the feature, Dara! So cool. And this drink… sheesh it just screams summer!
Can’t wait to see the segment Dara, you’re a natural on camera!
How fun! I still get so excited for you when I see you picture pop up somewhere!
I bet this drink is really good. It will definitely quench my thirst with the summer heat around.
It is sooooooo hot here. And this looks sooooooo good!
Thank you so much for sharing. That is so refreshing and healthy! I am using a portion control supplement called Roca Labs and I think it’s okay to get tempted with these low calorie treats. I can still keep my average weight loss goal of 1 – 2 lbs a week.
I am so proud of you Dara – sticking to the fitness lifestyle needs to be commended….now pass the drink
I don’t do hot temperatures either. And this summer has been the worst! I’ve been eating a lot of watermelon, but whenever I don’t manage to finish it off before it starts to turn, I always puree it up and turn it into a drink. So refreshing!
Can’t wait to see the TV segment!
That cocktail looks fantastic. I’m in a “cook off” with a citrus theme in a couple of weeks. I may “borrow” your recipe for the cocktail category. If I do, I’ll link back to your site and give you recipe credit Dara!!!! So exciting to have a tv crew come over!!! Congrats on all your success and your healthy living. All the best from me in Vancouver to you over the border!!!
they look perfect!!! I’ve been trying to get more into cocktails because ahem, apparently you look sophisticated and sexy with a cocktail drink in your hand. The strawberry martini looks gorgeous.