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:
Raspberry Mojito
Fresh Strawberry Tom Collins Cocktail
Rum Punch with Ginger Beer & Pineapple Juice
Printable Recipe
Watermelon Limeade Vodka Cooler Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ large watermelon cut into cubes
- juice of 2 limes
- 4 ounces 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.
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
judee @ Gluten Free A-Z
Contratulations on the weight loss, the feature, and how great you look!
All I can say about the watermelon drink is -- amazing!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
This looks so refreshing!! Congrats on the feature - hope we'll get to see the footage!
Barbara | Creative Culinary
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. 🙂
Aggie
I can't wait to see this segment. I'll be keeping an eye out for it! Miss you friend!
That cocktail looks wonderful! 🙂
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
This looks amazing! Congrats on your segment! Am I going to see you in Park City in July?
Lorii Abela
The cocktail surely looks refreshing. Thanks for the recipe.
And by the way, congratulations!
Sally
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!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
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!!
patsy
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!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies)
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. 🙂