We're in the middle of a long hot summer here in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As we enjoy our backyard barbecues in this (hopefully) post-pandemic world, we would love to offer up our Watermelon Punch recipe. The new ultimate summertime cocktail is not only tasty and refreshing, but it's also a healthy alternative to sugary, artificial sweetened drinks!

So, yea. A healthy, boozy, summertime drink just for you and 8-12 of your friends and neighbors! Enjoy!

Ingredients: 

• 1 watermelon, flesh scooped out (keep shell for serving if desired)
• 2 cups of gin (Social Still is our go to!)
• 1 cup dry vermouth
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces maple syrup

Glassware: 

• Recycled Glass "Water" Goblets (ha, water)
• Recycled Glass Tilted Pitcher (after a few of these, it won't look tilted)

Instructions:

1. Remove all the seeds from the watermelon flesh, and place it in a blender. Blend on high until smooth; this should yield about 4 cups of juice. 
2. In a punch bowl or large pitcher combine the watermelon juice, gin, vermouth, lime juice, and syrup. Stir. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Serve in a punch bowl with ladle, larger pitcher, or in the watermelon shell tapped with a spigot. 

Drink up and enjoy!

Find this recipe and more in "Gather Around Cocktails: Drinks to Celebrate Usual and Unusual Holidays" by Aaron Goldfarb. Available at Domaci Market in Bethlehem or online at domacihome.com.

Happy summer, friends.