Summerthyme (no, that’s not a typo ...), and the sippin’ is easy. The classic song from Porgy & Bess croons, “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” It’s time for warm lazy days spent with friends and family lounging on the porch or by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in hand, and nothing is more refreshing than a watermelon cocktail or mocktail.

Watermelon’s faint floral sweetness and unsurpassed juiciness makes it the perfect base for any summer cocktail. Tart limes and zippy jalapeño peppers add a tingle of southern zest. Garnish with some freshly picked herbs for additional earthiness and lovely photo worthiness.

For our summerthyme cocktail, I have chosen 21Seeds infused Cucumber Jalapeño Blanco Tequila. This infused tequila is a true sensory experience – delicious, bright, and crisp with a cucumber nose and a refined spicy jalapeño finish. According to recent studies, more than 75% of Americans enjoy spicy foods, making this spicy seasonal cocktail twice as nice!

Whether it be by the glass, the pitcher, as a cocktail, or a mocktail, summerthyme’s quintessential mix of cool and refreshing with a little zip and a hint of heat is sure to make the sippin’ easy all season long. Cheers!

SummerTYHME WATERMELON COCKTAIL

By the glass

– 1-1/2 ounces 21Seeds infused Cucumber Jalapeño Blanco Tequila
– 2 ounces watermelon puree (puree pieces of watermelon in a blender)
– 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
– 3/4 ounce simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with lime, cucumber, mint (slap the mint between your hands to release the aroma and flavor) and a sprig of thyme (summerthyme ... get it?). For an additional kick, add some fresh jalapeño rings (without the seeds to make it milder).

PRE-BATCH RECIPE

Makes 12 cocktails

– 1 bottle 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Tequila
– 5 ounces fresh lime juice
– 6 ounces simple syrup
– 16 ounces of watermelon puree (no shaking required)

Simply pour on ice and serve.

SummerTYHME WATERMELON Mocktail

– 3 ounces mint/lime seltzer
– 3 ounces watermelon puree
– 1 ounce simple syrup

Combine watermelon puree and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Top with mint/lime seltzer. Garnish with lime, cucumber, mint (again, slap the mint between your hands to release the aroma and flavor) and a sprig of thyme. Just as with the cocktail version, add some fresh jalapeño rings (without the seeds to make it milder) for extra kick.