Make Ahead
Boozy Watermelon Rosemary Lemonade
Popular on Food52
114 Reviews
ihaventpoisonedyouyet
July 10, 2015
To Ms. J.N. Jones: it is amazing with vodka! Amazing! In fact, although it's only 1:00 in the afternoon here, I want to run into the kitchen and get the watermelon/lemon/Rosemary/syrup out of the refrigerator and grab the Uncle Tito's and have a happy Lisa day. Sadly, I need to wait about 5 hours or my family will gather me into the arms of an intervention.
Julie N.
July 10, 2015
HA! Thanks for the input.... 4:15 here so I can get cracking! Or should I say drinking!! And Titos is my fave too....
mnist
June 27, 2015
I made a double batch and froze it in ziplock bags. Tasted just as wonderful and was ready to defrost whenever I needed it. Vodka, gin or no booze at all - it's wonderful.
Joeyman9
June 21, 2015
Made this drink yesterday for a BBQ, big hit, with and without the Jimi Hendricks gin. Beats the hell out of infusing watermelons with vodka. Refreshing and delicious
Katanasnk
June 14, 2015
Made this to go with dinner tonight. Really, really surprisingly delicious! I wasn't sure how well watermelon and rosemary and lemon would play off each other but I got a great balance. I used Tanqueray gin because it's what I have. Big hit. Maybe the best use for half a watermelon.
Theresa
July 5, 2014
We made this for a party (multiplied original recipe by 4) and it was a big hit!! Also followed the recommendations of previous comments and used Hendrick's gin and 3-4x the rosemary. Make this, you'll love it :) Thanks piccantedolce!
Andy
July 20, 2015
I'm hosting a cocktail party this weekend for 12. What's the best way to increase the proportions?
Theresa
November 13, 2016
Oh no! I just saw this now... over a year after your party!! I multiplied everything by 4 and used two good size hand fulls of rosemary. I hope it worked out for your party. :)
SweetTooth
May 11, 2014
This is amazing!! I ended up using key lime juice (because I was lazy) and vodka (since that's what we had) and it is one of the best drinks I've ever had. I absolutely love that rosemary syrup in there! It works amazingly well with the watermelon to make a refreshing, delicious drink. It's also fantastic without the alcohol, which I had to do for one person.
Tereza
March 19, 2014
Do you need to use as much sugar? Maybe honey?
http://lifeandcity.tumblr.com
http://lifeandcity.tumblr.com
piccantedolce
March 19, 2014
you can use what ever sweetener you like. though as noted I only use a cup of simple syrup which for the whole pitcher of lemonade isn't even half a cup of sugar. whatever sweetener you use you just have to infuse it with the rosemary.
Esther G.
September 18, 2013
Used the leftover watermelon / lemon juice / syrup mixture in iced tea for the rest of the week. Completely addictive!
rpacheco
August 11, 2013
Loved this recipe. Decided to get the Hendrick's based on the recommendations, and that combined with the rosemary-ness and watermelon was absolutely divine!
JLErickson
August 5, 2013
I tried it both ways but substituting club soda for the cold water in step 4 only improves what is already a fantastic drink.
GailValente
July 25, 2013
I substituted vodka for gin, doubled the recipe, added a bit more lemon and headed off to a party with this in a big beverage dispenser. It got rave reviews, no hangovers, no dehydration and my dispenser was returned empty! Making it again for a gathering at my house this weekend! Lovelovelove it!
Jo E.
May 10, 2013
This was FANTASTIC! The combination was really unique (although I added twice as much fresh rosemary when I infused the simple syrup.) I am going to make it for Mother's Day lunch!
Sashinka
November 24, 2012
p.s. I used Hendrick's Gin as Mcraigclark suggested and it was the perfect choice,thanks for that! I may add cucumber next time as suggested, that sounds like it may work well in this fabulous recipe... Love this drink. :-)
Sashinka
November 24, 2012
I love watermelon so much that I cube it and freeze it. I like the texture of frozen watermelon so i keep it on hand. So, imagine my pleasure at finding this recipe AND having the correct amount of watermelon on hand! I just made this and it's fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing such an interesting and delicious recipe! This is a keeper.
haley.madsen.77
November 1, 2012
This was the most delicious drink we have ever made. It is so tasty and the rosemary is such a wonderful hint to the sweet watermelon. My boyfriend and I drank a whole pitcher over the course of the day and no hangover the next day either ha.
haley.madsen.77
November 1, 2012
This was the most delicious drink we have ever made. It is so tasty and the rosemary is such a wonderful hint to the sweet watermelon. My boyfriend and I drank a whole pitcher over the course of the day and no hangover the next day either ha.
Ms. T.
August 19, 2012
I've been lusting after this recipe forever and finally had a chance to try it this weekend. Bravo! Equally enjoyed by pregnant ladies (with a splash of sparkling water) and the boozers (with gin or vodka), it was a huge hit all around. Like summer in a glass. Love the subtle hint of rosemary. I did end up straining the juice to remove most of the pulp and the little white seeds from the "seedless" melon. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
EmilyC
August 5, 2012
Made this today without the booze -- it's fantastic! I used raw sugar for the rosemary simple syrup, sparkling water instead of still, and served it over lots of ice. So delicious.
ihaventpoisonedyouyet
July 15, 2012
I used vodka and heavens! What a great way to add fruit to our diet! Best recipe ever!!!
ihaventpoisonedyouyet
June 27, 2015
I just made another batch (I've been afraid to make it since I first tried it - BECAUSE ITS THAT GOOD) and I'm going to freeze some of it to have ready in a pinch. Honest to god this is one of the best drinks I have had in years and it really is a thrill to serve it because everyone thinks you've made such an effort!!!
JackieP
October 29, 2011
this is seriously the best homemade cocktail i've made yet! it's sooooooo delicious! we've tried with vodka and bourbon, and oh my, nothing but delicious! the rosemary simple syrup is genius too! gonna try to concoct a few other drinks w/it come spring!
hilary.ann.smith
August 29, 2011
Just made this tonight and it is AMAZING. I put the 8 oz in the pitcher and am letting people add more gin as their tast suits. Do you think this could be done with a fruit other than watermelon? (my boyfriend is allergic to melons--his loss).
sygyzy
August 29, 2011
This drink was amazing. I am not sure if this was teh intention but you could barely taste the gin. I am not trying to make the drink taste like I am taking shots but really, 4 oz is barely anything. Next time I am going to boost it a bit. Used Citadelle gin.
Aimless
August 28, 2011
I have an enormous jug of this again in my refrigerator. This time I cranked up the rosemary, doubled or tripled it, and minced it so the rosemary simple syrup was more potent and assertive. Was more judicious with sweetening too, and got it just right. It has been sustaining me nicely through the rigors of Irene.
Traci T.
August 21, 2011
I agree that Hendricks would have been perfect in this cocktail, though I wish my watermelon were more in season and perhaps sweeter? Tasty enough for one drink and different than my usual G&T
Traci T.
August 21, 2011
I agree that Hendricks would have been perfect in this cocktail, though I wish my watermelon were more in season and perhaps sweeter? Tasty enough for one drink and different than my usual G&T
Bob B.
August 20, 2011
Try my Cactus Margarita:
12 glugs of tequila
8 glugs of ruby red grapefruit juice
8 shakes of hot sauce
12 glugs of tequila
8 glugs of ruby red grapefruit juice
8 shakes of hot sauce
Bob B.
August 20, 2011
Try my cactus margarita: 12 glugs of tequila; 8 glugs of ruby red grapefruit juice; and 8 shakes of hot sauce,
ErikChris
August 8, 2011
Can this drink be made a day ahead of the party and just store in the fridge till ready to be served, with the lemon and rosemary?
Bevi
August 8, 2011
Hi Erik,
I made this last week in a big pitcher, and it stored nicely. I did take the rosemary out of the infused syrup after we drank our fill on Day 1. I would recommend decorating with rosemary sprigs and lemon slices the day of the party if you are making the boozy lemonade in advance. piccantecdolce may have some other advice, though. But it worked for us and there did not seem to be any downgrade in the taste.
I made this last week in a big pitcher, and it stored nicely. I did take the rosemary out of the infused syrup after we drank our fill on Day 1. I would recommend decorating with rosemary sprigs and lemon slices the day of the party if you are making the boozy lemonade in advance. piccantecdolce may have some other advice, though. But it worked for us and there did not seem to be any downgrade in the taste.
piccantedolce
August 10, 2011
It's surprisingly lived in my fridge for a couple days and been super yummy.
Carrie B.
August 2, 2011
This was outstanding!! Thanks for the recipe. I suggest that anyone who has an aversion to gin to try out Hendrick's gin (which fits beautifully in this recipe). It has a more floral/herbal note than juniper/pine.
aalexander
March 20, 2012
Thanks Carrie! I can't stomach the pine flavor. Have you tried it with any other alcohol?
rachaelmr
August 2, 2011
i made this for our summer BBQ last weekend and it was a big hit! it's a keeper, thank you!
Bevi
August 1, 2011
I just made this for my son and his company. We are swooning. It's perfect for the hot day! And so refreshing. Thanks for a fantastic recipe!
ADS
July 31, 2011
Excellent, not too sweet.
I would use more rosemary next time.
Thanks.
I would use more rosemary next time.
Thanks.
piccantedolce
August 3, 2011
glad you liked it. Depending on the people you are serving, I think amping up the rosemary is a great idea!
Full-Flavored C.
July 31, 2011
Made this wonderful, unusual combination for a dinner party this weekend and everyone loved it -- thank you! I will definitely be making this again!
LauraMychal
July 31, 2011
This was amazing. The rosemary and gin went great together, and I adored the lemon against the sugar! Thank you.
ejm
July 31, 2011
Made this today and it is marvelous. Has been a cool summer here in Europe but this helps me pretend it is hot and sunny!
bloomer.jeffrey
July 30, 2011
Gin recommendation?
piccantedolce
August 3, 2011
We keep Bombay around, but if I'm honest I'm not really a gin drinker, something about it in this cocktail just felt right when I was developing it.
mcraigclark
August 7, 2011
I used Hendrick's (and I added a cucumber to the watermelon puree). It's a different kind of gin, and one you might like if you don't want a heavy juniper kick.
Aimless
July 29, 2011
Thanks piccantedolce. This looked so good and I realized with a start as I was driving home last night that i had all the ingredients in house. A gorgeous, special, highly delicious and refreshing concoction.
piccantedolce
August 3, 2011
Isn't that the best when you realize you have everything you need to make something? I love it! Hope you enjoyed the drink.
boulangere
July 27, 2011
The rosemary and gin are a brilliant combination. And I love that you're generous with the lemon. What a beautiful creation.
lapadia
July 27, 2011
Congratulations! What a great addition your Poolside Cocktail will be to Food52's Book2. So refreshing, I do like gin, have a recipe "almost" similar using rhubarb,lemon and rosemary w/o any gin or vodka, though. Am looking forward to trying this :)
gingerroot
July 27, 2011
Congratulations!! Love your addition of rosemary to your syrup. Can't wait to make this .
piccantedolce
July 27, 2011
SurvivingMyKitchen - I'm not a huge gin drinker but I decided to go for it in this drink because I thought it would be good with the rosemary and I LOVE it. That being said vodka does work, but I'd challenge you to try the gin.
Thanks everyone for the positive response and for voting!
Thanks everyone for the positive response and for voting!
JennyInKS
July 27, 2011
It is 105 here in Wichita, and more heat in the forecast for the rest of the week. Just READING this recipe made me feel better! This lovely thing is on the agenda for the weekend...
BlueKaleRoad
July 27, 2011
Congratulations! I look forward to making this cocktail over the weekend. Love seeing the jar!
bethshax
July 27, 2011
I pickle watermelon and am going to use that to add a little briney tartness to the whole thing!
MeghanVK
July 25, 2011
Made something similar over the weekend (watermelon, lime juice, basil, gin) and am giving you a tip of the hat for the idea of using gin. Such a great idea - a delicious pairing! Thanks for sharing!
mcraigclark
July 23, 2011
Made a batch last night to help beat back the northern Virginia heat. This will be a go-to cocktail for summer BBQs from now on.
david.bushery
July 22, 2011
I dig that you have gin as the base liquor. Most people are scared of the thought of something they don't know [i.e. gin]. While vodka and rum reign as the traditional "fun drink" liquor, this gin cocktail changes the landscape as a fruit forward recipe. Very enjoyable for all palates, and something very different. Cheers.
rachaelmr
July 22, 2011
This drink sounds fantastic - i am going to blindly and bravely make it our signature drink at our summer party next week! Thanks for such a lovely idea, both with the drink and the serving in jars! Super Summer!
Maria T.
July 22, 2011
Congratulations on being a finalist. The drink sounds so amazingly refreshing and delicious. Have to try it when away from work!
SurvivingMyKitchen
July 21, 2011
I have fresh rosemary in my garden and a forlorn watermelon on my kitchen counter. I will definitely be making this for the weekend. How do you think it would be with vodka? I have a strong aversion to gin...
piccantedolce
July 27, 2011
I probably amy replying too late and am a bit special and posted a reply to the whole thread instead of you, sorry! But here are my thoughts on gin:
'm not a huge gin drinker but I decided to go for it in this drink because I thought it would be good with the rosemary and I LOVE it. That being said vodka does work, but I'd challenge you to try the gin.
'm not a huge gin drinker but I decided to go for it in this drink because I thought it would be good with the rosemary and I LOVE it. That being said vodka does work, but I'd challenge you to try the gin.
piccantedolce
July 21, 2011
Thanks everyone!
James - I keep a pitcher of it without the gin in our fridge at all times in the summer. Just sub a bit more water for the gin. It's super refreshing!
James - I keep a pitcher of it without the gin in our fridge at all times in the summer. Just sub a bit more water for the gin. It's super refreshing!
hardlikearmour
July 21, 2011
Congrats, piccantedolce! I can't imagine a more perfect hot summer drink.
fiveandspice
July 21, 2011
Wow, this looks and sounds stunning. I love that the watermelon isn't strained. Congrats on being a finalist!
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