Stephanie Jane Carter
The blue, dented pick-up truck that parks in the shade of the oak trees on Carollton Avenue is the kind of vehicle that makes me smile. With a hand-painted sign announcing its wares, watermelons filled the bed of the truck this week. While the weather has started to give us a break, it is still hot in New Orleans and watermelons are still the answer for a couple more weeks. Here is a cocktail to celebrate the end of summer.
photo by Stephanie Jane Carter
Watermelon Rum Punch
Makes one cocktail
1 cup red seedless watermelon, cubed
2 ounces white rum
1 tablespoon agave nectar
juice of 1 and a half limes (about 3 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon chopped mint
crushed ice
Chile Lime Salt (optional)
Combine the cubed watermelon, rum, agave nectar, and lime juice in a blender (or in a bowl if using an emmersion blender). Puree until the mixture is smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Set aside. If desired, coat the lip of a glass with the chile lime salt by rubbing the lip with a damp towel and dipping the lip into the salt. Fill the glass with ice. Add watermelon mixture and chopped mint. Stir well.
