Here is a beautiful and easy to make summer cocktail that your guests will adore.
It is made with fresh watermelon juice; Cava, the luscious sparkling wine from Spain, fresh lime juice and the wonderful and healthy sweetener, Agave Nectar.
It can be made as a punch or if you are in to presentation blended as served.
I garnish with a lime slice and fresh mint leaves.
Here is the recipe.
I like using the Sugar Baby Watermelons that you can find in all the farmers markets. I used one and a half melons to make enough juice for about 15 drinks. To make the juice I just cut up the melon in 2 inch chunks and then throw it in the blender and blend at high speed until it turns to juice. I then strain the juice through a sieve to take out the pulp. I use a two to one ratio of to Watermelon juice to Cava. 1.5 liters of watermelon juice and a 7.50 bottle of Cava will make about 15 cocktails.
Once the melon is juiced I transfer it to a pitcher and squeeze in the juice of one lime and a couple ounces of Agave nectar. This adds complexity and sweetness. You can adjust this to taste.
I chill my glasses, champagne flutes, and when ready to server drop a lime slice and sprig of fresh mint leaves. Then fill half the glass with Cava and gently top off with the watermelon juice. You need to be careful here, if you pour too fast the drink will bubble over.
I use a Cava called 1+1 = 3 by U Mes U Fan Tres Winery in Bodegas in the Penedes.
It is available at several stores around New Jersey, I buy mine at Amanti Vino.
Most moderately priced Cava is mass produced by vineyards turning out 100,000s of bottles.
Then there are the high priced Cava that Eric Asimov of the NY Times loves so much, Cava, the Prosecco of Spain, Gets Its Due — at Last. 1+1 = 3 is made by a small vineyard that turns out delicious wine at a moderate price, $12.99. Eric, mentions some value price Cavas in his article. I would stay away from the under $10 variety, but for a big party it may be fine.
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