It’s my birthday weekend! Which means summer is almost over…noooo! Also means that I will be celebrating (albeit a little differently this year) all weekend on through my actual birthday which is Monday! Kicking off the weekend with my spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Watermelon Tini! It’s refreshing, not too sweet with a nice kick of heat! Summer sipping at its finest!
During these strange, uncertain and scary times, it’s easy to stress and worry about the unknowns and what the future will bring. That’s ok, it’s normal to feel anxious and nervous. But we also can’t lose sight of the present and the things we can control, like finding joy and celebrating the things in life that are good! Like my birthday, your birthday, your dog’s birthday…living, being healthy and having an amazing support group of friends, family and dogs (dogs are some of the best support groups). So even though sometimes I don’t feel much like celebrating, I am going to celebrate my birthday, my health and all the aforementioned things! Because one thing is for certain, tomorrow isn’t!
So, birthday (my birthday), summer, celebrating and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Tinis! Strawberries and watermelon are the quintessential summer fruit, so why not drink them too! Why not add some spicy jalapeno vodka to it and call it a martini? Ok, sounds good to me (tastes good too)! This is really simple, but it does take at least 8 hours (more for spicier) of planning ahead, I know, I know, we may not have 8 hours. But if you (we) do, plan it and make it. It starts with infusing watermelon vodka (can use unflavored as well) and pouring into large mason jar with a couple rough chopped jalapenos! There, that was the hardest part. Then it’s just blending the fruit, pouring the vodka, dressing the rim and in the words of my 2-year-old niece “ta-da”. Refreshing, kicky summer sizzler!
Strawberry & watermelon puree! Hey, IF you have left overs you can use in a smoothie or something…?
Smoked sea salt, sea salt, course sugar and smoked paprika. Yum!
Pretty little garnish with a touch smoked paprika.
Take it to go for a nice outdoor picnic! Enjoy the warmth while we still can…winter is coming!
So pretty…and boozy…and kicky…and yummy! You need this, we need this!
Cheers to summer, cheers to the present (and hope for the future) and cheers to me (and you). Celebrate with me this weekend and sip on my Jalapeno Strawberry Watermelon Tini! Have a piece of cake too, it’s my birthday, we must eat cake (or cupcakes this year and yes, I am making my own birthday cupcakes) and bottoms up!
Happy Weekending & Bday Celebrating It With Me!
Diane
- Jalapeño Vodka: can be made way ahead of time, like weeks.
- 1 bottle Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka (can sub unflavored vodka)
- 2 to 3 large jalapeños roughly chopped.
- Jalapeño Strawberry Watermelon Tini:
- 2 cups chopped seedless watermelon
- 1 cup chopped strawberries (tops removed)
- ½ tsp. of salt
- Salt Rim:
- 1 tbsp. sea salt
- ½ tbsp. smoked sea salt
- ½ tbsp. course sugar
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- For the Vodka:
- Pour the bottle of watermelon vodka into a large mason jar with a lid
- Chop the jalapenos roughly, discard stem, but you can leave the seeds, and put in the jar with the vodka. Let the vodka infuse for at least 8 hours in the fridge up to 48 hours. The longer the infusion the spicier the vodka. Strain vodka into a large bowl through fine mesh strainer. Transfer strained vodka back to the mason jar with lid and store in fridge. This will last as long as regular vodka lasts. Easy make ahead.
- For the Tini:
- In the container of a high-speed blender add the strawberries, watermelon and salt, blend on high until smooth. Only about a minute or two. Pour into a measuring cup.
- Place all the salt rim ingredients on a small plate and stir to combine.
- Using a piece of watermelon or strawberry and run it around the rim of your glass so the salt will stick. Dunk the rim of glass into the salt mixture and turn to coat the entire rim of the glass. Set aside.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour about 1 cup of the strawberry/watermelon puree into shaker. Add 4-5oz (or 6...no judgment) of the jalapeno vodka to the shaker. Put the lid and top on and shake, shake, shake. Pour into prepared glass. Garnish with a skewer of watermelon, thinly sliced jalapeno and strawberry with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Sip and enjoy!
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