Watermelon Vodka Cooler

During the hot summer days enjoy a sip or two of a Watermelon vodka Cooler made with fresh watermelon juice and Vodka. Perfect to enjoy along your favorite grilled steak at your next cookout.

This post has been sponsored by Finlandia. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

• Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

Did I tell you I got a smoker for Christmas?

No! Well, I got a smoker for Christmas! Most likely I haven’t shared this because I am still not quite sure how to use it. I mean I know how to use it, but I don’t know how to use it enough to justify it sitting on my back patio. I know the grill, I know how to turn it on, cook on it, and clean it. I am in and out no fuss no muss.

The smoker seems like I need a game plan. What kind of meat to use, do I brine the meat or rub the meat. What kind of wood chips go best with the meat. How much is too much smoke for the meat. How long should it take to make the meat.

See lots to think about. Well, I am on a mission to get that smoker going once a week, so that means smoker recipes will soon be coming your way.

I am also thinking smoker is the perfect way to entertain for my next grill party. Something different, and sure to be delicious. Plus just think the smoker will keep away the bugs. All that smoke will deter them.

With every great grill party you must have a great cocktail.

With watermelon coming in to its peak season, I thought we all needed a simple delicious Watermelon Vodka Cooler to enjoy at our next summer party.

You only use 1/2 of a medium size watermelon for this recipe, so you can cut up the other half and serve part of dinner.

You need to place your cut watermelon in the blender and puree until smooth. You then need to strain your puree to remove the pulp. Just pour your watermelon puree into a strainer set over a bowl. The juice will drip down into the bowl and the pulp will be left in the strainer. You can use the back of a rubber spatula to push down on the pulp to speed this up. Discard pulp and then pour your juice into a serving pitcher.

Add Finlandia Vodka, triple sec and lime juice, stir and refrigerate until ready to use.

I like to add cubed watermelon to my serving glasses along side fresh ice. Top your cocktails with lime wedges or mint leaves. Or let your guest decide which they prefer.