Hey there, cocktail enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like sipping on something refreshing during the dog days of summer, right? That’s why we reached out to the incredibly talented chef, Alex Guarnaschelli from the Food Network, to help us beat the heat with her signature Woodbridge Chardonnay watermelon cocktail. Now, not only does this drink have a splash of wine, but it’s also got a salty twist with Jacobsen Chardonnay salted rims. Trust me, you're going to want to make this one for your next outdoor gathering. So, grab your blender and let’s dive in! Check out the video tutorial above to see Alex’s expert tips in action.
Ready to create your own summer masterpiece? Here's the recipe so you can make it at home.
Crafting Your Watermelon Chardonnay Cocktail
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes (inactive)
Servings: 4 cocktails
Watermelon Ice Cube Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh watermelon, cubed (make sure to remove the rind and seeds)
- ¼ cup Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
Simple Syrup Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- 2/3 cup sugar
Cocktail Mix Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (1 ¼ cups) Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 10 ounces (1 ¼ cups) sparkling water
- 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi x Jacobsen Chardonnay Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Watermelon Ice Cubes
Let's start with the star of the show: the watermelon ice cubes. Here's what you need to do—first, puree 4 cups of your fresh, seedless watermelon with the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay in your blender until you get a smooth mixture. Next, pour this mix into a 14-cube square ice cube tray, filling each cube to the brim. Pop them in the freezer to set, and set aside the remaining cup of watermelon for later use.
Create the Simple Syrup
Now, it's time for the sweetener. In a small saucepan, heat up the water and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it's all combined, let it cool down. While it's cooling, sprinkle about a teaspoon of the wine salt on the reserved watermelon and refrigerate it until you're ready for the final assembly.
Assemble the Cocktails
Alright, now for the fun part—mixing it all together. First, lightly wet the rims of your 4 highball glasses with a touch of Chardonnay. Sprinkle the remaining salt into a small dish and gently coat the rims with a light, even layer. In a large bowl, stir together the simple syrup, Chardonnay, lime juice, and sparkling water. Add three of those watermelon ice cubes to each glass and fill them about three-quarters full with the mixture. Finally, top each cocktail with a couple of pieces of the salted watermelon you prepped earlier.
And there you have it! A refreshing, sophisticated drink that’s perfect for any summer soirée. Cheers to good times and great company!
