Mariano's: Summer in a Glass

There are certain foods that just taste like summer. Walking through the produce section at Mariano’s is like a journey through summer fl avors: ripe tomatoes, succulent peaches, corn slightly charred on the grill, and my favorite, sweet, juicy watermelon!

When sliced up, it’s a staple at barbecues and picnics — but watermelon is actually more versatile than that. It’s delicious on the grill, adds a vibrant flavor to summer salads, and is a fun and unexpected addition to salsa.

It’s also the perfect flavor for a bright, refreshing summer cocktail!

So grab a bottle of ABSOLUT Watermelon! The flavorful base pairs super well with other bright, summery flavors. Here are a few recipes, created by mixologist Ariel E. Neal for our recent Mariano’s Tastemaker Kitchen event.

Try them out, serve them up to your friends, and keep those summery flavors flowing all season long!

Absolut Watermelon Fizz

• 2 ounces Absolut Watermelon
• ½ ounce agave
• Flavored lime soda
• Add ABSOLUT Watermelon and agave to a glass with ice and stir. Top with flavored lime soda.
• ABSOLUT Spicy Watermelon Cooler
• 1 ½ ounce ABSOLUT Watermelon
• ½ ounce jalapeño syrup
• ½ ounce lime juice
• Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with watermelon slice and lime.

Frozen Watermelon Bellini

• ABSOLUT Watermelon sorbet*
• Mumm Napa sparkling wine
• Mint sprig
• 1 scoop sorbet into a 5-ounce glass and top with sparkling wine and a sprig of mint.
• To make the sorbet, combine 2 pounds fresh-cut watermelon, 1/2 cup simple syrup, 1/2 cup ABSOLUT Vodka and juice from 2 medium limes in a blender. Process until smooth. Chill for at least 2-3 hours before using. Makes 1 quart.

To learn more about Mariano’s Tastemaker Kitchen events, check out our Facebook page or go to https://www.opentable.com/r/marianos-tastemaker-kitchen-chicago.