Watermelon Cooler...Summertime Drink

It's summertime...watermelon season abounds... At Cocktail Hour...

What to make? How about a...

WATERMELON COOLER

My friend and I were walking around the Princeton area. I love anything related to water...waterfalls, water fountains, sailing, marinas etc. Watermelon is my favorite fruit. Wondering what I could create using watermelon, a Watermelon Cooler came to mind.

So, I found a recipe where Matt, bartender of

People's Lounge in New York City

demonstrates in a video how to make a Watermelon Cooler.

WATERMELON COOLER
2-3 pieces fresh watermelon (I add about 4 pieces)
2-3 wedges of lime (not too much- I suggest only 1 small wedge)
1-2 Tablespoons raw brown sugar
1.5 oz Sobieski Vodka (I’ll use whatever brand I have on hand)
Crushed ice

Add watermelon and lime in tall glass.
Add raw brown sugar.
Muddle ingredients.
Pour vodka into glass.
Add crushed ice.
Shake vigorously.
Strain into drinking glass.
Add watermelon wedge for garnish.


Here are other variations of WATERMELON COOLER recipes to try:

EPICURIOUS.COM

FOODNETWORK.COM

FOODANDWINE.COM

NYMAG.COM

YUMSUGAR.COM

BARGEEK.COM

A refreshing drink for a hot summer day...WATERMELON COOLER.

Try one of the recipes...Let me know which one you liked best!

Enjoy,

Carmen

NYC ~ MESA GRILL, Billy's Bakery, JUNIOR'S Restaurant

June 16, 2009...took a trip to New York City.
Stayed overnite at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

On the agenda...

• lunch at Bobby Flay's restaurant, MESA GRILL
  
• dessert at Billy's Bakery
  
• after dinner dessert ~ Junior's Cheesecake

(If you look closely, my reflection is at the bottom left of this frame. I'm taking the picture.)

MESA GRILL
102 5th Avenue (between 15th & 16th Street)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 807-7400
(Owner: Bobby Flay)

Lunch hour at MESA GRILL. BUSY!

My lunch order...

Shrimp & Roasted Garlic Corn Tamale

with Fresh Corn and Cilantro Sauce.

It was fantastic. I'll definitely come back...



Now, I 'm off to enjoy dessert.

As if you didn't know by now, I LOVE my dessert.

BILLY'S BAKERY
184 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 647-9956

My friend Heba (below) had mentioned that Billy's Bakery was worth a visit.
Thanks Heba for the suggestion. You were right. It was fantastic!


I'm strolling along and took pictures of the flowers.

It's nice to see flowers in a bustling city in the midst of so much mortar.

Lovely!

Nice touch. I love the plants and the ivy.

Even in such small spaces, there is a focus on making the surroundings beautiful. I like that!

Ok, I've arrived at Billy's Bakery...
The look and feel is nostalgic.

It reminds me of my days baking when I was in my early teens.

I baked every single day. I loved it!

Baking for me was a peaceful, zenlike experience.

Thus, the name of my blog, BAKING is my ZeN.

I like how a clothesline is used to display merchandise.

The customers pour in...

A showcase of some of the bakery items.

By the way, this is NOT Billy.

I ordered a Chocolate Cupcake and a Red Velvet Cupcake.

Here I am indulging on the Chocolate Cupcake.

The frosting was phenomenal! I was a happy lady today!!

DELISH!

Red Velvet Cupcake and Chocolate Cupcake...try it! You'll like it.
Message from Heba & Carmen: TRY BILLY'S BAKERY!

Yum!

So, after dinner (which was Ribs and Fries), I had the pleasure of enjoying not just any cheesecake. But a cheesecake that had a SPONGECAKE CRUST! Do you believe this?
I was smitten!! :)

What establishment sells this?

JUNIOR'S

Times Square
West 45th Street between Broadway & 8th Avenue
Telephone: (212) 302-2000

JUNIOR'S is famous for its Cheesecake with a spongecake crust.


New York was fun. But, I'm glad to be back home. Home sweet home!
Peace in Baking, Carmen