Today is National Watermelon Day, so what better way to celebrate that with a watermelon cocktail? This amazing cocktail is a slight twist on the original Vojito (which is always made with vodka, while a Mojito is made with rum), using watermelon as an added component that blends beautifully with the fresh summer flavors of mint and lime. So if you’re planning on celebrating the life of the watermelon tonight, don’t forget to pick out one that’s big enough to eat and drink!

Strip 2 sprigs of fresh mint (leaving the top of one for a garnish), and place in a cocktail tin or large glass.  Add 1 ¼ oz of Clique Vodka and muddle by repeatedly pressing the leaves with a cocktail muddler or any kitchen utensil with a flat end on the handle to push the flavorful oils out of the leaves.  Once you have muddled the mint, add 3 or 4 1-inch cubes of watermelon, and muddle them to create a nice juicy pulp. I find that it’s easier to muddle the mint first; otherwise the watermelon cubes get in the way. Fill a tall glass with ice (a short glass will allow the ice to melt faster, creating a watery cocktail), and pour in. Add the juice of half a lime and a ¼ oz of simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved in 1 part hot water), and top off with soda water. Stir, and garnish by holding the top of a mint sprig in your palm and firmly smacking it with your other hand to release the oils. Place inside the glass, and cut a slit in a piece of watermelon to sit on the rim.

I personally like to serve this on a watermelon coaster, but don’t forget to place it on a plate first and gently press the glass into it so it doesn’t slide around. Of course we’ll be making Watermelon Vojitos tomorrow, but you can substitute and fresh fruit of your liking to the classic Vojito recipe. Try fresh berries, peaches, plums, mangos….whatever you like! Just don’t forget to Tweet a pic with Instagram including the tag #Cliqueshots to gain 10 likes on cliqueshots.cliquevodka.com and win a prize!