One of the things I love about being able to spend more time outside is being able to make refreshing summer drinks, especially when they are made with sparkling wine – champagne or cava or prosecco. You never know when there might be an occasion to celebrate, so just in case I always keep a bottle of champagne, though lately it has been cava, in the refrigerator. And there’s always something to celebrate: it’s Friday (or it’s Friday junior, i.e. Thursday if I’m desperate), there’s a good F1 race on the TV, and of course the number one reason to celebrate if you live in Seattle: the sun is out! Yes, when the sun comes out around here all I want to do is sit outside and have a nice refreshing celebratory drink, something quick, refreshing and also a drink where I can leave out the alcohol so that the kids can also enjoy a revitalizing drink.
This watermelon mimosa is also a good drink to make when you have guests, it is a colorful and tasteful change from the classic mimosa (yes, sometimes I mess with the classics, sorry). You can make the watermelon orange mixture in advance and prepare the drinks when they arrive. For a non-alcoholic version you can either leave out the champagne or replace it with a sparkling lime soda.
Ingredients:
1 quarter of a large watermelon, about 5 cups cut in small pieces
Juice from 6 oranges, about 2 cups juice
1 bottle of chilled champagne, cava, prosecco or other sparkling wine
Sugar to taste, based on sweetness of the fruit
Mint to garnish
Preparation:
- Blend the watermelon chunks with the orange juice and sugar to taste until you have a smooth pure, strain if needed.
- Chill the watermelon orange mix in the refrigerator until ready to prepare the drinks.
- Pour the watermelon orange mix into champagne flutes, about half full.
- Add the champagne or other sparkling wine, pouring it gently to avoid from making a bubbly mess.
- Stir lightly and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
Other refreshing drinks you might enjoy:
Chicha de piña or spiced pineapple drink
This looks so good and refreshing. I love the color!
Paz
Thanks everyone for the comments.
Yvonne – my kids loved the non-alcoholic version, they wanted them in the same glasses and garnish included. We call thursdays “viernes chiquito” in Ecuador, or sometimes Juernes…
Great idea for a summer birthday party!!!! I’ve been looking for ideas for my daughter’s 6th b-day party and SHE LOVES WATERMELON (who doesn’t?). I would use the non-alcohol version!!!
In another note, you make me laugh!!, the way you write your comments is so funny, Fridays-Jr. in my country we call it ‘sabado chiquito’, ja!
Thanks for sharing!!
This looks like a great refreshing summery drink.
What a great alternative to the traditional mimosa, I could drink one right now.
What a great idea for a summer twist on the mimosa! I like it!
I can’t wait to try these. I’m definitely serving them at my conasta party.
You make me laugh- Friday jr. Ha! I have those days too! Fro sure!
I love the look of this recipe. PERFECT for summer brunch. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
ohhh!! love it! great for summertime brunch! actually i want to make some of that right now!!
As a watermelon afficionado, I believe that your “mimosa” is possibly the best drink recipe that I have ever seen.
Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us watermelon lovers.
Oh that looks delicious! I’m a big fan of mimosas, but this looks like a fun twist. I will have to try it for our next outdoor soiree