A few summers ago, I whipped up a party-size batch of Watermelon Sangria. It was a hit and really made my croquet game better than ever! And summer is the time to enjoy juicy, sweet melons – the markets are brimming with them.

With their crisp, cool and refreshing qualities, melons evoke the essence of the summer season. We enjoy them in a multitude of ways. From simple chilled watermelon wedges with a sprinkling of chili lime salt to colorful melon-ball skewers of honeydew and cantaloupe intertwined with thinly sliced prosciutto for utensil-free outdoor snacking!

And have you ever seen those “watermelon taps?” They’re super cool to add in a watermelon drink and have it ready to pour.

But one of my favorite watermelon cocktails is the “Smitten:” tequila, fresh watermelon chunks, lime, a little simple syrup, a few sprigs of cilantro and a dash of hot sauce – it’s something a little different and d’lish!

Check out www.LiquidKitchen.tv to get the recipe and watch a video on how to make the Smitten!

So be sure to enjoy them while you can; there’s nothing like summer’s fresh melons to cool you off on a hot day. –Kathy