Refreshing Watermelon Martini Recipe
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
7 minutes
Servings:
2 Servings
Ingredients
  • ½ cup grapeseed oil or other neutral oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried red chile flakes
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 cups seedless watermelon, cubed (about 2 pounds), plus more for garnish
  • 3 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce elderflower liqueur
  • 2 sprigs basil, for garnish
Directions
  1. Make the chile oil first so it has time to cool. Combine the oil and chile flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently until the oil just begins to shimmer and the flakes darken slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it smoke.
  2. Remove the oil from the heat, stir in the salt, and let it steep for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer into a small jar and set it aside.
  4. Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  5. Set a fine mesh strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour in the blended watermelon.
  6. Let the watermelon drain for 10 minutes, then gather the cheesecloth into a bundle and press firmly to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids. You should have about 1 cup of bright, clear juice. Refrigerate until cold, at least 15 minutes.
  7. Combine 4 ounces of watermelon juice, vodka, Campari, and elderflower liqueur in a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice.
  8. Shake hard for 20 seconds.
  9. Double-strain into chilled glasses. Finish each glass with a few drops of chile oil on the surface.
  10. Garnish with basil and cut out watermelon balls or circles on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately.