

Little else feels as summery as biting into a wedge of watermelon under the summer sun. What better way to indulge than with exactly that: a watermelon wedge (which also happens to be perched on a glass slowly conveying the liquid within from an area of low temperature to one of high temperature).
The Heat Exchange cocktail enters the melon march with muddled pieces of watermelon flesh in mint. We're essentially making mint-infused watermelon water that's been spiked with vodka and vermouth. It's a rather refreshing beverage that features a delicate dance of watermelon flavor sashaying between notes of floral wine and the slightest sourness from the lime.
The folks over at New Deal Distillery, who coined this cocktail for use with their Portland 90 Vodka consider it a "porch pounder". And, by that I can only assume that I'm to be expected to knock one of these back, or perhaps multiple to get that full "exchanging of heat" effect that it so advertises. I'd happily do so. It's hot outside, it's hot inside, and as per usual, I could really use a drink.
For those looking to get more mileage out of their watermelons, interestingly, they can also be used as drinking apparatuses. Either hollow out the rind and fill it back up or try the "Drunken Watermelon" technique where you booze up the entire globe's flesh using little more than one melon, and one bottle of your favorite spirit combined together!
Heat Exchange
Heat Exchange
- Muddled, 1 Small Piece of Watermelon
- Muddled, 6 Mint Leaves
- Muddled, 1/2 oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup
- 1 oz (30 ml) Vodka (Union Forge)
- 1 oz (30 ml) Vermouth (Noilly Prat Dry, but Dolin Blanc preferred)
- 1 oz (30 ml) Lime Juice
- Top with 1.5 oz (44 ml) Soda Water
Method: Shake & Double-Strain
Garnish: Mint and Watermelon Wedge
Credits: https://newdealdistillery.com/recipes/heat-exchange/
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