We hosted a fundraiser for Our Hen House last Friday evening. When we were planning the event, we decided we wanted to come up with a signature cocktail to serve. Before we knew what the drink would be, I already named it, “The Squawker”. For those of you unfamiliar with the Our Hen House podcast (you really should listen to it), the introduction to each episode ends with Jasmin Singer saying, “let’s get squawking.” So The Squawker was just a natural fit. Ethan and I knew we wanted it to be something that could be made with or without alcohol so that everyone would be able to enjoy it. We tossed around a various combinations of fruit juices and mixers, but nothing was right. Then, during our trip to Israel, we stopped to grab a juice at one of the many just stands lining the streets of Tel Aviv and I ordered a watermelon-strawberry juice. Ethan thought that sounded good, so he got one as well. When we each took a sip, we looked at one another and immediately knew we had found the base for  the The Squawker. We both said it just needed a little tweek and agreed on just what those additions were.

This drink is perfect for a hot summertime day. It is light, refreshing and full of anti-oxidants. You can make the puree ahead of time and keep it in a pitcher to pour and add the final touches as needed. This will go fast, so make plenty.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the base:
1 3-4 pound seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered
3 sprigs fresh mint (leaves only)
1 TBL lime juice

Finishing Touches:
Club soda
Vodka (for adults only)
Mint leaf for garnish

Directions:

1. Add the watermelon chunks to a blender and blend until mostly liquid.

2. Add the strawberries, mint leaves, and lime juice. Continue to blend until everything is well mixed and all liquid. About 2-3 minutes

3. Pour into a pitcher and chill until ready to drink.

To finish the drink:

1. Fill your glass halfway with ice.

2. Pour in enough of puree to fill your glass 2/3 full.

3. Fill the rest of the glass with club soda. You can add a shot of vodka too if you like. Stir well.

4. Garnish with a mint leaf and serve.