Even though Mereday’s Fine Dining is leaving Naples Bay Resort, we were glad to hear Bonefish Grill is there to stay, at least so we can indulge in the new cocktails offered until Sept. 21 at the four area locations—Naples (1500 Fifth Ave. S.), Fort Myers (14261 S. Tamiami Trail), Cape Coral (900 SW Pine Island Road) and Bonita Springs (26381 S. Tamiami Trail). The drinks celebrate summer’s bounty and include the Fresh Watermelon Martini, which the restaurant has agreed to share here. Serve it for your next beachside sundowner and reel in the compliments.
Fresh Watermelon Martini
Simple syrup and sour mix can be purchased at liquor stores or easily made at home. For the simple syrup, boil 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water until it dissolves. After it has cooled, you can make sour mix by placing a generous ½ cup simple syrup in a bottle and straining ½ cup fresh lemon juice and ¼ cup fresh lime juice into it. Taste and add a splash more simple syrup if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side.
2 peeled cucumber slices
2 watermelon cubes, plus more for garnish
¼ ounce simple syrup, or more to taste
1½ ounces vodka
½ ounce sour mix
Combine cucumber, watermelon and simple syrup in a cocktail mixer and muddle well. Add vodka and sour mix. Shake and adjust simple syrup to taste, if desired. Shake again and strain into a chilled martini glass; garnish with extra watermelon.
Variations:
- Trade a chilled glass for one filled with crushed ice for a frosty treat.
- Use cucumber vodka for an extra kick—or make your own. Slice up a cucumber, place it in your favorite vodka and let it infuse for 24 to 48 hours.
- Trade the martini for a margarita by substituting tequila for vodka, adding an extra ounce of sour mix and serving the cocktail over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
