I’ve always associated Labor Day weekend with a kind of sadness. It’s because as a kid, Labor Day weekend was usually the last weekend of summer before school started. As such, it was a weekend of lasts. The last time I could play until all hours with my friends in the cul de sac. The last time I’d get to sit around all day watching re-runs of Gilligan’s Island. The last time I’d get watermelon.  (Of course there was always NEXT summer. But when you’re a kid, you don’t look that far ahead).

Yeah, we kids LOVED us some watermelon. Even better with SALT sprinkled on it. Yeah, you heard me. Salt…on…watermelon. That was in the days people actually kept salt shakers on their kitchen table. You know, before salt was bad for you.

Anyway, I don’t know exactly WHEN watermelon goes out of season. I suspect it’s available AFTER Labor Day. But you know that rule about NOT wearing white after Labor Day? Our parents had a similar rule about consuming watermelon. Watermelon to them was a symbol of summer. Once summer was over, that was it. No more watermelon.

In case this weekend is the last time YOU plan to enjoy that succulent red melon, why not enjoy it as MUCH as possible. In a cocktail, perhaps? May I present The Food Network’s…

 

SUMMER WATERMELON SITUATION COCKTAIL

 

8 cups diced watermelon (about 1/2 of a small watermelon), plus slices for garnish
8 ounces lemon vodka, chilled
7 ounces simple syrup, recipe follows
1 (17.5-ounce) can coconut juice
1 lemon

Directions
Chill watermelon in the freezer for 30 minutes. Put all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve very cold in a chilled glass, and garnish with watermelon or lemon slices.

Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave.) Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Yield: about 1 1/2 cups

 

ENJOY! And remember….don’t feel guilt and drive.