Pakwan na Niluglog / Watermelon Shake

Literally translated – shaken watermelon. Teehee. With a surplus of superb watermelon from my entry on the fruit itself, I decided to make a watermelon shake and photograph it to inspire readers to go that one step further. Watermelon shakes made with ripe fruit are absolutely delicious and so incredibly easy to make.

For a “day” drink, chop up ripe cold watermelon (about 4-5 cups is good for one shake), throw it into a blender with seeds intact, add some sugar water if desired or a couple teaspoons sugar, spritz some fresh lemon or lime (1/2 teaspoon or less), and blend until frothy. Put in a nice clear glass and enjoy! For a “night” drink, do the same recipe as above and put in a splash or two of rhum or perhaps vodka for a fruity cocktail. Garnish with fresh mint.

If you like your drink really cold, you could add a few ice cubes before blending but your drink will be a little more watery. Do not worry about the seeds – they add texture and the bulk of the crushed seeds sink to the bottom of the glass anyway. Think of it as a portion of your daily roughage requirement.

Oh, oh, I just thought of something. In college we used to inject watermelons with vodka a few hours before a tailgate barbecue or football game. Then chill the whole watermelon and serve sliced after already having had too many drinks. Juvenile but fun. Some of you may wish to try this at the beach or for a picnic. Do not drive after having this treat.