Watermelon Sparkler

I know, I know summertime is "over". Labor Day, and whatever. Let's be honest, though, the weather hasn't paid a bit of attention to Labor Day or the changing of the months from August to September. Technically, summer doesn't end until September 21st (ish), when Autumn beings--and with that in mind, I suggest that we enjoy a last summery cocktail before we start putting pumpkin into everything. 

Lest you think I am being unkind to Cucurbitaceae--the family to which both pumpkins and watermelons belong--I give you a last taste of summer with a watermelon sparkly beverage. This twist on the Champagne cocktail came to mind on some of those hot summery days, as a half-chopped watermelon sat in our kitchen, waiting for tiny people to come home from the pool and devour it. Agua fresca meets Champagne cocktail? Now you're on the right track.  

Watermelon Sparkler

Ingredients 
   4 teaspoons fresh watermelon
   1 sugar cube
   Dash of Grand Mariner
   Sparkling wine
   Lemon twist

Directions

1. Combine watermelon, sugar cube and Grand Mariner in a glass. Lightly muddle together. 
2. Add sparkling wine and lemon twist. Enjoy! 

PS: Individual units of sparkling wine kill me. So cute! So convenient!