As the warm summer sun shines down, there are few treats that are as refreshing as chilled watermelon, with just a touch of fresh mint. Delightful watermelon is summer’s fresh fruit with the highest-water content, delivering the perfect drink choice for summer hydration.  Watermelon is incredibly versatile in flavour and texture.  When combined with Symbiota Water Kefir, you won’t need club soda ever again.  Instead, you’ll be sipping on a full flavoured party drink for your sweetest non alcoholic drinking friends.  So, I am so excited to share a unique Symbiota watermelon cocktail with you!  This delicate beverage is one that captures every sweet essence of a wonderful summer.  One of my favourites - Symbiota Watermelon Water Kefir Cocktail.

Sweet, Juicy Watermelon.

Watermelon is a seasonal summer favourite due to natural sweetness and face dripping juiciness. It's packed with vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which are excellent for human health and digestion. Beyond the health benefits, watermelon serves as a perfect base for cocktails, giving a light and refreshing profile. This Symbiota cocktail combines the lusciousness of fresh watermelon and the gut-friendly benefits of Water Kefir, resulting in a delightful drink that is both delicious and nourishing.

Wait, what is Water Kefir?

Water Kefir is a probiotic beverage made from water, fermented sugars, and the symbiotic probiotic Water Kefir beverage culture, often known as Water Kefir grains. This drink is lightly tangy, with a slightly effervescent quality, and is often flavoured with fruits, herbs, or spices. The fermentation process adds more than just probiotics – additional vitamins and organic acids, with a delightfully fizzy texture.  Finished Water Kefir can impart beneficial probiotics that support digestive health and mental wellbeing.

For our cocktail, we’ll be using **Symbiota Probiotic Water Kefir - Watermelon Flavour** (link: https://symbiota.co.nz/collections/probiotic-drinks). 

Watermelon Kefir Recipe: 

Ingredients:

- Fresh chilled watermelon (scooped into small balls)

- Symbiota Probiotic Water Kefir - Watermelon Flavour (for the non-alcoholic version)

- 20 ml of premium vodka (for the alcoholic version)

- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the Watermelon:

   - Start by selecting a ripe, fresh watermelon. Slice it in half and use a melon baller to scoop out small balls of watermelon. You’ll need approximately half a cup of watermelon balls for each serving.

   

Chill the Watermelon:

   - It's crucial to have the watermelon balls chilled for that refreshing experience. Place them in a very cold refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for at least 10 minutes prior to preparing your cocktail.

Assemble Your Cocktail:

   - Take your favourite cocktail glass and pack in the watermelon balls and mint leaves until it is filled to the brim. This creates a beautiful presentation and ensures each sip includes a sweet hit of watermelon.

Add Symbiota Water Kefir:

   - If you’re making the non-alcoholic version, pour the Symbiota Probiotic Water Kefir - Watermelon Flavour over the top of the watermelon balls. The fizzy effervescence will complement the sweetness of the watermelon wonderfully.

   

For the Alcoholic Version:

   - For those wanting an adult twist, add 20 ml of premium vodka over the watermelon balls, followed by the Water Kefir drink. 

Garnish and Serve:

   - Finish off with a sprig of fresh mint on top for an aromatic hint that marries perfectly with the flavours. Serve immediately with a stainless-steel straw and spoon for a delightful sipping experience.

Enjoying Your Watermelon Water Kefir Cocktail

This cocktail shines at summer barbecues, pool parties, or any casual get-together. With its easy preparation and the opportunity for guests to customise their drink with or without alcohol, it's bound to be a crowd-pleaser. 

Health Benefits of Water Kefir

One of the standouts of this cocktail is the inclusion of the Symbiota Probiotic Water Kefir. Many people are unaware of the health benefits associated with consuming water kefir. Some notable perks include:

- Gut Health:  Water Kefir is known to aid digestion, promote healthy gut flora, and boost the immune system.

- Hydration:  With its high water content, this drink is perfect for hydration, especially during hot summer months.

- Nutritional Boost:  The probiotics, vitamins and organic acids in Water Kefir can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption in the body.

By combining the refreshing power of watermelon with Symbiota Probiotic Water Kefir, you’re not only treating yourself to an amazing cocktail, but also investing in your health.  Who knew it could be this easy and delicious?

Customisation Tips

Feel free to experiment with flavours! You can incorporate other fruits such as strawberries or passionfruit alongside the watermelon balls for added flavour. 

Infuse your water kefir with pineapple juice, orange juice or similar citrus, or add the ginger ale to switch up the taste.  

For alcoholic drink versions, soak the watermelon balls in vodka while chilling in the fridge.  This brings a woohoo of alcoholic fruit to every summery minty glass.

Fruit Punch Recipe

Consider making this cocktail a full display for your next summer gathering.  Fill your favourite punch bowl to the brim with all the ingredients as above.  Remember you can customise by using several servings of a premium vodka for an alcoholic punch.

### Final Thoughts

The Watermelon Water Kefir Cocktail is an easy, healthy, and refreshing way to enjoy the summer. Whether you’re sitting poolside, hosting a barbecue, or simply unwinding after a stressful day, this cocktail is sure to please. 

Don’t forget to give it a try and make use of the delicious flavour of **Symbiota Probiotic Water Kefir - Watermelon Flavour** (https://symbiota.co.nz/collections/probiotic-drinks) for an added touch of health and taste!

Cheers to summer sipping!

For more delightful recipes, check out our affiliate links here: https://symbiota.co.nz/blogs/news/yummy-summer-water-kefir-recipes 

For more insights into health benefits, feel free to explore additional resources: https://www.lovetoknow.com/food-drink/mocktails/non-alcoholic-fruit-cocktails, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/non-alcoholic-cocktail-recipes, https://www.101cookbooks.com/nonalcoholic-cocktails/, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/non-alcoholic-punch-recipes