Absolut Watermelon

Absolut Watermelon is a flavored vodka from the Absolut line, so the first thing to know is that it is not a neutral spirit. Expect a clear fresh-melon note on the nose and palate, set over a clean vodka base. Flavored vodkas in this style are typically bottled lower in sweetness than a liqueur, so the fruit reads as bright and juicy rather than syrupy, and the finish tends to be short and clean. The base grain and exact ABV aren't listed in the details here, so check the label for the proof. That character makes it a better mixing vodka than a sipping one. In a Cosmopolitan, it can stand in for plain vodka and adds a melon edge that works with lime and cranberry, so you may want to cut back on any sweetener. A Moscow Mule is a good fit: ginger beer and lime keep the melon from getting cloying, and the spice gives it a counterpoint. For a simple long drink, pour it over ice with soda water and a squeeze of lime, or with lemonade for a sweeter highball. A watermelon Martini works the same way, with the vodka shaken hard with a little lime juice and a touch of simple syrup, then strained. Some classics don't suit it as well. A Bloody Mary and an Espresso Martini both depend on savory or roasted flavors, and a melon-flavored vodka will fight with them, so a plain vodka is the better choice for those. For a Martini in the traditional sense, with vermouth and a twist, a neutral vodka is also the better choice. Here the melon would dominate. For serving, keep the bottle in the freezer or pour it over plenty of ice. Chilling tightens the texture and keeps the fruit from tasting artificial. Use a chilled coupe or martini glass for shaken drinks, and a rocks or highball glass for anything served over ice. A wedge of lime or a thin slice of fresh watermelon works as a garnish. At the table, it goes well with salty or tangy foods such as feta, grilled halloumi, prosciutto, or spicy snacks, where the sweet melon offsets the salt.