Have I got the perfect girly cocktail for those 4th of July needs. It’s chilled, fruity, and when served with blueberries and a hint of whipped cream, it’s patriotic.

Watermelon Mellow

• 8 cups diced watermelon (about 1/2 of a small watermelon, plus slices for garnish)

• 8 ounces lemon vodka (make sure it’s chilled)

• 7 ounces simple syrup*

• 1 can coconut juice

• 1 lemon

Put your diced watermelon in the freezer for 30 minutes. Afterwards, put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Squeeze some fresh lemon into the mixture, and serve very cold in a chilled glass. Feel free to garnish with watermelon, a few blueberries, and the slightest hint of whipped cream.

(*simple syrup is easy to make. Take 1 cup sugar and 1 cup of water and pour both into a small saucepan. Cook on low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.)

Have a great 4th, and always remember to drink responsibly. Being wasted while fireworks are booming overhead can be very disorienting…and nobody likes a confused drunk.