Watermelon-Sriracha Sangria Recipe

I’m not a psychic, but I can tell you two things for sure about the future: 1) It’s going to be hot as hell this weekend, and 2) I’ll be drinking plenty of Watermelon-Sriracha Sangria to help counteract that.

It’s crisp, refreshing, and delightfully boozy, with just a hint of the almighty rooster’s heat. Plus it’s super easy to make! It’s one of my favorite recipes from The Veggie-Lover’s Sriracha Cookbook, and I hope you’re inspired to enjoy some with me!

Recipe: Watermelon-Sriracha Sangria

• 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1 (750 mL) bottle dry unoaked white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup Calvados, light rum, or brandy
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 12 fluid ounces natural ginger ale (such as Reed’s Original Ginger Brew)
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

In a blender, puree 6 cups of the watermelon. Strain into a large pitcher. Add the wine, Calvados, sugar, Sriracha, lime slices, and remaining 2 cups of watermelon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. (This can be made up to 2 days in advance.)

When ready to serve, give the mixture a healthy stir, then pour in the ginger ale. Put a few ice cubes in each glass, then fill with the sangria, making sure to get some lime and watermelon goodies in everyone’s cup. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.

Reprinted with permission from The Veggie-Lover’s Sriracha Cookbook: 50 Vegan “Rooster Sauce” Recipes That Pack a Punch by Randy Clemens. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc. Text copyright © 2013 by Randy Clemens. Photographs copyright © 2013 by Leo Gong.

Whisky. Sriracha. Candy.

I needed to sit down when I saw this recipe. How did they so magically combine some of my favorite things into a sweet little inconspicuous-looking heart?

I’m really looking forward to bringing these into the office and secretly getting my whisky fix. Boss asks what’s up? “Oh, they’re cough drops… I haven’t been feeling 100% the past few days, but I didn’t want to miss work. You know me… Mr. Dedicated!” Then I’ll cough on her so she goes back to leaving me alone, all while I unassumingly get my drank on (with a soupçon of Sriracha to boot) and look like a model employee. WIN.

(Brilliant recipe and beautiful photograph via Olives for Dinner | Vegan Recipes and Photography: Whisky-Sriracha Candy)

Recipe: Strawberry-Sriracha Margarita

This lovely looking Strawberry Sriracha Margarita recipe is exactly what I need a pitcher of next weekend. (Kudos to the ever-brilliant Jackie at DomesticFits.com for coming up with it!)

And if you’re feeling extra spunky, you can rim the glass with a healthy coating of Sriracha Salt! (It’s super easy to make, and you’ll end up putting it on everything. Just FYI.)