Snack or sip on refreshing watermelon treats and drinks this summer to beat the heat at some of the Valley’s coolest bars and eateries.
What would summer be without a slice of watermelon? It is hard to imagine a food more perfectly designed for enjoyment in the sweltering weather of June, July, and August. The melon is hydrating, sweet, and cool, and it bears a unique texture that is crisp and tender all at once.
Of course, this fruit is delicious with no additional culinary wizardry. However, if you’d like to discover how the Hudson Valley has stretched the capabilities of watermelon in the way of drinks, sweets, and salads, take a trip to these local establishments.
Divino Cucina Italiana
Hastings-on-Hudson
Treat to try: watermelon salad
While this restaurant is best known for its stellar Italian standards—its fusilli alla Bolognese and chicken Marsala come to mind—the menu includes a few recipes outside this canon, including a watermelon salad. Topped with feta and fresh mint, this dish serves as the ideal precursor to a heavier main course. Enjoy the salad with one of the signature cocktails or the Valley-native Juice Bomb IPA, which Divino keeps on draft.
Harney & Sons
Millerton
Treat to try: watermelon mint iced tea
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The Hudson Valley’s own world-renowned tea brand has a shop located in Millerton that is sure to quench your thirst in the warmer months. From Harney Palmers to cosmic lemonades and matcha, the Dutchess County outpost will brew up pretty much any of the teas it offers. Try the watermelon mint fresh-brewed iced tea for a crisp and refreshing beverage that is subtly fruity with a hint of green tea. While in the shop, also try one of the seasonal salads like the Blue Harvest, with cabbage, green apple, blue cheese, and maple tahini dressing.
Kitty’s Market
Hudson
Treat to try: watermelon water
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Taking the water in watermelon quite literally, Kitty’s Market is stocked with this refreshing canned beverage that makes happy hour delicious or poolside hangouts refreshing. Instead of heading to the bar for a summery watermelon cocktail, opt to make your own at home with Mela watermelon juice and tequila. The perfect drink for the dog days, this canned beverage is just one of the many unique items that make Kitty’s a must-visit market for eclectic eats and ingredients.
Lawrence Park
Hudson
Treat to try: Banzai Pipeline
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Situated on Hudson’s most popular street, this establishment promises “farmer-made wine, independent craft beer, thought-provoking cocktails” in a simple, modern environment; the bare brick, marble countertop, and scattered houseplants make for an upscale, yet unpretentious feel. Here, watermelon is featured in the “Banzai Pipeline”—another spicy-and-sweet amalgam of flavor—alongside tequila, mezcal, Campari, vermouth, watermelon-jalapeno syrup, grapefruit juice, and salt.
The Original Mickey’s Igloo
Kingston
Treat to try: watermelon Dole whip
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With over 30 flavors of soft serve ice cream available every day, it is no surprise that Mickey’s offers watermelon ice cream. Could you imagine a better treat for a hot summer day? In addition to soft serve, the sweet spot offers sugar-free and vegan options, as well as fries, onion rings, fried pickle chips, macaroni and cheese bites, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella-zucchini sticks, fried dough, and more.
Walter’s Hot Dogs
White Plains, Mamaroneck
Treat to try: watermelon Italian ice
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As far as hotdog stands go, Walter’s is the cream of the crop; it has been recognized nationally for its superlative hotdogs. Yet, as you peruse the extensive menu, the dessert options—including the homemade Italian ice—are hard to ignore. One of the current seasonal flavors is watermelon, which is the perfect complement to a hotdog and fries dipped in ketchup or mustard.
Related: Sip Refreshing Mocktails at These Hudson Valley Spots All Summer Long
