Often found in Asian dishes, Chinese five-spice is a spicy-sweet blend of spices; the exact five spices can vary, but always include star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. Here Chinese five-spice is used to flavor a sugar syrup, which then is combined with frozen watermelon, rum, and lime juice. The result is both subtle and complex, resulting in a quietly mysterious undertone to a frozen watermelon daiquiri.
Ingredients:
For the Five-Spice Simple Syrup (makes more than needed for 2 drinks)
4 ounces water
4 ounces granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
For the Frozen Watermelon Five-Spice Daiquiri (serves 2)
4 ounces white (light) rum
1½ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
1½ ounces five-spice simple syrup (see above)
12 ounces watermelon cubes, frozen
2 dashes angostura aromatic bitters (optional)
Preparation:
For the Five-Spice Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to simmer.
Remove from heat. Add the Chinese five-spice powder and stir to combine. Cover and allow to come to room temperature.
Strain the five-spice syrup through a coffee-filter-lined strainer into a jar with a lid or other air-tight container; this will take a while. Store in the refrigerator. The flavored syrup will keep for about 1 month.
For the Frozen Watermelon Five-Spice Daiquiri: In a blender, combine all the ingredients. Pulse until the watermelon is mostly broken up, then blend continuously on high for 30 to 60 seconds. The mixture should be smooth and a slightly paler pink than when you started (if it’s not, some watermelon chunks still need to be broken up).
Divide between 2 glasses (preferably ones that are chilled). Serve immediately.
– Adapted from a recipe by “hardlikearmour” published by Food52.
Recipe tested by Ellen Ficklen; email questions to hello@watermelontimes.com