Watermelon Gin Jalapeno Limeade Spritzer

On a trip out to Cosi a little while back, I sampled their Watermelon Habanero Lemonade and was thoroughly impressed.  Sweet, spicy and very refreshing.  I really needed to make this into a cocktail. On a recent sunny Sunday afternoon I sequestered myself in the kitchen endeavoring to do just that. I was going to start with store bought lemonade but my wife suggested that I take a look at Emeril's Watermelon Limeade recipe before I do.  Always with a good idea up her sleeve, I listened and whipped up a batch.  Start with 8 cups of loosely packed watermelon (seeds removed) and blend until liquefied. Strain until all the pulp is removed. You should be left with about a quart (4 cups) of juice.  Add one cup of fresh lime juice along with a half cup of sugar and you're done.  This in itself is very tasty but it's not a cocktail just yet.  Cosi used Habanero peppers in it's drink but I'm a huge fan of Jalapenos so I went that route. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and scrape all the seeds and pulp out with a spoon. That's where most of the heat is and I'm looking for taste not bite.  Slice the pepper into 1/8" pieces and set aside.  A little pepper goes a long way so when building your drink, start with about 4 half moon slices and add to taste. I associate Gin with summertime cocktails so that was a no brainer. I prefer Hendricks but that can be a bit pricey so Beefeater is just fine. To finish things off I added an equal amount of Club Soda for that carbonated kick.  Tasty drink and fun to make. Though I think I need a better name. Suggestions?

Watermelon Gin Jalapeno Limeade Spritzer
   
     - 1 oz. Gin
     - 1 oz. Club Soda
     - 5 oz. Watermelon Limeade
     - 4 slices Jalapeno halves (1/8" thick, seeds and pulp removed)

Add Gin, Club Soda and Jalapeno to rocks glass, let sit for about a minute.  Add ice till about 3/4 full.  Top with Watermelon Limeade and stir. Enjoy!