Need a refreshing, fruity drink for your July 4th celebration? Look no further than this tonic, which features sweet, juicy watermelon and apple cider vinegar. The drink is wonderful on its own, or you can add a splash of gin to make a distinctive cocktail. The recipe is based on the ancient Persian sekanjabin, a sweet and sour hydrating elixir that is traditionally drunk in hot weather, or used as a dipping sauce for crisp Romaine lettuce leaves.

The recipe is featured in today’s Genius Recipes column on Food52.

By the way, if you’ve got a copy of The New Persian Kitchen and you’re all set to start exploring the food of Iran, you may have noticed that you’ll need to find an Iranian grocery store. There are more of them than you might think! Be sure to check my national list of stores that carry the ingredients called for in the book. Having just taken a trip to Seattle, WA, I came across three different Iranian food stores, and I hear that there are even more. If you don’t live near one of the stores on the list, never fear, you can always order online.

Have a wonderful 4th!

Photos: James Ransom, courtesy of Food52.