Watermelon Lemonade

Can we talk about lemonade today?  I got a bargain on lemons;  gi-gan-tic lemons, and you know that saying—“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”.    So I did!

At some point during this holiday weekend you are probably going to be drinking something cold and refreshing.  This lemonade is just a little bit different, and would be perfect to serve either with or without some “spiritus fruementi” added.

Has anyone noticed that if you reverse just one syllable, lemonade becomes melonade.   Melonade, a punchy, pink, seedless, cool, refreshing beverage that celebrates the best of the season.   If you’re planning a celebration, or even if you’re not, you will want to make this icy, pink drink.  It’s so cool!

Icy cold and refreshing!

I know you’re thirsty, so let’s make some.  Here’s how…..

Beautiful big lemons, produced lots of juice.

WATERMELON LEMONADE

Yield:   makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lemons, quartered
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 medium watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into chunks
• 1 cup vodka (optional)

Directions:

1.  Squeeze lemons into a large pitcher;  add the squeezed lemon quarters. (Alternately, cut lemons in half, and squeeze, then cut halves into smaller wedges.)  Add mint and sugar;  mash with a wooden spoon until mint is bruised and sugar is dissolved.

2.  In a blender, puree watermelon in batches until smooth; pour through a fine-mesh sieve into pitcher with lemon mixture.  (You should have about 8 cups juice.  Stir to combine.   Refrigerate, covered, up to 3 days.   Before serving, add vodka, if using;  serve over ice.

SOURCE:   MarthaStewart.com