Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice (from 1 lemon)
- 5 mint sprigs
- 1 small yellow watermelon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 basil sprigs
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 2 cups 16 ounces sparkling water
- 4 lime wedges
Directions
- Bring water, lemon zest, and 1 mint sprig to a boil in a saucepan over medium. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Meanwhile, peel the watermelon and remove the rind. Cut the watermelon flesh into large chunks. Add the watermelon chunks and sugar to the water, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the mint sprig.
- Process the watermelon mixture with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
- Make 4 herb bouquets by tying 1 sprig of mint, basil, and thyme together with kitchen string.
- To serve, pour 1⁄2 cup of watermelon lemonade in each of 4 (8-ounce) glasses. Fill each glass three-fourths full with ice. Add 1 herb bouquet to each glass, and top with about 1⁄2 cup sparkling water. Garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
The amount of watermelon juice can vary from watermelon to watermelon. When making lemonade, you may have to adjust the amount of water added. Take your time, and note the viscosity of the mixture as it is pureed.
