Sweet Taste of Summer - Watermelon Coolers

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer with a cool, sweet refreshing beverage.


INGREDIENTS:
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 cups white rum
• 4 cups seedles watermelon
• 8 cups crushed ice
• Watermelon spears and mint sprigs, for garnish

SERVINGS: MAKES 2 1/2 QUARTS

DIRECTIONS:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool. In a blender, combine half of the sugar syrup with half of the lime juice, rum and watermelon chunks and blend until combined. Add half of the ice and blend until smooth, then pour into a large pitcher. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve in chilled glasses, garnish with watermelon spears and top with mint sprigs. The watermelon mixture can be blended earlier in the day and refrigerated. Blend with ice just before serving. Tastes just as refreshing in a non-alcoholic version.

Photography and styling by Jeff Schmieg