watermelon lemonade

The flavors of summer are celebrated in this very refreshing, not too sweet watermelon lemonade.  Perfect by itself on a hot day, or served with a splash of vodka for a delicious cocktail – this drink is summer in a glass.

Ingredients

• sugar - 1/2 cup
• water - 1/2 cup
• cold water - 3 cups
• lemon juice - 1 1/2 cups, fresh squeezed
• watermelon puree - 2 cups
• vodka - optional

how to

• Make a simple syrup by bringing the sugar and 1/2 cup water to boil in a small pan.  Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

• Stir in the cold water, then pour into a pitcher and add the lemon juice and watermelon puree and stir to combine.
  (to make the watermelon puree, just puree chopped pieces of melon in a food processor, then push through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and pulp)

• If using vodka, use a cocktail shaker to shake 1 part vodka with 4 parts lemonade and pour over ice, or fancy it up a bit and serve straight up in a chilled martini glass.