The original recipe comes out of the July 2009 issue of Southern Living, page 16. I found a yellow watermelon from a local grower and decided to give the recipe a spin around the block. I'll tell you right now. It was surprisingly refreshing, not sweet at all. It was super easy to bring together. However, you have to LOVE watermelon to really enjoy a pitcher of it. Don't be fooled by the photo above. This is not a fleshy or icey drink like a dacquiri or smoothie, it's water that tastes like watermelon.
HERE'S ALL IT TAKES
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups cold water
Process the watermelon and sugar in a blender, until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Pour mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the solids. Stir in 2 cups cold water. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice. Makes about 5 cups.
Cook's notes: I started with a cold watermelon so I skipped the 'cover & chill' step. And I didn't worry with the small white seeds in the watermelon; they were blended right into the mix.
The original recipe said we could use cantaloupe or honeydew melon, too.
Sounds perfect for these hot days! (and easy to make too!)
I had something very similar to this at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey. It was so refreshing! They had it out by the registration desk the day I arrived and I kept looking for it throughout my stay but I guess they either didn’t bring it out again, or it was during times that I was otherwise engaged. If I recall correctly, they also had mint leaves floating in the drink dispenser.
I’m so happy to have this recipe now! Can’t wait to try it in my for my guests!