One of my friends in Seattle introduced this delicious drink to me last summer (You know who you are–Thank You!) and I had to know how to make it!  I looked up some recipes and here’s what I came up with.

This drink is the perfect way too cool off on a hot summer day, especially with this hot summer we have been having, and a great way to use up any leftover watermelon that needs to be eaten.  Plus, it only has a five ingredients!

Watermelon Ginger Limeade

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)

Method:

1.  In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and ginger.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.  Strain the ginger syrup into a small bowl (or pitcher) and allow to cool.

2.  Place the cubed watermelon in a food processor and pulse a few times until smooth.  (I say “pulse” because this process can get quite messy!)  Pour the puree into a strainer set over a large bowl.  Press the juice out of any seeds or pulp that remain in the strainer.

3.  In a pitcher, combine the ginger syrup, watermelon puree, and lime juice.  Chill until ready to use (stir before serving).  Pour into glasses filled with ice and enjoy!  Garnish with additional watermelon if desired.

Tips and Thoughts:

This drink is also good if you add some club soda to make it a little bubbly (or lemon-lime soda).  I also used it to make what I call a “Watermelon Palmer,” which is half Watermelon Ginger Limeade/half Lemonade.

If you do not serve it all immediately, you will find that it will begin to separate.  Just give it a quick stir before serving.  (Keep chilled in the refrigerator.)

Source:  Food & Wine, April 2005