Fresh and fruity.
The quart container the bartender handed me brimmed with pinkish melon juice and bobbed with strawberries, blueberries and lime wheels. When I stole a sip between plating hummus and a salad, my gloved fingers left clear streaks on the frosted plastic. The juice sliding down my throat was cold, tart, and oh so sweet.
When I thanked the bartender later, catching him on the stairs with a box of wine bottles, I asked him what he’d put in it. He wiped his forehead against the top of his sleeve. “Oh, I don’t know. Melon juice, a little citrus—lime, lemon maybe? A little club soda.”
Whatever it was, it became the inspiration for this recipe.
Cool and sweet, tart and fresh, this Watermelon Limeade is the perfect thirst-quencher for a hot summer day. The tart lime accents the sweet watermelon, while the occasional blueberries bring bursts of summer juiciness and the mint breaths cool freshness throughout the whole drink.
With only four ingredients, this limeade is easy enough to make and store in the refrigerator for any and everyday refreshment. But arranged in a fancy glass or pitcher with the blueberries and mint, suddenly it’s classy enough for any summer party. Whether you’re just walking inside from weeding the garden or are stretched out by the pool with friends, I hope you
Enjoy!
Watermelon Limeade with Blueberries and Fresh Mint
For the limeade:
8 cups watermelon, cubed (for about 1 quart juice)
3-5 limes (for about ¾ cup juice)
½ cup cooled simple syrup (recipe follows)
¼ tsp salt
1 cup blueberries
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
For the simple syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Special equipment: blender, sieve, ice cube trays (optional).
Method
For the limeade:
In batches, blend watermelon in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids and clean out blender.
Juice the limes and measure out ¾ cup juice.
Combine lime juice, watermelon juice, ½ cup cooled simple syrup, and salt in the clean blender. Blend until combined, then taste and add more lime or simple syrup as needed.
Pour about ¼ of the limeade into ice cube trays to freeze for serving, if desired. Chill the remainder.
To serve, add 2-3 limeade cubes, 6-8 blueberries, and 3-4 fresh mint leaves to a glass. Pour in chilled limeade and serve.
For the simple syrup:
Combine sugar and water in a small sauce pot. Bring to a simmer and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool completely before using.
Originally posted August 15, 2021.
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