Watermelon Sangria

Is it still hot where you live?  All this back to school talk has me feeling as if Fall should be right around the corner, but the weather outside certainly isn't giving any hints of Fall just yet.  So, I decided to finally try out a couple of hot-weather party drink recipes, just in time for Labor Day weekend.

These Watermelon Sangrias are a fantastic way to use up that very ripe watermelon you've got sitting in your fridge.  Just blend it up, strain out the pulp, and stir in some booze.  It definitely tastes smoother and more watermelon-y if you let it sit in your fridge for a few hours (just like in traditional Sangria), so it give a little time to rest before serving.

Enjoy!



Watermelon Sangria
adapted from Serious Eats

4 c. cubed ripe seedless watermelon
2 c. white wine
1 oz. light rum
2 oz. Cointreau
2 oz. simple syrup
3 limes
ice
lime seltzer water, optional
optional garnish: additional watermelon and mint sprigs

In a blender, purée watermelon cubes. Strain into a large pitcher. Add wine, rum, Cointreau, and simple syrup and stir. Juice 2 limes and add juice to pitcher. Slice the other lime lengthwise and then slice into thin slices. Add lime slices to pitcher, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Pour into ice-filled serving glasses, garnish with additional watermelon and mint sprigs and top off with optional lime seltzer water.  Makes about 6 servings.

Ingredient Lineup:

Strain the pureed watermelon to remove excess pulp.

Salud!