I love summer, absolutely love it!   With the warm weather comes my desire for a creative refreshment so I decided to create a new category on the blog called Sips.  This category will contain drinks for grownups, kids and some for both.   This post for Watermelon Juice will definitely please both adults and kids alike.  It is cool, refreshing, delicious and a welcome departure from the usual juice.

Watermelon.  When I think summer and warm weather I definitely think of this fresh, pink, refreshing fruit.  Everything about it screams summer.  It is the perfect picnic fruit since you can eat it with your hands and with its high water content it will cool you down on those hot summer days.  Since watermelon is so tasty I decided to turn this crisp melon into a refreshing drink.

The first step in creating this drink is to remove the watermelon from the rind and dice the fruit up into chunks.  I generally cut them into about one inch chunks but since this is all being blended, preciseness isn’t necessary.  Also, I do cheat sometimes and buy the prepackaged, cut watermelon that can be found in the refrigerator case to make life a bit easier.  Along with the watermelon I like to add fresh squeezed lime juice and my son likes the addition of a bit of simple syrup for a bit of sweetness.

This juice tastes amazing straight or with a touch of club soda for a little fizz.  On occasion I also enjoy this juice with a shot of liquor (vodka, tequila – use your imagination) for an extra kick.  The kids love this stuff straight and I know why.  My son loves helping me make this treat and especially loves drinking it.  Here’s to summer – Cheers!

Watermelon Juice
Ingredients
About 2 pounds cut watermelon (I usually find I get this from one medium size watermelon)
1/3 – 1/2 cup lime juice (this is to your taste – I enjoy a watermelon juice that is more tart so I use 1/2 cup)
Simple syrup, to taste (to make simple syrup place equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until melted – let cool!   You don’t want to use hot syrup in your watermelon juice)

Directions
Place all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.  Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.  Drink, enjoy, wow family & guests with your delicious drink.