WATERMELON LIME COOLER

There is nothing like the taste of fresh watermelon to cool you off on a hot summer day. This fizzy drink makes the most of my favorite melon with the addition of a few simple ingredients. Kids and adults are going to love this sweet beverage.

½ cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons sugar

8 cups cubed watermelon

3 cups ginger ale

Lime wedges, for garnish

In a small saucepan combine the lime juice and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool.

Place the watermelon cubes in the bowl of a food processor or blender container, and process until smooth. This may have to be done in batches depending on the size of your processor or blender. Pour the watermelon into a mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Discard the solids in the strainer, and stir the lime syrup into the liquid watermelon in the bowl. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart pitcher, and pour in the ginger ale right before serving. Garnish the glasses with the lime wedges, if desired.

MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS.

TIP: For transporting, take the watermelon and lime mixture in a sealable pitcher so it can be shaken or stirred before adding the ginger ale.

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