Watermelon-Lime Spritzer

Hello summer! For those of you who get a real summer (with hot weather, like, everyday) the 90-degree weather we've had in Seattle the past couple of days will probably garner no sympathy. But since hot weather for us is unusual, almost nobody has air conditioning. Which means there is very little escape from the heat. So it was time to break out an ice-cold watermelon and make my favorite summertime drink: Watermelon-Lime Spritzer.

You can go directly to the printable recipe or I'll show you how to make it, step-by-step...

The "base" of the spritzer is pretty basic - watermelon, limes, and sugar...

...you'll also need some sparkling or soda water.

Start by rolling a lime on a firm surface to help release as much juice as possible.

Cut the lime in half crosswise and juice.

Strain the juice into a measuring cup.

Repeat with 2 or 3 more limes, until you have 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice.

Next, we'll prep the watermelon. I'm using a 4-pound seedless "personal" watermelon here, but any seedless watermelon variety will do. Start by slicing it in half lengthwise...

...and cut into crosswise slices.

For each slice, use a paring knife to cut away the rind. Cut the slice crosswise and then lengthwise to create cubes.

Transfer the cubes to a measuring cup and repeat until you have 8 cups of cubed seedless watermelon. (My 4-pound watermelon yielded just about the 8 cups; your yield may vary depending on the type of watermelon you're using).

Transfer the watermelon to a food processor (or blender)...

...and blend until smooth.

Add the lime juice...

...and 3 tablespoons of sugar.

Process until ingredients are combined.

To serve, fill a glass about 2/3 with the "base" of the spritzer. Fill the remaining 1/3 with sparkling or soda water, leaving enough room for ice.

Stir...

...and add ice.

 

Watermelon-Lime Spritzer

Makes about 2 quarts.

8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons of sugar
sparkling or soda water

In a food processor or blender, puree cubed watermelon until smooth. Add lime juice and sugar; process until all ingredients are combined. To serve, fill a glass about 2/3 with the "base" of the spritzer. Fill the remaining 1/3 of the glass with sparkling water (leaving enough room for ice). Stir and add ice.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! To view more step-by-step recipes, see the complete recipe index.

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