Watermelon Mint Cooler

Total Time: 30 min. Servings: 8

Posted by Danny

On a hot summer day there is nothing that hits the spot quite like a watermelon cooler. It simply defines summer, spending a lazy afternoon in the garden sipping watermelon mint cooler from a tall glass, under a shady tree. It is truly refreshing and just the right amount of sweetness.   

Burdened with half of a huge watermelon you brought home from market but couldn’t finish? Juice it and turn it into a tasty refreshing beverage. It’s fast, simple and delicious. You can use any size watermelon but I always think the bigger the better. This juice will last in the fridge for about 5 days. 

INGREDIENTS

large red watermelon (seeded or seedless)
(One 9-10 lb watermelon = about 2 quarts liquid)
1/3 cup mint leaves (washed)
squeeze of lime (optional)

PREPARATION

Blend Watermelon:
Cut watermelon into cubes, discard the rinds. Seeds are ok though. Place several cups of watermelon cubes into the blender and mix. If you need to add a bit of water to get it to blend that is fine. Keep adding watermelon until blender is full.  

Muddle Mint:
Add 1/3 cup mint to bottom of pitcher and muddle.  

Strain Juice:
Strain juice into pitcher with thick cheesecloth, doubled over or a fine mesh strainer.

Add optional squeeze of fresh lime.
Serve chilled or over ice and garnish with whole sprigs of mint.