KITCHEN KREATION: Watermelon Lemonade Spritzer

Back to Monique's blog at YesDivasCanCook. This delicious drink came from her video entry to Recipe Lion, found here. I'm not sure if it was a contest or not, but she added it to her email for summer recipes. Since I happened to have some watermelon already chilling in the refrigerator, I thought I would try this yummy looking drink. It was pretty easy to make and tasted amazing! Of course I changed it a bit by adding a little coconut rum to it. Trust me, it was great! LOL

Here's the recipe, I hope you enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
16 oz. Seltzer Water
3-4 cups watermelon – cubed
2/3 cup hot water
½ cup sugar (more or less depending on how sweet your watermelon is)
½ cup fresh lemon juice – equiv. to 2 large lemons
2-4 oz Coconut Rum (optional)


DIRECTIONS

1. Combine sugar with hot water to make simple syrup. Stir until sugar has dissolved, set aside.
2. Add chopped watermelon to blender, puree until chunks are gone, approximately 1 minute.
3. Strain watermelon puree in mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds over your serving pitcher. May have to use a spoon or spatula to stir the watermelon to press juice through strainer.
4. Add simple syrup and lemon juice into serving pitcher. Stir to combine.
5. Pour seltzer water into serving pitcher. Stir well.
6. Add coconut rum to mixture and stir well (optional).
7. Pour into glasses directly over ice.
8. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a watermelon wedge and enjoy!