Makesabout 1 gallon (serves 16)
- Active time:30 min
- Start to finish:30 min
June 2008
You would be hard-pressed to find something more refreshing than watermelon. This cooler is easy to make, beautiful to behold, and not too sweet. You’ll want a pitcher of it in the refrigerator all summer.
-
1
(12-lb) watermelon (preferably seedless)
-
1/4
cup
sugar, divided
-
4
teaspoons
fresh lemon juice, divided
-
16
cups
ice cubes, divided
-
Cut watermelon flesh into 2-inch chunks and discard rind. Purée one fourth of watermelon in a blender with 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, 4 cups ice, and a pinch of salt. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding solids. Make 3 more batches. Add sugar to taste if desired and serve over ice.
Cooks’ note: Watermelonade can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Drink will separate; re-blend before serving.
