Watermelon Aqua Fresca

1 small watermelon (approx 3-4 lbs)

1 c. water*

juice from ½ lime (to 1 lime)

sugar, simple syrup, or Agave syrup, to taste

1 lime sliced into thin rounds

fresh mint leaves

1) Cut watermelon into chunks, approx 2 inches, discard rind

2) Pulse watermelon in food processor in very short bursts several times (keeping seeds intact)

3) You may need to do this several times in order to get through the entire melon

4) Strain juice into a large pitcher (to remove seeds), you should have 2 ½ - 3 cups juice

5) Mix with water and lime juice, to taste

6) Add sugar, simple syrup or Agave syrup,* to taste

7) Serve over ice with lime rounds & mint leaves

Serves 3-4

*Agave syrup is a low glycemic sweetener with a very mild flavor. It can be found at health food stores.

*Variation: You can also turn this into an adult drink by using your favorite mild liquor in place of all or part of the water.

To make Light Simple Syrup: Dissolve 1 c. honey or sugar in 2 c. boiling water. Stir until well combined. Allow to cool. Store unused portion in a glass jar in the fridge. (For a thicker syrup, you can use 1 part sugar to 1 part water.)